CallMeShane
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2010
Posts: 112
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Post by CallMeShane on Sept 30, 2010 12:56:00 GMT -5
Idea,not sure it would work.
If I wanted to mount a not standard attachment to it like a 6x1 1/2" rubber drum and rig up a way to do it would there be any horrible problems with it?
I'm thinking about asking for one for x-mas and forgetting the build it myself route.
I could make a splash guard/hood thingy to contain the mess and all. But what would be the problems running something like that with the bushings and an some form of secondary shaft extender on it to fit a drum? Or is it just a really bad idea?
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Sept 30, 2010 14:16:10 GMT -5
I'm assuming you mean the Ameritool flat lap. Just don't These machines are pretty well made, but they vibrate a lot at high speed and the laps have to be really well centered to keep it from dancing around. It is fairly light weight. The drip cup holder shakes a lot too. There is little to no clearance to mount a splash guard and it would be impossib;le to keep a drum wett and drained. There is really no need to add anything to the unit unless you want to gringd concave shapes, and a smaller vertical wheel machine is best there. On the other hand, the flat lap grinds flat surfaces much more easily than a vertical wheel machine. My Ameritool is the 8" model. It comes with a metal bonded coarse grinding lap and a series or 360, 600, and 1200 sanding disks you mount on plastic lap plates. They are adhesive backed fiber disks and work well. You also receive an uncharged fiber pad for polishing that you charge with 14,000 mesh diamond compound that comes in a syringe with the complete machine package. You can add a foam backer pad to the laps if you want and that will have the same effect as n expandable drum in giving a smooth sanding/polishing result.
I have a 150 lb monster vertical wheel cabber with two expanding drums. It works fast but is a little bit of a hassle to set up and it isn't portable. I can set up the Ameritool in the living room and watch TV while I grind away. It's very portable, stores easily, is easy to clean up after, and lap change is fast nad easy. It is a little sower than the machine, but it is fine for small jobs.
John at JSGEMS carries the Ameritool and had the best price. He will be glad to answer any questions about these machines i think you would really like one of these machines as long as you aren't doing high volume work.
MarK H.
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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 Sept 30, 2010 21:04:58 GMT -5
The offset on an expando wheel is 5/8" plus 3/8" thick hub (atleast mine), so the shaft would have to be slightly longer than that and you would have to space it up off the frame or double nut it to keep it from rubbing the frame. And you would want to change from a drip system to a constant spray to cover the whole wheel.
Might have a little trouble keeping belts on while spinning up to speed too.
Now whether it's worth it or not??? vs buying an arbor for $25.00 and finding a usable motor, belt and a couple of pulleys.
Dr Joe
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