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Post by takecouragedesigns on Sept 28, 2010 17:25:45 GMT -5
I was told about your this website at the recent Hellgate Mineral Society's Rock and Gem show. This is going to be so fun, connecting with all of the other "rock maniacs" like myself out there! ;D I love to wire-wrap gemstones and cabochons, and in recent years my husband and I have become avid rockhounds. Last year we purchased a 2 drum tumbler, which is fun, and are now ready to get into sawing, trimming and grinding our own finds. I can hardly wait!!!!!!!!!!!! Now for the question to whoever will kindly respond: If I want to both facet (eventually) and shape cabochons... would a faceting machine (flat lap) do both? Or is it asking too much of an expensive faceting machine to do jasper and agate type cabochons? Any opinion? I have a possibility of buying a good used faceting machine, but can't afford to get it AND a vertical wheel grinder, so wondering about the wisdom of getting a faceting machine.
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Post by beefjello on Sept 28, 2010 18:47:41 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH! I'm not familiar with faceting machines, but I'm sure someone will be along that can answer your question. I know several folks here do amazing cabs with flat laps. It's nice to have you aboard! ;D
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Post by tanyafrench on Sept 28, 2010 18:51:14 GMT -5
Always thrilled to have new members. I am fairly new as well. I only tumble but I wish you luck with cabbing and or faceting. Love to see some of your wraps.
Tanya
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Post by rockrookie on Sept 28, 2010 18:52:59 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH !! excitement about rocks ... is great !!! --paul
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Post by drocknut on Oct 2, 2010 0:56:09 GMT -5
Glad to see you on here. Look forward to seeing your wraps in the wire wrapping section.
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Post by rockmanken on Oct 2, 2010 6:40:10 GMT -5
Welcome to the board. In my opinion, it would not be advisable to do cabs on a facet machine. Facets need to be ground perfectly flat and if you grind a cabachon you will eventually get the lap to have different heights. I have an Ameritool flat lap and have noticed that the middle of the grinding surface goes away first because you don't always grind evenly across the surface of the lap like you would on a faceter. Hope this makes sense. Good luck, Ken
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Post by johnjsgems on Oct 2, 2010 8:07:48 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum. As Ken said you would ruin the laps. Another problem is most facet machines run really slow (mine is something like 600 rpm max). Painfully slow.
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 2, 2010 8:34:36 GMT -5
Welcome aboard neighbor. Come on over next door and rockhound in South Dakota. How far are you from Billings ? I have a rockhound buddy who lives there. Facet machines are a dedicated machine, meant only for faceting. Before buying a used one, I'd find someone other than the seller who knows these machines, and have them look it over real good. Someone may be trying to sell an old, outdated machine which will be hard to find parts for. Don
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Post by Bikerrandy on Oct 2, 2010 20:47:05 GMT -5
Post pics, I wanna see some wire wraps!! Oh, welcome to the boards ;D
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Post by takecouragedesigns on Oct 8, 2010 17:10:06 GMT -5
Thanks, everybody, for your wisdom on the faceting/cabbing question. I took it to heart and am deciding to go with my "gut", which was to buy an Ameritool. Y'all are GREAT!
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Post by frane on Oct 10, 2010 10:18:47 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum! I am looking forward to seeing your tumbles and finds. Sounds like you do some great wraps too! Fran
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Post by stonesthatrock on Oct 12, 2010 10:25:05 GMT -5
welcome !!!!!!!!!!!! its a fun place.
mary ann
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