navi
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 229
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Post by navi on Nov 30, 2008 21:06:18 GMT -5
since there is no such thing as a stupid question....
i don't own a trim saw. a dremel either, for that matter. since a dremel is much less expensive, can i use one to trim down rough for tumbling? i know i'll need diamond tools. i just want to be able to knock off ugly bits of matrix on agate, or trim excess off flint, etc. all i have now is a hammer, and it's frustrating trying to knock off just a wee bit, then breaking the whole rock, or not wanting to break it, throwing it in with the ugly parts attached.
without a saw, what do YOU do? would a dremel work?
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Nov 30, 2008 21:18:55 GMT -5
For what you'll spend on a decent dremel and diamond burrs, not to mention the time that approach will take- I'd say you'll get a lot farther along buying a low-cost wet tile saw.
That's just my advise, for what it's worth.
A dremel is a good thing to have, but a tile saw will be much more efficient when it comes to prepping rough for the tumbler.
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Post by snowdog on Nov 30, 2008 21:33:28 GMT -5
you could use a 4" mini-grinder and stone grinding wheels/or diamond blade --- some of the cheaper mini-grinders are only about 25-40 dollars
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,496
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Post by Sabre52 on Nov 30, 2008 22:41:10 GMT -5
Lots of us own a little Workforce tile saw. They only cost about 90 bucks and the blades can be had fairly cheap. I use mine for trimming slabs and cutting small slabettes or preforms for the tumbler. They cool with water so they're not as messy as an oil cooled saw and work pretty darn well as long as you are aware of their limitations....Mel
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Post by Michael John on Nov 30, 2008 23:38:13 GMT -5
Yup, the WorkForce tile saw from Home Depot is the best investment you can make when getting started, and it's only $88 plus tax. MUCH more useful than a Dremel when you're tool-handicapped. With the saw AND a Dremel, you could actually make cabs ... not the preferred way of doing it, but it can be done.
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Saskrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2007
Posts: 1,852
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Post by Saskrock on Nov 30, 2008 23:41:20 GMT -5
I have a dremel and a tile saw, the tile saw was $50 and came with a blade so so crappy it would barely cut a rock. If I could only have the dremel or the saw (with original blade) I would still take the saw for what you are doing even with that blade. The dremel is really good for drilling holes or fine shaping, but it isn't the thing for trimming down rough from what I've seen.
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Post by Michael John on Nov 30, 2008 23:46:16 GMT -5
The WorkForce comes with a fantastic blade. I've been (ab)using mine for over a year and a half, and the original blade is still going strong!
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Post by connrock on Dec 1, 2008 7:39:45 GMT -5
I seldom use a saw or a grinder to prep my tumbling rough unless I am looking for a particular shape that I want. T he trick to "trimming" rough is to "know" the type of rock you're trimming.Which way it will break and or split will come in time just like everything else involved in tumbling. Using several different size chisels and a chipping hammer should be enough to do the job. Trying to hold the rock and chisel while hitting with the hammer can be a bit difficult and VERY frustrating.If we only had a 3rd hand it would come in VERY handy here. I made a sort of 3rd hand and it works pretty good. It's just a steel plate with drilled holes to put 1/4" steel pins into. The rock is held against the pis with the chisel hand and the other hand does the hitting. The pins can be moved around to accommodate the shape of the rocks.  connrock |
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navi
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 229
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Post by navi on Dec 1, 2008 23:16:29 GMT -5
thanks for all the input. i have to do this on the cheap. maybe, for now, i'll try connrock's idea of using chisels. later, i'll try a tile saw. i'll go to lowe's on thursday and see what's on sale.
out of curiosity connrock, what size chisels do you use?
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Post by connrock on Dec 2, 2008 6:53:35 GMT -5
I have several "cold" chisels from 1" down to about 1/4".
I don't use the 1" much but do use the 1/2"-1/4" a lot.
The chipping hammer does most of the work though.
Make a "back board" out of a cardboard box so things don't fly too far.
Good Luck,,,
connrock
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navi
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 229
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Post by navi on Dec 2, 2008 8:31:43 GMT -5
thanks connrock!
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fredda
starting to shine!
Member since May 2007
Posts: 25
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Post by fredda on Dec 2, 2008 9:06:40 GMT -5
Navi--thanks for asking that good question. I, like you, have limited tools. Been wanting a Workforce saw for a while so now will be a good time to get one. I do have a Dremel.
Connrock--What exactly is a "chipping" hammer. I know what chisels are.
thanks, fredda ;D
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Post by connrock on Dec 3, 2008 7:34:32 GMT -5
fredda, Here's a photo of the type and brand I have,,,,,  You can buy a masons hammer but it won't hold up as long or as well as this hammer. connrock |
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navi
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 229
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Post by navi on Dec 4, 2008 12:23:35 GMT -5
connrock, thanks for the chipping away with a hammer and chisel idea. i just bought chisels and a hammer. i went thru a bag of agate, which will be my next load. i can't wait to start the load!!!! the chipping worked wonders. the batch will be all missouri lace agate. some of it is CRAZY banded!!!! i have to wait until about christmas, since i just started a stage 2 load.
the wait is going to HURT!!! blue, red, white, yellow bands in amazing patterns. hopefully by then, i'll figure out how to hook my camera up to this fool computer.
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fredda
starting to shine!
Member since May 2007
Posts: 25
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Post by fredda on Dec 8, 2008 8:35:40 GMT -5
Connrock-- Thanks for the pic. Actually--I have a hammer that looks like yours. I call it my rock hammer. Seems to be the same tool.
Thanks, fredda ;D
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ejs
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2008
Posts: 478
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Post by ejs on Dec 9, 2008 14:01:03 GMT -5
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ksk
having dreams about rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 69 
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Post by ksk on Dec 9, 2008 14:26:29 GMT -5
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Dec 9, 2008 14:27:13 GMT -5
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morticiamonroe
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 147
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Post by morticiamonroe on Dec 9, 2008 14:44:38 GMT -5
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fanatic
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2007
Posts: 233
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Post by fanatic on Dec 9, 2008 15:51:22 GMT -5
that isn't the saw we are referring to morticia. Look in the flooring department of your local Home Depot, NOT in the regular tool section. Its actually called the Workforce tile saw and has a 7 inch blade. Here in NY the price is $88.
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