mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
|
Post by mc2 on Apr 1, 2009 19:59:56 GMT -5
Hi to all. This is a great mb you have here. Very glad I found it! My name is Mike, and my wife is Zoe. We recently decided to dive into this hobby with both feet. We had dabbled a bit with rock tumbling a few years back. Now, we are back to it, and we intend to take it to a much more involved level. Maybe even sell enough stone jewelry to hopefully break even, one day. lol
We have started with a Thumler AR2 model, and we are currently tumbling some amethyst and some moonstone. But, there seems to be a little problem with the tumbler. The rods which support the rollers are moving, shifting sideways. Pretty soon I will need to do some fixing on it. Anyone else here use Thumlers, and see this happen? Do you know of a fix? Or, should I just contact the manufacturer? I also have a second question, but, please let me know if I am putting these in the wrong place? Now, for the next question. I also want to take up cabbing also. I am looking very hard at the All-In-Wonder machine. Looks like an affordable starter deal for us. One thing I am curious about though, is, how long does it take to produce a finished stone using that machine. Say, a piece about a half inch thich, by about one inch long, and a half inch wide? Amethyst, for example. Thank you to anyone that answers these questions for us, and for all the future questions we gonna have! Once again, this is a great site. I have already been reading a learning a little.
Mike
|
|
|
Post by MyNewHobby on Apr 1, 2009 21:33:15 GMT -5
Welcome!!!
I started tumbling in January and am hooked!!!
I have joined a local club to get access to the lap lab.
There are so many here that have so much wisdom to give ... you will love it.
I started with a Rolling Stones (kiddie model) tumbler I bought at Michaels and still have one and also I now have a Lortone 33B.
I have been learning how to wire wrap .... great stuff!!!
No cabbing yet .... but soon (maybe)
Again ..... Welcome!!!!!
|
|
mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
|
Post by mc2 on Apr 1, 2009 22:08:44 GMT -5
Yea, I forgot to mention the wire wrapping is also something we are learning also. Thanks for your reply! I used to have one of those too, the Rolling Stones model, lol! There is sooo much to learn, I love it!
|
|
|
Post by kap on Apr 2, 2009 19:58:33 GMT -5
Welcome Mike & Zoe!!! You will love it here there are some great people here. What part of Ga. are you? I am in Gainesville. Keith
|
|
mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
|
Post by mc2 on Apr 2, 2009 21:22:19 GMT -5
Hi Keith! We are in Winder, just a short piece from ya. Hope to meet you sometime, maybe get some educating from ya! We sure need it,lol
Mike
|
|
|
Post by Bikerrandy on Apr 3, 2009 6:53:52 GMT -5
Welcome! I usually produce a finished cab in 20-30 minutes, sometimes less depending on the hardness of the stone and the size. 1/2 inch thick is really thick, I cut all of mine from 1/4 inch thick slabs. The best saw for cutting the pre-forms is the Workforce tile saw from Home Depot. I believe that they're still $88, the best deal out there for this hobby. I've been using mine for three years. I never even bring it inside anymore, it sits out in the rain and everything! The All-in-one is a good machine for doing calibrated cabs, you just won't be able to do the convex shapes on freeform cabs like you can on a wheel.
|
|
mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
|
Post by mc2 on Apr 3, 2009 11:34:13 GMT -5
Thank you for that info. About 30 minutes, eh? That's much better time than I thought. Yea, I am getting a 'work force' saw right away. I have decided to go the build it myself route for a cabbing setup. Thanks to the DIY section here, I believe that to be my best option. I have ordered that book some have recommended, "Building Better Lap. Equip.', or something like that. I will soon be posting many questions in that section!
Mike
|
|
Mudshark
fully equipped rock polisher
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock. Will Rogers
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,083
|
Post by Mudshark on Apr 3, 2009 15:13:38 GMT -5
Hi Mike ,welcome to RTH!I'm a do it yourself type also,post all the questions you want and you will get some great advice here.Post pics too,we all love to see pics.Hope you have a great time here. Mike
|
|
|
Post by cpdad on Apr 3, 2009 21:27:27 GMT -5
howdy mike.....im in augusta.....ever get this way give me a shout.....i make a few things also....if ya may need something made ....i might be able to help....i dab in machine work a little.
i made my own cabbing machine....i cant use it near enough.....but once in a blue moon i get a cab off of it ;D....im sure you will get all the help you need here.....kev.
|
|
|
Post by frane on Apr 5, 2009 18:54:16 GMT -5
Hi Mike and Zoe, Welcome to the board! It really is a good group of people and they are all very helpful! I wish I could help with the tumbler problems but I don't have a tumbler like that. I would suspect if the shafts are moving, there may be dirt or grit in the baring area and it need cleaning and a drop of oil. Just a thought. Look forward to seeing your posts. Fran
|
|
rockwizz
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2007
Posts: 971
|
Post by rockwizz on Apr 9, 2009 0:12:06 GMT -5
Hey Mike...welcome...we just had MC hammer over the local college here in Utah, are you related?
Just joking:)
Welcome onboard.
Ozzy
|
|