sunrisedawn
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 55
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Post by sunrisedawn on Jun 5, 2008 20:51:46 GMT -5
What is a good starter cab machine? Where do look to find one?
Dawn
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Post by Tweetiepy on Jun 5, 2008 21:01:28 GMT -5
Is it because you don't know if you'll like it or you just wanna try it out?
I can't really comment on the starter, but if you have the money, don't waste it on a Silicone carbide machine, you may want to invest right away in a diamond machine!
I bought a Lorton LU6X-130 cabber/trim saw - which I love, but I upgraded all my belts to diamond - if I'd had known, I might have invested in a genie or pixie right up front but I wouldn't have had the saw - but the workforce is worth the money..
What do I know, I started out with Silicone carbide!
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sunrisedawn
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 55
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Post by sunrisedawn on Jun 5, 2008 21:36:11 GMT -5
I am very new to all of this. But I have had the want to learn since I was a teen. I do believe I will like it. Thank you for the advice. I will be looking for the LU6X-130.
Dawn
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Post by stoner on Jun 5, 2008 21:45:25 GMT -5
Tweetie is absolutely right about starting out with a diamond wheel machine. I don't think I would have continued to cab if I hadn't converted my machine over to diamond.
You sound like you have the desire to get into this head first, so I would suggest you check out the GP-6, made by Barranca. With this machine, you will have everything you need to go from rough stone to finished cab, and do it right. If you decide you don't want to continue, you can easily get your money back from someone here on the board. Cabbing is a lot of fun, and can be profitable too.
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sunrisedawn
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 55
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Post by sunrisedawn on Jun 5, 2008 21:52:45 GMT -5
Thanks stoner. I will look up the GP-6 too. I want to do some studying on the machines.
Dawn
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Post by krazydiamond on Jun 6, 2008 14:18:07 GMT -5
you have a very cool looking website, Dawn....certainly made my mouth water!
good luck finding a cabbing machine!
KD
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Post by rocklicker on Jun 6, 2008 14:56:47 GMT -5
I second the LUX-6. I use one. I started on one and still use it today. You will have to change belts which can be an issue if you are doing one cab at a time. It's also a very space-efficient machine.
Steve
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Gem'n I
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2008
Posts: 980
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Post by Gem'n I on Jun 6, 2008 20:24:47 GMT -5
If there is any rock club in your area you may want to visit...most of them have equipment you can try to see if you will like one type over another. This would probably give you the best shot at selecting a machine. Also some of the members maybe retiring and would be interested in selling what thye have.
Larry
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Jun 6, 2008 22:18:17 GMT -5
I saved up and got a Genie and I am as happy as a pig in mud about my decision. It's a good chunk of change but worth every penny in my opinion
As said, checking out the equipment at a club shop is a very good idea.
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Post by sbreed on Jun 6, 2008 23:31:51 GMT -5
Dont get the Barranca!!!! You will never get it!!
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Jun 7, 2008 1:41:26 GMT -5
The best starter cabbing rig is the one you can afford, which for most of us rules out any of the new ones.
I picked up an antique GP-6 for about $100, added a couple of new diamond wheels, expando drums and a fistful of diamond belts and was up and running for IIRC -well under $500 total.
Where to look?
I've had great luck on Craig's list, local garage and estate sales, local rock clubs, rockhound swap meets and tailgate shows, if you get desperate, e-bay....
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Post by akansan on Jun 7, 2008 9:49:58 GMT -5
I agree with Rally - I have two machines now, both used. My first I won on ebay for $150ish. Switched it to diamond, added a couple stations...total $450 in the end. My second one I picked up at a rock shop closing for $100 - came with two 8" expandos and two 6" expandos. Bought polish belts. So I have ten dedicated stations now, all diamond, for $750ish. And I added as I could afford it.
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Post by Tony W on Jun 7, 2008 12:51:32 GMT -5
I started out with what I could afford (which wasn't a lot) and I've been a happy cabber since.... but... if you can, go with the best you can right up front. Go diamond and get the biggest wheels you can and get an arbor where they are spaced far enough apart so you don't grind down your knuckles. Spend your money the one time on the best and the biggest, and you won't have to spend more later.... except, of course, on buying more rocks than any one human could grind in ten life times  Ed is right! (He is usually always right) Better equipment is easier to sell, if you need to. T |
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Ed is right! (He is usually always right) Better equipment is easier to sell, if you need to. T
Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
Nov 15, 2024 17:44:51 GMT -5
