WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Mar 28, 2004 0:23:06 GMT -5
I want to start a new batch of rough agate, I have a diamond grinding wheel for a 4" Makita grinder but it leaves scratches that are to deep. I want to shape the rock a little before I start to tumble them what should I use. I have a regular bench grinder also but the stone on it doesn't do much I prefeer to get a diamond wheel but don't know which to go with. Thanks
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Mar 28, 2004 10:56:19 GMT -5
Hey Warren, the grinding wheels that come on a bench grinder are aluminum oxide and are only good for grinding metals. Switch to carbide wheels and you'll see a big difference. Green carbide is generally reccomended as it holds up better, but black carbide will work as well. If you go to diamond, you will need to apply water to the wheel or it won't last long. Carbide can run dry.
Ron
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Mar 31, 2004 22:45:13 GMT -5
I ordered a green carbide wheel from Kingsley North can't wait for it to get here. Thanks
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Post by docone31 on Mar 31, 2004 23:54:06 GMT -5
Warren, you will need a water drip for the wheel. It will wear but more importantly, the stone will overheat, and the wheel will load up. A water drip can simply be a can with a tube in it and a clamp for water control, or a faucet hook up. I use homemade water drips on bench grinders and have never had water penetrate the outer bearings. It does spray but keep the drip just low enough to lubricate and not be a wetting factor.
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MichiganRocks
starting to spend too much on rocks
"I wasn't born to follow."
Member since April 2007
Posts: 154
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Post by MichiganRocks on Apr 1, 2004 6:02:05 GMT -5
Hey Warren, the only water that I use on my carbide is a dip bucket next to it. I just keep dipping the rock to keep it wet, but more importantly keep it cool. If you don't the rock will quickly heat to where you can't hold onto it. I've always found that the dipping keeps the rock cool, the wheel clean, and will help hold down the dust. A very slow water drip can be applied if you want without hurting anything, but I've never seen the need. I have a drip, just never put it on.
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Post by creativeminded on Apr 1, 2004 15:41:56 GMT -5
Plus if you are working with something like crystal you will make it so hot that it will crack. Speaking from experience . Tami
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Apr 2, 2004 1:37:32 GMT -5
I hope that the order arrives soon as I am getting to feel like a little kid waiting for Christmas. Thanks for the tips and information
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