mikeinsjc
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by mikeinsjc on Oct 1, 2010 16:01:42 GMT -5
Well, I finaly got a bull wheel. I have accumulated hundreds of pieces over the years and figured if I wanted to finish them in this lifetime I should get something touted as able to crank these babies out reasonably quickly. Only problem is,I've never used one before. And they send absolutely zero information with it. In my first attempt, I suceeded in turning a 100 grit belt into a 600 grit belt in about ten seconds. If I can't produce some results mucho pronto, my wife will kill me. Any tips would be appreciated.
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Post by johnjsgems on Oct 1, 2010 22:24:21 GMT -5
It is basically a huge sanding drum. If you are using silicon carbide paper they will wear quickly (especially in 100 and 220 grit). Use lots of water, light pressure and avoid sticking sharp edges into the paper.
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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 Oct 1, 2010 23:35:33 GMT -5
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 2, 2010 11:24:29 GMT -5
Sanding drums weren't meant for grinding rough rock. You would have better luck if you invested in an arbor with a silicon carbide hard wheel for rough grinding, and left your bull wheel for the sanding and polishing stages. As with everything else lapidary related, the grinding wheel has to be run wet.
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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 Oct 2, 2010 11:41:56 GMT -5
I prefer the combo units with both disk and wheel.
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Post by Rockoonz on Oct 18, 2010 23:28:50 GMT -5
This is a dry sander. If you use this be sure to use a respirator, silicosis from rock dust is not a pleasant way to die. Lee
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