|
Post by MyNewHobby on Feb 22, 2009 22:28:30 GMT -5
I love the idea of grinding and sawing and all of the other happy stuff with rocks .... however ...
Even though I got this little bench grinder/buffer .... I have been afraid to use it for fear I will start a fire or some other strange thing.
I finally .... tonight ... decided to try to grind ... at least a smooth edge on one of little slabs I have to see if I can get over this one (of many) hurdle.
I think I am in trouble ... I think that I may try to grind everything in sight as long as I understand why I am grinding it.
Yes .... I saw sparks and could smell strange stuff .... I kept my little bowl of water next to me (not the grinder) and dipped the little piece frequently and found that I actually got a smooth edge. ;D
Okay .... now .... if I grind this one piece to a shape I like and then want to polish/buff ..... what polish? buffing compound?
Aaaaaa!
I hate being on the learning curve!!
As always .... thanks
|
|
|
Post by MyNewHobby on Feb 22, 2009 22:29:56 GMT -5
ps ... I have also been afraid of using the little diamond drill bit set I got for fear that it won't work or I will do it wrong ...
I sound pathetic ..... but dammit ......... I am determined!!!
Aaaaaa
|
|
|
Post by frane on Feb 22, 2009 22:35:42 GMT -5
If you grind them down and they are hard, they can be thrown in the tumbler/vibe for the 220 grit and on. They do better in a vibe than a tumbler but still work well in the tumbler for the most part. If you use the diamond drill bit, keep the stone in a bowl of water while you drill it. Maybe keep a small block of wood under the stone in case you go too far with the drill. I haven't tried it but have read a lot about it. I have also seen that most people pull the drill out a little every few seconds to help keep the stone cool with the water and allow the drill to do the work. Good luck and post what you get done! Fran
|
|
highplainsdrifter
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,266
|
Post by highplainsdrifter on Feb 23, 2009 0:20:55 GMT -5
Just be careful if you are dry grinding agates/jasper. This creates dangerous free silica dust, which can cause irreversible silicosis. I'm concerned that if you're seeing sparks and smelling weird stuff, you could be inhaling rock dust...not a good thing. Just wear a respirator if you're dry grinding.
Anyhow, if you want to polish your stones you'll need a series of wheels with increasing grit numbers, typically 80/220/280/600/1200/3000 then a polish pad.
HPD
|
|
dreamweaver
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2008
Posts: 20
|
Post by dreamweaver on Feb 23, 2009 11:28:50 GMT -5
When you drill get a small bowl and put silly putty in the bottom put your cab in as level as possible then fill with water just over cab so cab stays covered the key is work slow. Works for me main thing is have fun
|
|
|
Post by MyNewHobby on Feb 23, 2009 12:59:11 GMT -5
Thanks all for the information ...
I suppose what I need to do is submit the applications I have for the two clubs in my area.
Sounds like I should not be doing any/the grinding as I do not have the proper set up.
Thanks again as always! Julie
|
|
hope
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2008
Posts: 477
|
Post by hope on Feb 23, 2009 16:06:33 GMT -5
Definitely go the club route. You will learn lots of new and old things that will make your new hobby easier.
Hope
|
|