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Post by akansan on Nov 13, 2007 10:15:28 GMT -5
I picked up another grinder at the rock shop that was closing. You couldn't beat the price ($100) for a working machine in good condition with four expando drums on it (2 6" and 2 4") and all the plumbing! Now, I'm going to use this machine for the polishing stages so I can get away from the diamond paste in the lower polish stages and hopefully get a more consistant shine on my cabs. This will also allow me to dedicate an actual leather belt to my final pastes instead of the leather end plate.
That being said...what brand of belts does everyone recommend?
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stefan
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Nov 13, 2007 11:29:19 GMT -5
hehehehe DIAMOND!!!! I use the 3 M- I think you might have a bit of a struggle finding 4 inch belts- the 6 inch will be easy
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Post by stoner on Nov 13, 2007 11:40:08 GMT -5
Do yourself a favor and stay away from Eastwind belts. They are very difficult to install and remove, although in your case, you'll probably just leave them on all the time. But they also don't last very long either. I use only Raytec True Circle belts now. They are mylar backed and slip on and off easily, and they last a lot longer. I used my first 600 belt for 2 years. Also, you'll find that using a leather belt is a lot easier than using a disc.
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Post by akansan on Nov 13, 2007 12:43:27 GMT -5
Yeah, Stefan I thought of that. Part of me says just purchase Nova Wheels in 1200 & 3000, then use a belt for 8000 & 14000...leaving a leather belt for the 50000 on my other grinder.
It will definitely be nice to not have to change out belts. I suppose I could just break down and purchase Nova Wheels for all those steps (minus 50K), but my pocketbook just isn't that big right now.
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Post by rocklicker on Nov 13, 2007 19:14:25 GMT -5
I agree with Ed about those Eastwind belts. I use them currently. They don't last that long. As soon as they start flaking off, they are on the way out. I had one recently split also. I'd say I got about 200 cabs out of them before they started significantly degrading. Granted, I got them from Alpha supply and when I complained they sent me new ones, which was nice.
Steve
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Post by rockds on Nov 14, 2007 15:18:26 GMT -5
Let me start by thanking God that I don't have to use belts.
But if I did, 3M has a new "microfinishing film" that I read about that sounded top of the line (which probably means it also cost top of the line).
Now where is this rock shop that's closing??
Robert
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Nov 14, 2007 15:49:06 GMT -5
Robert if those 3M belts your talking about are the TRIZACTS--- THEY SUCK!!!!! The Trizact is and Alum. Oxide belt that is supposed to cut like diamond- they are nasty little things- I bought one 1200 belt and I hate it- But the 3M diamond belts have been pretty good--
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Post by akansan on Nov 14, 2007 20:27:02 GMT -5
Sorry Robert - the one I was talking about was in New Mexico. They gave the last of their rock away to the boys and girls club (  ), but it was mostly pet wood at that point. I just wish I had picked up more in my two trips in there. So here's the dilemma - it looks like I would only be saving about $40-$80 by going the belt & Nova route. It's tempting to just spend the ~$400 and get the Novas. Comments? |
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Post by parfive on Nov 15, 2007 0:21:15 GMT -5
Akansan: "It's tempting to just spend the ~$400 and get the Novas. Comments?" Yup . . . there's no law sayin' you can't buy yourself a Christmas present.  Rich |
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Post by rockds on Nov 15, 2007 2:55:12 GMT -5
stefan - these are diamond belts and they are brand new (Nov 2007 issue of Jewelry Artist pg. 61-62). They are called "Microfinishing Film" and they can be used for metal or stone wet or dry and they claim that there is no clogging.
I'd go with the wheels - you'll thank me later
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Nov 16, 2007 13:10:25 GMT -5
Freakin 3M like to toss around that "Microfinishing" word- they use that for alot of their other "fine"grit belts
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), but it was mostly pet wood at that point. I just wish I had picked up more in my two trips in there.
