nancyid
has rocks in the head
No stone goes unturned.
Member since January 2009
Posts: 563
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Post by nancyid on Feb 2, 2009 11:15:28 GMT -5
to modify the tools I have in order to cut, grind etc. rocks? I have a bandsaw, table saw, scroll saw, bench grinder. I also have a Foredom flex Shaft with about ever bur imaginable I use in my wood carving.
I would really like to cut some small slabs and cabs but I can't spend the money right now on the equiptment. seems these rock saws and grinders are very expensive.
nancy
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Saskrock
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2007
Posts: 1,852
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Post by Saskrock on Feb 2, 2009 11:29:36 GMT -5
The big problem with converting is that wood tools run dry. You really want rock tools to run wet so you can avoid silicosis en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicosis. I know several people on here use foredoms with diamond bits. I think (hope) they hold the bit with the rock under water and grind away. Be sure to use a ground fault breaker. You might want to look at a tile saw. They can be found for under $100, a lot of people use the home depots work force saw.
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bushmanbilly
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2008
Posts: 4,719
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Post by bushmanbilly on Feb 2, 2009 11:38:03 GMT -5
Silicosis is ugly. I have a friend who is a sandblaster that almost died from this. The doctors told him that it was 50/50 that he would pull through. Thank god he did.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Feb 2, 2009 12:27:28 GMT -5
You can get diamond bits cheap at Harbor Freight for your Foredom. Put the rock in water an make sure the diamond is constantly wet, both because of the silicosis concern and because the bits will last longer if they're well cooled and lubricated.
As for the other tools, I agree with Saskrock. You need to run the tools wet or with oil, and it's not worth the effort to try to convert the wood tools. The Work Force saw is an inexpensive way to cut and some people also use them to grind (although that can be hard on the bearings).
You can also check craigslist (rare) or eBay for used tools. Members of a local rock club might also be willing to part with equipment.
Chuck
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