unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
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Post by unclestu on Apr 23, 2011 8:34:07 GMT -5
Hi everyone, After having just viewed Artists Of Agat for the umpteenth time I want to learn the art of cabbing even more than ever. I just want to know were to start.
What I mean is do I have to use tumbled slabs in order to make a cabb or can I use a slab that has not been tumbled?
Are cabbs only made from slabs or can they be made out of whole stones? If you can use whole stones must they be tumbled before they are made into a cabb?
After doing some reading on the boards I have gotten the impression that the cabb machine that most seem to prefer is the Genie. However acquiring a Genie involves a sizable investment. In fact it was recommended that I try and pick up a used model if possible. Is it possible for a person to get started making cabbs without having to go through the sizable expense that even a used cabb machine (Genie) might entail? Can you make cabbs without a cabb machine?
I know that I have asked a lot of questions and I want to thank you all in advance for any feedback that you might be able to provide.
Stu
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Post by roy on Apr 23, 2011 8:52:39 GMT -5
stu you dont need to break the bank to get started look for a used machine first there are many out there i got a hi tech diamond machine fore 225 its a flat top but it works well to begin with i would of liked to get a cab king but like you the price is way up there plus i wanted to buy saws and stuff to make cabs you can use slabs that are not pollished you'll be grinding a shape and smoothing out the scratches and then pollishing them there are tons of tips and videos on the web good luck on your quest
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unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
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Post by unclestu on Apr 23, 2011 20:52:30 GMT -5
Thanks Roy. It is good to know that . Wow I could probably get aa flat lap, tile saw and tumblers for what a cabking would have cost. I wonder what the differences between a cabking and a flat top lap machine are. I know the flat top uses discs as opposed to wheels on the cabking,genie and the like. Are using wheels that much better? If so why?
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Post by roy on Apr 23, 2011 21:16:00 GMT -5
well you would have to ask someone who knows i have only used the flat lap but dont get me wrong i will get a wheeled cabber of some sort i think there better cause you could look at what you are grinding with the flat lap you cant see as well look at kingsley north on line they have some good deals and also js gems john has good pricing
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Apr 24, 2011 8:05:29 GMT -5
There are so many options. A wheeled machine is a most favored option but your not limited to the sizable investment. Flat laps are a good option and some flat lappers prefer the flat disks to a wheel. There are also belt machines that basically use different grit sanding belts. As for rock to work. Well slabs are the prefered way to start. They don't have to be pretumbled but some people like to as it saves having to try polishing the backs. Rough stone can be used. I have done some chuncks of rock. I do not pre tumble as you have to grind the stone anyway so why waste time. Cabbing is very rewarding, but does have a bit of a learning curve. Best way is to find someone with a machine that they will let you practice on. It only takes a couple cabs to decide if you want to persue the investment in time and money.
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unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
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Post by unclesoska on Apr 24, 2011 11:47:11 GMT -5
I've started with a flat lap for cabs, and really like it, except I haven't figured out a way to grind and polish "inside curves". Any pointers out there, besides the obvious use of a roto tool?
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Apr 25, 2011 10:43:04 GMT -5
Wheels will do inside curves but your limitied to the radius of the wheel (in other words unless you got a cab that is 8" tall- the curve ain't gonna be much) They do make some special wheels to do some speciality stuff (hearts and such) and there are a few otions for different sized wheels, and drum type sanders, but in general to get those real tight inside curves your gonna have to look at a roto tool.
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