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Post by susand24224 on Apr 4, 2010 13:03:41 GMT -5
Does anyone have this piece of equipment? Good comments? Bad comments? I really want to be able to trim and make cabs, but I am clueless about what I am doing. The Lortone set-up seems like a fairly economical unit for a complete beginner--but I sure would appreciate any comments you pros can provide.
Thanks,
Susan
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 4, 2010 18:59:53 GMT -5
If it's a LU6X it's a kind of OK starter unit if you can get one cheap, over about $250 is too much. You will most likely outgrow it quickly, though. We kept ours for about 3 months.
Lee
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Apr 4, 2010 20:28:47 GMT -5
I started to go that route, and am glad I didn't. I got to play with the Lortone and the Inland combo units and the motors are just too weak for me. They bogged down so much I would have taken them back. I got a nice flat lap and inexpensive tile saw and am happy I went that route. The tile saw I bought off ebay for $30 including shipping (the wholesaler's always have them, there's probably a dozen out there right now) and was lucky enough to bump into someone getting out of the hobby who sold me his flat lap plus all the wheels plus slabs plus plus plus for $250 total. So for $280 I got the flat lap and and tile saw and am having such a blast. I've busted stones already, but also had so much fun creating cabs and never thought I'd be able to do this. Having a great time learning from everyone here too!!!
Anyway, I just began like what, a month ago myself and have already produced about three dozen cabs and already all but three are gone to friends who liked them and wanted them. I've got around 200 pounds of slabs in my garage I'm getting ready to move to my new home, where I have my own lilttle workshop, so I'm totally excited about that. All has been packed now so I'm itching to get back to it in two weeks, pending my wife allowing me to...lol...
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Post by susand24224 on Apr 4, 2010 21:05:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice, Lee and Chromenut. And Lee, you spoke my words--I am not fond of buying something "basic" only to learn a month or two later that it was a waste of time and money. Thanks for the head's up. Chromenut, you have reminded me that if I can just get a handle on what this equipment is and looks like, I can shop around for a better deal. I basically can look at a power tool and tell if it is worn or in good condition, but I have never been around lapidary equipment and am finding the options a bit overwhelming. Thanks to both of you for helping me focus.
Susan
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brent
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2008
Posts: 1,316
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Post by brent on Apr 4, 2010 21:24:58 GMT -5
The LU6X is the machine I got when I was 13, and did a ton of cabs. Thirty years later, I still have it. It is a little small now that I'm bigger. It is a great starter unit. I payed $375 new in the 70s.
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 5, 2010 0:49:18 GMT -5
Save up for one of these, it will likely be the last one you ever have to buy. www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/search_results2.php?catID=835 You will still need a saw but you can easily get a good rock saw for under $200 or a tile saw for under $100. Do You have a local club or fellow rockhounds who could let you get a feel for it on their equipment? Lee |
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Post by susand24224 on Apr 6, 2010 19:55:01 GMT -5
Yes, I saw the Kingsley North unit. The result of all of your posts was that I realized I really need to go physically look at the different options, and, if possible, try them. I really do appreciate everyone's responses.
Susan
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Don
Cave Dweller 
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Apr 7, 2010 10:37:36 GMT -5
On the flip side, my friend uses this unit exclusively, but he's upgraded it with diamond belts and wheels. It's a small, compact unit that is travel friendly and since he travels between states frequently, it's ideal for him. I think this unit is a good way to go if space and cost is an issue.
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4blackdogs
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2017
Posts: 1 
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Post by 4blackdogs on Dec 1, 2017 12:32:58 GMT -5
Save up for one of these, it will likely be the last one you ever have to buy. www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/search_results2.php?catID=835 You will still need a saw but you can easily get a good rock saw for under $200 or a tile saw for under $100. Do You have a local club or fellow rockhounds who could let you get a feel for it on their equipment? Lee This link doesn't get you to a page...but I'm new to this rock world and new to this forum...trying to figure out what I want to do with the beautiful rocks I find. I am dying to know what this is! What should I buy??? |
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Post by Rockoonz on Dec 1, 2017 13:40:01 GMT -5
I am honored to be the first person you would ask for help on this forum. That was a few years ago. I believe it was a link to a 6 wheel stainless steel arbor for cutting lapidary stone like this: www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/product.php?id=95532&catID=88I really can't recommend what you should do though, at least not without a lot more info. Before you spend any money I suggest you find people in your community who share your interest, rock clubs can be great resources, also rock shops can often hook you up with a teacher to get you started. Can I ask where you're located? The rock club I belong to has a lapidary shop. It gives people an opportunity to try different things and figure out what they want to do and the best tools to do it. If you can find one it will almost surely save you money and frustration. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 1, 2017 15:37:29 GMT -5
I am honored to be the first person you would ask for help on this forum. That was a few years ago. I believe it was a link to a 6 wheel stainless steel arbor for cutting lapidary stone like this: www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/product.php?id=95532&catID=88I really can't recommend what you should do though, at least not without a lot more info. Before you spend any money I suggest you find people in your community who share your interest, rock clubs can be great resources, also rock shops can often hook you up with a teacher to get you started. Can I ask where you're located? The rock club I belong to has a lapidary shop. It gives people an opportunity to try different things and figure out what they want to do and the best tools to do it. If you can find one it will almost surely save you money and frustration. Great answer! That should be written in rock somewhere. LOL! |
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vwfence
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2013
Posts: 567
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Post by vwfence on Dec 4, 2017 11:53:13 GMT -5
I have a Lortone unit that was my first machine and I still use it a lot . I put a 280 hard diamond wheel on it and an expando wheel and use diamond belts up to 50000 on it .
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Post by rmf on Dec 9, 2017 20:47:42 GMT -5
MY first cab machine was a Lortone Lu6 in 1972 it cost me about $125 I ran it about 5 yr and sold it since I was moving and getting my first job out of college. Once I had a place for a shop I purchased a Lu6X-120 and used the saw for trim work and the cutting are for polish only. It had room for leather pad, muslin buff and felt. Only polish and no trading out wheels. All other HW was 8". I kept it until I found a Beacon Star 8" unit I set up for polishing and purchased a trim saw. I like having elbow room when I work and not having to trade out wheels all the time.
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norcaldan
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2019
Posts: 1
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Post by norcaldan on Feb 11, 2019 2:39:22 GMT -5
I have been cutting cabs since I was a kid at our local club in the 70s, and later at a commercial lapidary. I own a 6" Lortone LU6, and an 8"Raytech combo. I used to own an all diamond Barranca and 6" Diamond Pacific Genie. I have also owned and used many other units. NOTHING WRONG with an LU6. Cabbing equipment is about available space, cleanliness, and budget. What matters is technique, cleanliness, good lighting, and comfort. The LU6 uses a standard motor(like a Dayton) 1/3-1/4 HP- it should never "bog down"-if it does, something is wrong! You can use inexpensive Silicon carbide belts and a grinding wheel or change up to all diamond if you wish. The saw is 6" with a small slabbing vise- handy for smaller stones. Smaller equipment can be used indoors out of the heat and cold while sitting down. Keep in mind the experts who facet, use only ONE wheel at a time. I see some horrible work produced on high-end equipment and high-end work from Jam-peg cutters in the 3rd world. Just make sure any used equipment is in balance and runs true.
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Post by johnjsgems on Feb 14, 2019 17:28:59 GMT -5
The biggest drawback with the Lortone combo is the lack of a second grinding wheel. Another issue is the 2.5" drum and bottom pan lip that makes changing belts a little difficult. The units came with 1" SC wheel and the wide drum. I sold a lot of 1.5" drums to Lortone owners to remedy this. The narrower belts cost less too. The drum is on the shaft end so easily removed and as someone mentioned you could swap grinding wheel for drum if you have the patience. Barranca and Covington 6" combos both have two wheels and a drum but price likely higher. Unless space is limited I would prefer a separate trim saw. Helps keep cab unit cleaner.
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