tcaud114
off to a rocking start
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1
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Post by tcaud114 on Sept 11, 2012 7:49:10 GMT -5
Hi from KY. I'm new at the rock tumbling and just about to finish my first batch of stones. I need to know what type of bits to get, where to get them and any other suggestions. Were can I get the eye ups and what size and bit size. Thanks for you suport. :help:
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 11, 2012 8:37:44 GMT -5
Most use diamond wire drills. Size depends on the post size you will glue in. You will need a tight fit.
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Post by deb193redux on Sept 11, 2012 9:30:35 GMT -5
if you can manage with larger (1.25mm) holes, the smallest core drill will perform better/longer than a wire drill. Anything less then 1mm usually breaks too easy anyway.
there are eyelets with a simple prong on bottom, rings with a thicker post, bails that require a hole drilled on each side, other bails that require a hole drilled front and back. I even re-purposed some cord terminators into caps, and used a core drill with a 2.5mm ID to make a nub on top to glue on to.
Most are available in plated base metal. Some, not all, in sterling.
Unfortunately no single source seem to have all the options and metals. Large bead suppliers often have more than lapidary suppliers (e.g., Fire Mountain, Bedazzle). Say a little more about the look you want and the cost and whether the stone is a rounded nugget, or a smoothed and polished flat. Possibly some more specific suggestions.
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Post by 150FromFundy on Sept 11, 2012 10:57:39 GMT -5
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The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
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Post by The Dad_Ohs on Sept 12, 2012 20:14:43 GMT -5
Ebay also has the diamond wire bits, I saw several people selling them today, not sure how good they are but since you asked I figured i'd throw in my 2 centavos!!
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fwfranklen (Mike)
spending too much on rocks
Rock-ON--Have you kissed your rock today?
Member since August 2012
Posts: 379
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Post by fwfranklen (Mike) on Sept 12, 2012 23:54:40 GMT -5
It is real hard to get a high quality drill bit. I spent $40.00 for one 2.7mm sintered drill bit. It has lasted a lot longer than any others I've tried. One reason is I use baby oil as a lubercant not water.
Mike
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turnedstone
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2006
Posts: 766
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Post by turnedstone on Sept 13, 2012 2:57:28 GMT -5
I use this guy's bits www.lopacki.com/ he was a frustrated lapidary that wanted a good bit and could not find any that he liked>they last longer than any i have used.
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