mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
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Post by mc2 on Aug 2, 2010 22:12:09 GMT -5
And, I just wanted to pass along some info. For those who do not have a band saw, and been thinking about getting one, I highly recommend the Gryphon C-40. It is a fantastic machine. As are many others. Not only does it help eliminate waste, it can saw curves in slabs, making it easier to cut not only ovals and such, but custom shapes also. I know this isn't the only way to do these things, but, this is a very handy addition. It is a little slower than my trim saw, but, making things like crosses is a snap. No undercutting. Just got to pay attention to when to stop the cut,lol! Anyways, just wanted to pass that along.
Also, decided that an ionic cleaner might be a handy tool to have also. This thing does just what it claims to do. My wire wraps with all the swirls and such can be a little hard to clean. In about 3 to 5 seconds, they come out all the way clean and shiny, no tarnish at all. I am very pleased with it. SpeediBrite is the name. Claims to be opal safe also. The only opal I have been able to put in it is some medium grade I have. Seemed to be ok after cleaning. No heat or soundwaves, so maybe it will work ok on a lot of stuff.
Just though some of ya'll might like to know!
Mike
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Post by Toad on Aug 2, 2010 22:23:19 GMT -5
Sounds great, but where are the pics...?
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Aug 3, 2010 5:53:58 GMT -5
Congrats on the new toys! Can't wait to see they're results. Do be careful with the with the cleaner as that is electropolishing and is the removal of material at a micron level, works really fast on silver and cheap plating and it's possible to ruin a piece quickly. It's supposedly safe on stones because they don't pass an electrical current but old solutions can stain/discolor soft materials . Shoot us some before/after pix so we can see the diff. Those band/ring saws are a great combination with a vibe tumbler for intricate cuts. Dr Joe .
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Post by jakesrocks on Aug 3, 2010 10:09:09 GMT -5
Years ago Harbor Freight offered a diamond band saw in their line of power tools. Best thing I ever bought from them. I'm still using it 15 years later. Lucky that I bought a good supply of blades for it. Those saws sure make roughing out cabs easy, and save lots of material. Don
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Post by rockmanken on Aug 3, 2010 12:20:58 GMT -5
I just got a Gryphon from John and LOVE it. All these years without it, like doing without a cell phone. Works super. Ken
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mc2
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since April 2009
Posts: 1,147
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Post by mc2 on Aug 3, 2010 16:42:47 GMT -5
That's who I got my gryphon from. Absolute best price!
DrJo, that is an excellent point about the possibility of staining stones. I had not thought of that. Thanks!
Mike
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free4rms
freely admits to licking rocks
My little pet walrus
Member since January 2007
Posts: 839
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Post by free4rms on Aug 17, 2010 6:45:32 GMT -5
I posted this once before somewhere, but think it is worth repeating. You can buy what is called a "fuser's blade" for a gryphon, and it is a good investment. It has coarser diamonds and is designed to cut through material faster, including somewhat thicker material. It is all I use on my Gryphon, and I am very please with it. You can google a search under "gryphon fuser's blade" to find some vendors.
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