docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Feb 5, 2011 20:08:52 GMT -5
I need to change out some of the belts on my vertical expandable drums and the disks on my flat lap. that's an expensive proposition and the belts (8X3") are really expensive- at least $80 in most instances, and the 8" self adhesive disks for my Ameritool are at least $30+ each. I want to buy resin belts and disks and charge them myself with diamond compound. Is this more economical than just buying the prepared belts and disks? How do I charge the belts/disks myself, and how oftem will I have to recharge the abrasives? Can I apply diamond compound to old disks and belts to restore them? my belts (8" by 3") tend to buckle and plit in the middle, even thoughI move the stone back and forth constantly. I try to use a light touch. i find that the backing gives way long before the abrasive is depleted. I can make do for a while by duct taping the back of the belt, but the flying fibers sting when I'm cutting and the tape makes it a little more difficult to fit the belt on the drum sometimes. Anyway, can I get away with charging my own belts and disks, recharging commercial disks/belts, or am I vbetter off just biting it? thanks, all.
Mark H.
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Post by johnjsgems on Feb 5, 2011 21:42:01 GMT -5
The problem with Rez Belts or discs is they have to be used dry. You can spray them with silicon spray, then apply diamond compound or spray. If you use water you will wash off the diamond. Since rock dust is a problem, I think they would be best used for fine mesh diamond, 3000 and finer. Also, used dry they will generate heat so be careful with opals and other heat sensitive stones.
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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 Feb 5, 2011 23:40:07 GMT -5
Ever tried SiC belts/discs? For 20 bucks you get a set to try. They're slower and wear quicker (but at a cost savings of a factor of 8 it's worth a try).
Dr. Joe
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Feb 6, 2011 22:59:10 GMT -5
Whoa! i had no idea the resin disks/belts were useddry. i don't think I would want to do that. And I have considered SC - i don't think I would mind th4e slower cutting and faster wear in view of the cost savings. They wouldn't still sell SC abrasives at all if some people didn't think they were worth the trade-off for cost.. Since I need coarser grit replacements, charging my own abrasives would not be a good idea. Somebody should market a diamond compound spray on coating for the purpose of charging/recharging belts that would produce several layers of diamond in some sort of matrix like on new abrasive disks/belts. thanks Johgn and Dr,. JOe! Mark H.
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Post by jakesrocks on Feb 6, 2011 23:13:34 GMT -5
I use SC belts on a 2 wheel machine in the summer when it gets too hot to work in my shop. I just carry the 2 wheel setup out to a covered porch. Easier than lugging the Genie out there. Aside from being slower, I don't see a lot of difference in the final results.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Feb 12, 2011 11:03:50 GMT -5
Take a look at santa fe jewlery supply. The have diamond belts for around$38. They also have good prices on SiC belts. I order from them often and they are great to deal with. I use both resin belts and leather for diamond paste butn it is only for polishing and they are used dry. Of the 2 I perfer leather but it is getting harder to find leather belts these days. As for recharging your old belts I imagine you could use a thin coat of epoxy resin and diamond powder. But the hassle may be more work than its worth. I do have one question for you and that is how many belts have you had that failed). I've had my grinder for 6 years and only had one belt that came apaert. Just wondering if it is a common problem
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Mar 30, 2011 12:46:58 GMT -5
I have the original belts supplied with mmy Barranca GP-8. i returned oe belt for a replacement early on when it split and another, if I recall, was too small to fit. on the expando-drum without a fight. The failed belts tend to split down the middle. Tey still wortk and have a god charge, but the splitting is a nuissance when I change belts. i have ordered SC belts from johnson Brothers along with some tumbling grit and cerium oxide, but the order has been held up waiting for a shipment of CO. they sent me "notifications" that said my oprder was "unfulfilled" but no specifics like "tghe cerium is on back order". i was ticked they left me waitin for over 2 weeks before I called them for an update. Hopefully I'll have my stuff in a week. Really poor communication! I'll check out Santa Fe. I was told to check out Rio Grnde, too. i have used a synthetic black velour like pad on my machine with diamond compouind. I was given a tip to use ACE hardwarte's pur silicone spray with the compound instead of pricey extender fluid which is basically the same stuff at an exorbitant pric. it works great. The velour like disks don't stick too well to the pad, though. I use the 3M disk adhesive and it's fine on the leather pad. the silicone spry may be releasing the adhesive. i have an Ameritool flat lap and have had problems finding self adhesive 8" SC disks for it. The diamond replacement disks are a little pricey at $30-35 each so I have held off ordering them. I like the Ameritool especially for polishing as I can sit in the living room and watch TV (but not hear it) when i'm using it. I need a 325 disk for it and will need a 600 disk soon. i'll check out Santa Fe and Rio Grande for these in SC.
thanks, Mark H.
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 30, 2011 19:06:02 GMT -5
Check Indian Jeweler Supply for belts too. Did Yogi give you a price on the cerium? All my suppliers got hit with massive increase in October/November. You might want to consider diamond toppers. 325 and 600 are $36 and $32. The Ameritool discs are $39 ea. I think the hard laps would last longer.
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Apr 24, 2011 22:03:21 GMT -5
Sorry I missed your post John. I'm always receptive to anything you have to suggest. i have an order in- still- with Johnson Brothers for some SC belts, grit, and cerium oxide. They have sort of ticked me off- over a month now without any word from them about the statuus of my order. About a week ago I called them two weeks after placing my order and was told they were waiting on a shipment of cerium oxide which apparentyly still had not arrived as of a week ago. They told me the Chionese are major suppliers now and and weren't giving it up. I guess I'll just use AO instead and let them eat the cerium. I told johnson Brothers last week to cancel the cerium and ship the rest of the oprder. I stillhaven't received it. Slowest service I've ever had including my experiences with Graves. And yeh, toppers are a better idea. they sure have a different feel on the Ameritool though- lots noisier.
mark H.
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Post by sandsman1 on Apr 25, 2011 0:57:44 GMT -5
i was always happy with santa fe jewelry supply -- when i was using SC i would buy belts by the box and they were pretty cheap in quantity
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