zip
having dreams about rocks
Member since May 2009
Posts: 65
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New Guy
Jul 7, 2009 15:08:39 GMT -5
Post by zip on Jul 7, 2009 15:08:39 GMT -5
I am a brand new member from Central Illinois. We are known for our corn and soybeans, but not so much for rockhounding! Based on what I have read here on these forums, I have already purchased a WR saw and I am learning how to cut rock freehand, backwards! What a hoot. My next purchace (besides rock to cut) is an All-in-Wonder swap top from Inland. Should I buy an 8" or 6"? Any help would be appreciated.
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New Guy
Jul 7, 2009 15:27:53 GMT -5
Post by rockmanken on Jul 7, 2009 15:27:53 GMT -5
Hi Zip. My recomendation....Don't buy an Inland. 8 out of 10 people regret it. If you can afford it, get an Ameritool or a Hi-Tech flat lap. If you insist, dont get the saw unit(it totally sucks) with it, just the grinder/polisher. The shaper works O.K. if the motor holds up. The set screws wear out and slips and is totally agrivating. The water system also sucks. Ken
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zip
having dreams about rocks
Member since May 2009
Posts: 65
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New Guy
Jul 8, 2009 14:19:08 GMT -5
Post by zip on Jul 8, 2009 14:19:08 GMT -5
Thanks, Rockmanken, I will take your recommendation. I really appreciate it!
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stoneviews
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,864
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Post by stoneviews on Jul 9, 2009 6:55:17 GMT -5
Welcome to the site, your gonna love it here.
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huffstuff
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since August 2007
Posts: 1,222
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Post by huffstuff on Jul 9, 2009 8:52:51 GMT -5
Welcome! Yeah, the workforce saw is great. I have tumblers, but I've considered the Hi-Tech ("All-You-Need") and the Ameritech for a future purchase...
Amy
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Post by NatureNut on Jul 9, 2009 9:05:25 GMT -5
Welcome Zip! You are going to have lots of fun here. I have an Ameritool and love it. Jo
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New Guy
Jul 9, 2009 10:08:20 GMT -5
Post by stonesthatrock on Jul 9, 2009 10:08:20 GMT -5
welcome to the board........ you will learn so much here, i know i have. Remember we love pics. I have to agree with the other posts, don't buy an inland. been there and done that.
mary ann
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zip
having dreams about rocks
Member since May 2009
Posts: 65
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New Guy
Jul 11, 2009 21:26:45 GMT -5
Post by zip on Jul 11, 2009 21:26:45 GMT -5
Thank you, everyone for your warm welcome! I have actually been lurking for around a month and I have already learned a great deal. Summore backround: I am married (40 years this Nov.) and have 3 sons and 2 grandkids. The wife and I are retired and love traveling. last year we took our oldest son and his family to the Wisconsin Dells. My daughter-in-law asked if we could go to the Dells Mining Co., something she had always wanted to do. We went, sifted salted dirt and I was hooked. The wife bought me a Thumblers Model B for Christmas. This spring I bought the conversion kit, based on something I read on this forum and started tumbling. You already know about the WF. I am really excited about trying to cab and eventually wire wrapping. I also hope to figure out how to post picturess like the beautiful ones I have seen here. Thank you all in advance for your intrest and kindness. By the way, my real name is Steve, but you have several already so we'll go with my nickname.
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New Guy
Jul 12, 2009 19:10:19 GMT -5
Post by MyNewHobby on Jul 12, 2009 19:10:19 GMT -5
Zip!!!! Welcome!!!
My first and only (for now) saw is a WF 7" wet tile saw.
Funny thing is ..... it has taken me about 2-3 months to get over my fear of the dam thing.
If you have read my post in the last couple of days, you will see I have become a sawing fool.
Your next purchase (at least for me as being a beginner) should be a Gryphon Studio (JohnsGems).
Once you cut the rock or slabs, you will need a piece of equipment to smooth edges and round corners.
This is just my input .... I am not made of money and need to get all of my bang for the buck.
Between my WF and Gryphon.... I am so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Julie
You cannot go wrong with the people here that have goods for sale .... check out the Buy & Sell thread ............
You will not go wrong with JohnsGems ... The Rock Shed .... and MichaelJohn (look for his frb posts), and others ...
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New Guy
Jul 12, 2009 19:12:25 GMT -5
Post by MyNewHobby on Jul 12, 2009 19:12:25 GMT -5
ooooops ..... forgot something ...
I love wire wrapping!!!! Mind you .... my wire and I have not yet become complete with each other ......... but it is a blast trying ....
JUlie
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pporky
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2007
Posts: 1,932
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New Guy
Jul 16, 2009 6:27:58 GMT -5
Post by pporky on Jul 16, 2009 6:27:58 GMT -5
Goodonya Zip, welcome I am sure that you have noticed this is a very helpful and friendly site looking forward to some more of your posts, enjoy...ppork
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nancyid
has rocks in the head
No stone goes unturned.
Member since January 2009
Posts: 563
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New Guy
Jul 16, 2009 10:22:39 GMT -5
Post by nancyid on Jul 16, 2009 10:22:39 GMT -5
Welcome Zip! This place is the best, everyone is incredible! Enjoy the hobby it is so addicting
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New Guy
Jul 17, 2009 15:29:22 GMT -5
Post by frane on Jul 17, 2009 15:29:22 GMT -5
Hi Zip,
I struggle with an Inland swap top...The saw is very frustrating! Takes about 10 minutes to do a 1 inch cut, that is, if you don't want to replace the blade after each use. The water drip never goes on the stone but on either side so it doesn't stay cool enough. I have the 6' discs for the flat lap and it is hard to work with that little space when cabbing. I do it but I don't care for it. If the arbor slips down (which it has a tendency of doing) it can wear down the lip on the plastic tray it sits in and then you get water in the motor...I know this from experience (3 motors later)! The grinder works pretty well but it doesn't have the little groove cutter that another machine has....I guess I have said enough. Fran
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