goldensummergirl
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Reach for the stars...and the stones.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 85
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Post by goldensummergirl on Dec 3, 2010 22:32:51 GMT -5
I have been using a 6" Inland flat lap,with final diamond lap of 1200 grit. I recently got a used Rock rascal with just the trim saw and grinding wheel. I am thinking of getting an expandable drum and crystal belts to use with polishing compound to polish my cabs. My other thought is to use resin belts. Any thoughts on the direction I'm going? Are resin or crystal belts the way to go or what are the other alternatives? What type of diamond compound would be the best to use and what grit. Thanks for any advice Carol
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 3, 2010 22:52:31 GMT -5
Hey Carol, sounds like you've got a plan. Get that expando drum for sure. If you can afford them, get diamond belts from about 220 up to 3000 grit. The resin belts will work good with diamond polish. I use 50,000 grit diamond on a resin coated canvas disk with good results. If you can do it, change out that grinding wheel for a diamond wheel of around 80 or 120 grit.
Don
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goldensummergirl
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Reach for the stars...and the stones.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 85
|
Post by goldensummergirl on Dec 3, 2010 23:02:52 GMT -5
Hi Don I would like to get the diamond belts when I can afford them but I thought I'd try these for now. So.. do the higher grit diamond belts replace diamond polish? What kind of 50,000 grit diamond do you use ? Spray or I didn't think of changing the grinding wheel for a diamond 120 grit but that makes total sense. Thanks
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 3, 2010 23:17:29 GMT -5
I use the diamond paste in a syringe. It should work good on the resin belt. But I'd go with diamond belts for all of the sanding. The larger diamond grits in spray or syringe can get expensive. And you'll have to recharge your crystal or resin belts ever so often. With the diamond belts, the diamond is attached to the belt with a special resin. The belts may be a little more expensive at first, but they'll save you money in the long run.
Don
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 3, 2010 23:43:54 GMT -5
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 4, 2010 10:17:39 GMT -5
The advantage to diamond resin belts is you can use them wet. Rez Belts (you load with diamond) have to be used dry so not a good choice for coarse diamond or heat sensitive stones. You would have to measure your guard to make sure a 1.5" drum (or wheel) would fit. You should be able to go directly from your 1200 lap to a Rez Belt with 14,000 diamond. When you can afford it I would add either a 3000 diamond belt or lap. Three Rez belts with 8,000 -14,000-50,000 would be nice also. Or add diamond belts in those mesh sizes as you can. The Inland polish pads can be used with diamond also but you would need a 6" backing plate for each or one plate, 3M Feathering disc adhesive and leather discs for each git. And yes, people use the higher range diamond resin belts as their polish steps. Ih, and thanks for the plug, Don.
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 4, 2010 10:22:31 GMT -5
Another thought. What size is the Rock Rascal shaft? If it is 1/2" your flat laps could be used vertically on it. You could get a spin on polish head also.
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 4, 2010 11:09:15 GMT -5
No problem John. I'll be contacting you later today with a list of things I need.
Don
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goldensummergirl
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Reach for the stars...and the stones.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 85
|
Post by goldensummergirl on Dec 4, 2010 21:33:29 GMT -5
Well, today is my birthday , so now I've got a little extra money to spend, so....I'm making my list and checking it twice! Thanks for the advice guys! I'll let you know what I'm going to get and you can tell me if I've forgotten anything. Carol
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 4, 2010 21:51:06 GMT -5
Happy birthday girl. Bring on that list. We'll advise you as best as we can. Don
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Post by tanyafrench on Dec 5, 2010 7:05:10 GMT -5
Hey Carol, Happy Belated Birthday. Sorry I missed that but I have been taking care of my Sister in Law who is at home with Hospice. We have to provide 24 hour care and it stretches the family pretty thin. I am generally there 3 or 4 days a week. Hope you get everything you need for your stones with that great Birthday money. Enjoy, Tanya
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goldensummergirl
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Reach for the stars...and the stones.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 85
|
Post by goldensummergirl on Dec 5, 2010 22:21:48 GMT -5
So...I ordered the diamond belts 8000, 14000, 50000,the expando drum,and a polish head as well- I've been a very good girl this year! Thanks for the help Don and John Carol
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 5, 2010 23:03:21 GMT -5
By the time you sand cabs to 8000 grit, on most material you won't have to go any higher. Just go straight to polish. Save those 14000 and 50000 grit belts for really special material. You'll love the expando drum. Just turn the machine off. Slide the belt off, and put the next one on and turn the machine on again. No loosening nuts and taking wheels off to change grits. Don
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