agatemaggot
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2006
Posts: 2,195
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Post by agatemaggot on Dec 28, 2011 23:28:07 GMT -5
Does anyone in the group have any information on a product called a Flether Slab Trimmer ?
That may be spelled Fletcher ?
It had a round Diamond wheel similar to a standard glass cutter and was made in Emmitt Idaho. The wheel assembly was removable and could be replaced.
Any info would be appreciated !
Thanks,
Harley
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on Dec 28, 2011 23:38:26 GMT -5
Hey Harley, I have a set in my shop somewhere that I bought about 30 years ago. Unsure of the brand but all the pieces have blue green handles. Set was three piece with the cutter, nipping pliers and breaking pliers. Worked great on things like picture jasper and obsidian but lousy on hard stuff like agate and especially bad on anything with bands, breccia, moss etc. I used it mainly for obsidian preforms for knapping. Agate it either wouldn't cut deep enough or the cut pieces would not break or would break erratically. I'll see if I can find the set and check the brand tomorrow but I think for hard or tough materials in the thicknesses we use ( 3/16 to 3/8) the tools are pretty much ineffective despite what the advertisements said.....Mel
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 29, 2011 11:25:04 GMT -5
Sounds like a tile cutter.
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rocpup
spending too much on rocks
Pink Limb Iris
Member since March 2011
Posts: 465
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Post by rocpup on Dec 29, 2011 16:03:34 GMT -5
I also have one. It was tossed in a drawer after spoiling a couple nice slabs. Don
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 29, 2011 16:14:43 GMT -5
Like John said. It's nothing but a beefed up tile cutter. Used to see them advertised in Lapidary Journal many years ago. Don
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Post by parfive on Dec 29, 2011 17:04:18 GMT -5
The nippers come in handy for saw nubs.
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Sabre52
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Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on Dec 29, 2011 18:23:18 GMT -5
Yep, you were correct, my tools are marked Fletcher. As I said, OK for some applications but not good for most materials.....Mel
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agatemaggot
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Member since August 2006
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Post by agatemaggot on Dec 30, 2011 4:58:35 GMT -5
Thanks for the info guy's, was hoping I could pick one of those scribers somewhere.
Harley
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Sabre52
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Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on Dec 30, 2011 10:22:36 GMT -5
Harley: So far as I know the wheel on the scriber was not diamond but rather just a regular old glass cutter type wheel. Wears out real fast and you'd probably do just as well with a good quality glass cutter at a way cheaper price.....Mel
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agatemaggot
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2006
Posts: 2,195
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Post by agatemaggot on Dec 30, 2011 14:41:19 GMT -5
Has anyone tried using a vibro engraver to score a slab ? I would think one of those electric vibro engravers would make a heck of a score line when run along the side of a straight edge rule. Harley
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on Dec 30, 2011 17:18:03 GMT -5
Harley, the main problem with trying to cut things like agate in this matter is the construction of the agates themselves. With all the bands, inclusions etc the slabs are often more fibrous or striated in the way they are put together so scribed line or not, they will not break straight along the scribed lines. A trim saw or tile saw is definitely far superior and results in much less accidental breakage and waste plus they are much faster and effort free......Mel
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agatemaggot
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2006
Posts: 2,195
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Post by agatemaggot on Dec 31, 2011 10:42:01 GMT -5
Mel,
I am with you on the NOT breaking straight, just wanting to get a break somewhere around here type thing on some preforms for knapping projects. Have been roughing shapes on diamond wheels and then starting with the pressure flaking. Just trying to get the oil throwing saw out of the picture on some of these preforms !
Harley
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