curlyjulie
off to a rocking start
Rocks and Teaching are similar in that they both take patience and time.
Member since October 2009
Posts: 7
|
Post by curlyjulie on Oct 4, 2009 19:01:53 GMT -5
I am new to the world of lapidary, having started in August of this year. I am tumbling stone and cutting them with a rotary tool. I have acquired various diamond burrs ranging from 150 to 600 grit and some polishing wheels (plus diamond polishing paste). This is a small expense compared to the real lapidary equipment (out of my price range at the moment).
Has anyone tried to cab with a rotary tool? Can't afford a Genie on a teacher's salary at the moment (Maybe I will win the lottery, but am too cheap to spare the dollar for the chance).
|
|
|
Post by Bikerrandy on Oct 4, 2009 19:32:09 GMT -5
There are some people on here that cheat (myself included). With a $40 bench grinder, a $88 tile saw and a Thumblers UV-10 vibratory tumbler, you can make tumble cabs (keeping in mind that you must cut ten pounds of cabs before you start the tumbler). I did this for a couple of years, and did many batches. I still do a batch once in a while. One batch is around 500-600 cabs or pendants. If you really want to pursue this and decide to invest in some equipment (less than $400 worth), I'll tell you everything I know. I can walk you through the entire process in terms that are really simple to understand. (My IQ is about eleven, so this comes natural) ;D lol
|
|
NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
|
Post by NDK on Oct 4, 2009 20:58:40 GMT -5
To me it doesn't matter how it gets done, as long as you're happy with the results. Use what you have, you may be surprised what you can do. If you're good at building stuff, or have a friend/family member that is, you can have a decent cabbing set up inexpensively. Check the home made equipment section for ideas - Here's a link about a flat lap I built. Total investment would be well under $100.00 if you had to buy everything (add $40.00 to that for a drill press on sale from harbor freight). forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/index.cgi?board=hmequip&action=display&thread=30179Welcome to the group! You'll definitely like it here. Don't be afraid to ask questions, as everyone is more than happy to help / share info. Nate
|
|
|
Post by stonesthatrock on Oct 6, 2009 0:06:45 GMT -5
welcome to the board. There are so many nice people here that will help you every step of the way. i use randy's recipe for the vibe and it works every time. mary ann
|
|
horsinaround
spending too much on rocks
If you don't lick rocks...you ain't cool
Member since November 2006
Posts: 315
|
Post by horsinaround on Oct 6, 2009 7:16:32 GMT -5
I have made cabs using my work force saw and my bench grinder (thanks randy for getting me started with these items) the problem I have is that it takes so long using my rotary tumblers..omg months and months per batch. I would recommend a vibratory tumbler from thumblers. steve
|
|
curlyjulie
off to a rocking start
Rocks and Teaching are similar in that they both take patience and time.
Member since October 2009
Posts: 7
|
Post by curlyjulie on Oct 9, 2009 18:37:18 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! I appreciate the replys. I am currently killing some diamond bit burrs and cutters, but it is amazing how satisfying it feels to cut up rock! I look forward to asking more questions! Got to get cutting...
|
|
carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
|
Post by carloscinco on Oct 9, 2009 21:58:23 GMT -5
Have fun and keep those creative juices going. Don't forget to wear respiratory protection. Rock dust is unforgiving.
|
|
NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
|
Post by NDK on Oct 9, 2009 22:15:31 GMT -5
curlyjulie, keep plenty of water on the rock when grinding. It will lubricate the bit and wash away the dust cut off by the bit. Dipping the rock in a dish of water would suffice if you don't have a drip system.
Nate
|
|