hope
spending too much on rocks
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Member since May 2008
Posts: 477
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Post by hope on Aug 26, 2008 20:59:07 GMT -5
I saw on another thread that Steve owns a Genie and I began to ask him the questions below, but then thought maybe I should start a new thread since it did not fit with the other category. Couple of questions if you don't mind. How long do your wheels last. 100 cabs? 500 cabs? 1000 cabs? What would be your guess? I also have a lot of trouble when I move from the second metal to the first nova wheel. I spend just a few minutes on each of the six wheels except the first nova wheel. It takes like 30 minutes to get out all of the scratches on the first nova wheel that are left from the second metal wheel. It shouldn't be that bad just moving from 220 to 280.
Anyone else had that problem or anyone have any ideas.
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 26, 2008 21:46:28 GMT -5
If your wheels are new you really need to break them in. They say to cut a few agates to break in the wheels. The Galaxy (hard wheels) wheels are plated leaving jagged pieces of diamonds that need to wear down to work properly. The 80 grit cuts like a 30 grit the first half dozen cabs. If you have deep scratches from the 220 you need to wear it down more or really check your cab after the 80. Then make sure you get all the 80 grit scratches out with the 220. You may be trying to remove deep scratches with the 280. Another thing to do is dry the cab completely befroe moving to next wheel. When wet the scratches don't show but become more apparent when acheiving a polish. The polish wheels are not causing the scratches. They are making scratches from earlier steps more noticeable. As far as longevity it is all over the board. I know a full time dino bone cab cutter that gets 3 years life out of his and I hear pro cutters that get 6 months to a year. The typical hobbyist should get several years. Of course if you shove a sharp edge into a Nova wheel or push too hard you can wipe one out in seconds.
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hope
spending too much on rocks
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Member since May 2008
Posts: 477
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Post by hope on Aug 28, 2008 21:01:24 GMT -5
Thanks, John, for the info. My wheels are not really new. I have made about 50 or so cabs on them. In fact, I have been thinking I may have the 280 Nova worn out because of all the use it gets. The one thing that you said that really hit home is the possibility that the 220 metal wheel may not be getting all of the 80 whheel scratches out. I do check for scratches by drying of the stone and looking at it with an optvisor, but I just realized I don't start doing that until I get on the 280 nova wheel. I have tried not to push the sharp edge of a stone into the NOva's, but probably have. I am sure I am guilty of pushing to hard when I could not get scratches out. I think they should sell those machines with two sets of wheels. One set to learn on, and a second set to put on after you have "chilled out" and calmed down to the system.
Thanks, again, Hope
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Post by stardiamond on Aug 29, 2008 14:52:25 GMT -5
I use a 220 Nova which is about the same as a 280. It is the wheel that wears out the fastest. I find that when I cut the cab is still blocky after the 220 hard wheel and the Nova provides a smoother line along with removing scratches. I suppose if I was more patient with my 220 hard wheel, the Nova would last longer. I have 5 8" wheels on Tinkerbell that I replaced at the same time. The 600 and 1200 don't need to be replaced, the 80 and 220 hard are slowing me down and the 220 Nova is on it's last legs. I have a brand new Nova 220 and 280 to put on my Genie and use for a while. Changing wheels on Tinkerbell involves disassembling around 30 parts including the wheels and spacers.
Best advice on making your wheels last besides the normal stuff is don't move on to the next wheel until you are completely done on the previous one. Having to go back and redo things is added wear and tear. By the way there is a 280 grit Genie wheel on auction on ebay that may be reasonable. I recently picked up a 220 Nova for $70 + shipping and a 80 Galaxy for $65. Someone else got one from the same seller at $52. Deals on Genie wheels on ebay are tough, but every once an a while yo can snag one. I always buy wheels before I need to replace them.
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