mystickoi
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2010
Posts: 211
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Post by mystickoi on Feb 24, 2010 22:06:20 GMT -5
Hi all,
I'm new to this board, and am interested in joining in on the fun. I've been tumbling rocks for some time, but now want to make cabs. Problem is, I don't know where to start!
So, perhaps you guys can point me in the right direction...
I wish to purchase a nice combination machine. I've looked at both the 6" Covington Diamond Combo Unit model 495DCU (saw, grinder, polisher) as well as the Diamond Pacific Genie (no saw). Both look fantastic!
Is it best to purchase a separate slab saw, or will the Covington unit do well for me?
How much better are the diamond grinding wheels compared to the less expensive silicon carbide wheels?
I understand that the 6" saw will work with slabs up to 2.5 inches, and so is there any significant advantage to going to a larger sized saw other than the ability to cut larger slabs?
What are the advantages of going to the larger wheel sized units?
I'm sure I have more questions, but am motivated to get the equipment soon.
Thanks!
Bill
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Post by deb193redux on Feb 24, 2010 22:48:46 GMT -5
6" saw will not slab. You can get 1.3" slabs on a 7" tile saw, or upto 2.75" if you roll it over on the blade.
If you need slabbing get a 10" or larger. But, why not start by buying slabs. Use a cheap tile saw to trim out shapes.
Get a grinder/polisher with a couple whees & a drum, maybe an end plate. Or even just 1 wheel and 1 drum at the low end.
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SteveHolmes
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2009
Posts: 1,900
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Post by SteveHolmes on Feb 25, 2010 7:48:26 GMT -5
I lucked out and found a used Genie at a very good price. I will say I am as HAPPY as can be with my Genie. I like Dan's idea of buying slabs at 1st and using a smaller saw to cut out shapes. I have a 6" trim saw I use to cut out all pre-forms but I can also cut up to 2 1/2" nodules. In fact...I sometimes cut bigger stuff just by turning the rock. Of course...I can't give any pro's/con's for other machines.....but I love my Genie! Good-Luck and whatever decision you come up with....You'll LOVE CABBING! Steve
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Feb 25, 2010 14:02:57 GMT -5
6" saw will not slab. You can get 1.3" slabs on a 7" tile saw, or upto 2.75" if you roll it over on the blade. If you need slabbing get a 10" or larger. But, why not start by buying slabs. Use a cheap tile saw to trim out shapes. Get a grinder/polisher with a couple whees & a drum, maybe an end plate. Or even just 1 wheel and 1 drum at the low end. Good advice, and I just took you up on it and bought a bunch of slaps....
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dbrealityrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since February 2010
Posts: 1,084
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Post by dbrealityrocks on Feb 25, 2010 14:28:51 GMT -5
I loove my genie but if I wanted another machine I would try the kingsley north cab king @1400$ or the 6" grinding/polishing unit from kingsley north @ 1000$ course w/the cab king you can get a trim saw attachment. I started w/silicon carbide and would never go back, much too grabby for me
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Post by stonesthatrock on Feb 25, 2010 19:05:14 GMT -5
i think you will be happy with anyone you chose. Ralph started on an old Star Diamond and is still using it today. There is some great deals out there on used machines if your in no hurry. I think its a personal thing with the kind of wheels you like. Ralph has used the diamond wheels and has liked them a lot. I also would suggest you buy slabs to start. They are a good way to go as you can see exactly what your getting. A workforce saw for trimming is an opinion also....... Welcome to the board and most important is to have fun. mary ann
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Post by Bikerrandy on Feb 25, 2010 19:13:06 GMT -5
I have the Genie and would definitely recommend it to anyone that can afford it. The Kingsley North machine looks alot like the Genie but much less expensive, though I can't vouch for the quality since I don't know anyone that's tried one. I can say that I've never purchased anything from them that I didn't like.
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Feb 25, 2010 20:53:08 GMT -5
So who chairs the debate between flat laps and wheel laps? To me the flat laps seem to have more work surface, but not many out there that are "high" quality. Sure seems to me to be a more comfortable macine versus a vertical wheel, but then I've never used either and am looking to start up soon. Advice??
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Post by fishenman on Feb 25, 2010 21:25:07 GMT -5
A flat lap is OK for cabbing but, no inside curves. IMHO, flat laps are for flat work. Cabs are not flat and are generally easier to cut on wheels. The Genie I have allows me to go from rough grind to polish without stopping to change lap plates. Strictly for cabbing= wheeled machine.
Geoff
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mystickoi
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2010
Posts: 211
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Post by mystickoi on Feb 25, 2010 21:58:33 GMT -5
Hi folks, Thanks for all the good advise, I really appreciate the feedback, and look forward to "getting started"! Randy, I followed the link to see your bike, and found all the cool rides as well. Nice stuff! I'm a gearhead of sorts as well (I enjoy a '70 Chevelle). If you are interested, you can see my car (I'm the old guy in the red shirt), as well as some owned by my customers (pals). I've not updated the site for a long time now (I have more cars to add), but thought you might find these interesting. Tanks again! www.mystickoi.com/SS/Bill
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Post by moondragon on Feb 25, 2010 22:39:57 GMT -5
Howdee Bill:) OMG a 454 SS and red to boot:) My first car was a 67 SS 396 in Butternut yellow. It was the fastest car around:) Welcome and I know you will enjoy your cabbing adventures:) LOts of knowledgable, caring people on this forum who will help you enjoy the journey. Sara
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Post by stonesthatrock on Feb 25, 2010 22:43:19 GMT -5
what a beautiful car............
mary ann
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fossilbrain
spending too much on rocks
Cookie Monster agate
Member since October 2007
Posts: 360
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Post by fossilbrain on Feb 26, 2010 2:04:49 GMT -5
I finally got a used cabber with expanding drums that uses 8x3 belts... neat because of how wide the drum faces are and how much space between drums for extra knucke-room, but you know, I was out to get anything I could for a decent, used price. I love it; I was using for two years a jury-rigged wet drip on a Home Depot Ryobi grinder not meant for it. Dang if it's not still running, despite the water getting in the bearings, and I still use its replacement, SiC wheels (vs. the soft Al/O stock wheels I quickly took off) to do preforming. Mom gave me a diamond tip stained glass grinder that I use also use for preforms. All about throwing together whatever I could over time on a really, really low budget. I used a dang Dremel rotary tool with diamond/resin flexipads after preforming to finish for the longest time, lol, so even SiC belts on the old RayTech Gem Maker machine are a godsend, now, hee. I can dome way better, quicker, obviously. I'll decide soon on a grit to get a diamond belt or two, but no rush as the SiC ones are so cheap and actually last surprisingly. As for a saw, anything expensive would rule, but I've used my 7" diamond blade $84 WorkForce (Home Depot) tile saw to cut cab-sized slabs for a couple years no problem now. It doesn't owe me anything. I did put a Hot Dog blade on it that helped, but the stock blade worked. I'm still on the same blade. How tall a piece you can cut depends on the material's hardness. Good luck!
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