besimple1
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2013
Posts: 2
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Post by besimple1 on Mar 21, 2013 18:22:56 GMT -5
I know this question has been asked a million times and many people get sick of answering it over and over, but I really could user some help. I am just starting out in this hobby because my sons and I have been going to rock shows and really enjoying them. I have taken quite a few Geology courses in college and really see fossil, mineral, crystal collecting a fun hobby to share with my family. We are planning a few trips this summer to do some very basic collecting. I would like to move to the next step, I'm assuming cutting and polishing stones, but I really need help coming up with a plan. I also would like some help with brands and types of equipment I could start out with. I thought I would ask some people that knew much more than me instead of just ordering a bunch of crap on ebay. I am looking for an OK set up that me and my sons can learn on and would be alright to practice our skills at. Thanks for reading this post and any help would be appreciated.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2013 18:29:27 GMT -5
Likely the best first step would be to check around your area to see if there are any rock, mineral or lapidary clubs. You can then get some pointers in person. Some clubs also have equipment you can use, host demos of new models that you can try hands-on, get together for trips to collecting sites that are usually closed to the public, etc.
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Post by jakesrocks on Mar 21, 2013 18:37:58 GMT -5
Welcome to the nut house. First for the saw. What will be the largest rocks you plan on cutting ? A 10" with power or weight feed is a good way to start out.
For grinding, sanding and polishing, It all depends on how deep your pockets are. If you can afford it, a 6 wheel all diamond machine would be the way to go. You can find good used machines on ebay at reasonable prices. Look for one close to home, and see if the seller will let you examine the machine in person
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peachfront
fully equipped rock polisher
Stones have begun to speak, because an ear is there to hear them.
Member since August 2010
Posts: 1,745
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Post by peachfront on Mar 21, 2013 18:44:11 GMT -5
If the club politics are not too bad, definitely try a club and see if you can get a little practice with some machines first. Also you will get a variety of opinions from people who have different equipment and different budgets which can be very helpful. I started first with cabbing, and I think there's a lot to be said for it, but most people start with by tumbling. You will never have the production with cabs that you have with the tumbler but the greater control over the shape can help feed your interest. You don't get a lot of stones fast but you can get a few very good ones even at the beginning. My other advice is that material is cheap so go ahead and work the best you can afford. I wasted too much time practicing on material that didn't need to be worked. The sooner you can create something nice, even if you are a slow worker like myself, the more you will be encouraged to continue.
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besimple1
off to a rocking start
Member since March 2013
Posts: 2
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Post by besimple1 on Mar 21, 2013 19:00:03 GMT -5
Likely the best first step would be to check around your area to see if there are any rock, mineral or lapidary clubs. You can then get some pointers in person. Some clubs also have equipment you can use, host demos of new models that you can try hands-on, get together for trips to collecting sites that are usually closed to the public, etc. Thanks for the great suggestion! I got online and I found a club very close to me. They have a meeting 2 weeks from now and are very friendly to new members.
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Post by 150FromFundy on Mar 22, 2013 16:19:29 GMT -5
You may want to start small and work up slowly. If you can`t locate used machines, you`ll find this can be an expensive hobby.
Basic Rotary Tumbler Start with a basic rotary tumbler. A twin 3lb barrel model is a good choice. This will allow you to learn about the concepts of grinding and polishing, using cushioning media, burnishing and the necessary care and technique to get good results. I started with a Thumler AR-2. If you are still hooked, proceed to the next step.
Basic Vibratory Tumbler You will soon learn that a vibratory tumbler can speed up the final grinding and polishing stages. A vibratory tumbler will require some modification to the basics you learned with the rotary tumbler, but it`s all manageable. I started with a Thumler UV-10. If you are still hooked, proceed to the next step.
Larger Capacity Rotary Tumbler You will soon realize that your small rotary tumbler can not meet the demands of your vibratory tumbler. A larger capacity rotary tumbler will allow you finish larger size rocks. I started with a Thumler Model B. If you are still hooked, proceed to the next step.
Wet Tile Saw You will soon realize that hammer cracking rocks damages them and does not let you control shape. A 7-inch wet tile saw is your most affordable start to slicing small rocks. You will now be able to finish small slabs and cut shapes. I started with a Huskey wet tile saw. If you are still hooked, proceed to the next step.
Edge Grinder You will soon realize that if you want to clean up your small slabs and cut shapes, you will need an edge grinder, or a drum grinder. This will allow you to bevel edges, grind concave curves, drill holes and cut groves for groove wire wrapping if you but the appropriate bit. I started with a Gryphon Grinder. if you are still hooked, proceed to the next step.
Drill Press If you decide to make jewelry items from your tumbles, you may decide to drill the pendant mounts. This is more reliable than simply gluing findings. I started with a Dremel multi-tool and drill press. If you are still hooked, proceed to the next step.
Rotary Disk Grinder (Horizontal Flat Lap)You will soon realize that you want to cut and polish cabochons. many will recommend an arbor grinder with 6-inch, or 8-inch wheels, but a horizontal flat lap will be about half the cost. I started with an Ameritool Universal Grinder and added a few additional disks and pads.
After four years, I haven`t got to the next steps yet, but will eventually want a larger diameter lapidary saw and an arbor grinder. It will take a few more Craft Sales to cover equipment costs.
Other stuff you`ll may wish to consider.
Digital Camera/Digital Microscope/Light Box Chances are, you will want to post your failures and your successes on this site. You`ll need a reasonable digital camera with macro capabilities. You can make a light box to improve your photos. A digital microscope will open up your work to crystals and fossils.
Good luck.
Darryl.
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Post by gr on Mar 22, 2013 16:39:18 GMT -5
Do you want to cut and polish stone or tumble stone? What are the ages of your boys? Are they ready to get next to a saw? If you have an idea what you want to do, we can point you in the right direction. There are alot of directions you and your sons can go off in. Tumbling might be a good place to start. We are here to help !
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