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Post by snowmom on Nov 27, 2014 18:29:06 GMT -5
3 pieces of equipment around $600... how do I know if this is a good value or not? They look like they have all been well used and that saw blade looks like heck on wheels... I have no idea of even what questions to ask to determine if these are a good deal, let alone if they are problem free and easy to use, or a pain in the neck to work on every time you want to change a band or blade, etc. Any insights you can give will be deeply appreciated! Thanks
muskegon.craigslist.org/for/4711247269.html
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Steve
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2005
Posts: 506
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Post by Steve on Nov 27, 2014 18:40:38 GMT -5
Go look at them, plug them in and observe and listen. Here's my uninformed opinion:
I think the flat lap is over priced. Without actually seeing them the price on the other two seem about right (assuming there are no mechanical issues), but you should be able to talk them down a bit.
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riverbendlapidary
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,058
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Post by riverbendlapidary on Nov 27, 2014 18:47:15 GMT -5
wouldn't pay a cent over $300 for the whole lot.
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Post by deb193redux on Nov 27, 2014 19:28:43 GMT -5
I would pay upto $450 if bearings are quiet. you should basically figure the wheels and blade a writeoff. You are buying arbors, bearings, housings, and motors. The abrasives are consumables.
sometimes stuff like this does sell cheaper - especially at estate sales.
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Post by phil on Nov 27, 2014 19:36:03 GMT -5
I'm with river. Not a penny more than $300 for the lot. The grinder polisher needs all new wheels, the flat lap and saw are wayyyyyy over priced, and the polisher is using diamond belts, not wheels. Even then, I'd bargain the $300 because I don';t know the condition of the bearings, motors, how well (or not) they;ve been maintained, etc. also, I don't see any water system. Not overhead feeds, no underwheel spitters or anything. I'd have to rip them down and rebuild/refurb before I felt comfortable using them.
Having said all that, I've seen worse for more, and I've bought better for less. No one local who has experience and can help you? No club, nothing?
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Post by Peruano on Nov 27, 2014 20:10:09 GMT -5
You would want to ditch the carborundum wheel on the arbor so count on another 400 to 450 for two diamond wheels, so no more than $200 for the machine, if bearings are good and motor is there. Water systems can be rigged. There's not telling what the flat lap consists of until you examine the laps. $100 is worth a risk or a tad more if it seems to be a substantial machine or the discs are good. Phil's about right $300 for the lot. The saw is worth $100 if you want a saw that size. Blades are as cheap or as expensive as you want them to be and nearly always will need to be replaced on use equipment. So try $250 for all, and go as high as $300 or as much more as you are comfortable with if you get excited and don't want to wait for more stuff to come your way. Hey sometimes time is of the essence. And its the time in life to play and disperse assets to others. Happy Holidays. Tom
I went back to the ad and the lap does seem to be a Lortone, and an 8" size so its probably a reasonable one. So too is the saw, although the vice is a mickey mouse vice, but that's a company problem and common to trim saws. If I wanted to get into the game these three pieces of equipment would constitute a good start. Just saying you can do a lot of stuff with these machines. T.
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Post by catmandewe on Nov 27, 2014 23:33:05 GMT -5
I would pay up to 450 for all 3 machines.
Plug them in and listen if they are noisy or wobbly then you can get a better price than that.
Tony
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cabjunky
has rocks in the head
Regency Rose Plume
Member since November 2008
Posts: 683
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Post by cabjunky on Nov 28, 2014 0:24:08 GMT -5
The grinding unit is a barranca diamond machine, that is still currently being made. It looks like an 8" setup, which definately has fresh water feed over each station, instead of the bubblers. This machine is made of metal, not plastic. Cannot tell if there is a motor, or the condition of the bearings, but the SC wheels are shot. Definately worth looking at, and it is american made. I agree with everyone concerning pricing. Dont know about the saw, or flat lap. good luck
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Post by snowmom on Nov 28, 2014 7:11:45 GMT -5
thanks to all, I really appreciate the insights and input. I will send them an email and ask a few
questions, maybe set up an appointment... thanks
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Post by gingerkid on Nov 28, 2014 7:31:34 GMT -5
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller 
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,504
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Post by Sabre52 on Nov 28, 2014 7:40:37 GMT -5
Price seems a bit steep for me. I had one of those flat laps and they tend to go bad pretty fast. Bearings can wear out real fast. I'd run it a bit with some weight on it to see if it vibes quiet and doesn't chatter. Lots of stuff on the grinder needs replacing and if you go diamond that will cost a bundle. Saw is pretty basic and not worth all that much. Pretty small to be used for much except trimming or cutting very small rough. Ten inch would be much more useful.....Mel
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 28, 2014 10:06:33 GMT -5
It looks like they brought the price down to $300 for all. People are talking diamond this and diamond that which I think is not necessary for starting out. It would be nice but you can get started for way less with carb wheels and such things as carb belts on the expando. Some of the consumables may be fairly worn out but you may be able to get a little use out of them to start with then you can replace things a little at a time. Like Tony said, check how they run and go from there.
I started with a home made machine and made some damn nice cabs and there is nothing wrong with cutting up small rocks with a smaller saw. During the winter all I have is a seven inch saw and I do a lot of cutting on it. I have a three wheel machine and seldom use it because my newer home made flat lap works much better.
If those machines run I would be willing to bet that you could start making cabs for practice with what is there. Not the best option but it would get you started and you would have something to build from.
Good luck either way.
Jim
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Nov 28, 2014 10:11:55 GMT -5
I sold the same grinder setup last year for $250 and it was in worse condition. I got a good deal on it ($75) knowing I would turn around and sell it though and never used it myself. The second machine is not what I consider a "flat lap" but it is a vibrating lap for polishing flat faces of slabs or bookend type items. They are tricky to use. I have had one for about three years and only used it a couple times. Used trim saws should be able to be found for right around $100. Here's a trim saw that came up in my local search. toledo.craigslist.org/art/4767677832.htmlChuck |
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Post by roy on Nov 28, 2014 10:16:18 GMT -5
says reduced to 300 good deal now !
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Post by Jugglerguy on Nov 28, 2014 10:32:55 GMT -5
Chuck, I'm glad you made the comment about the flat lap, because I was just about to ask. Snowmom, the grinder you used at my house is what I call a "flat lap". The item called a "flat lap" in the ad would not be used to make cabs.
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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 Nov 28, 2014 13:29:45 GMT -5
Should you go for a "look see", please stand away from the grinder when 1st starting it. SiC wheels can explode if not cared for properly(running wheels til completely dry after each grinding session.)$300.00 sounds decent for all, I could be interested in the buying the vibe lap from you if you are not planning to use it. As for the motors, used electric motors can be had for $20-$60 usually, so if motors aren't included, it's a pretty inexpensive fix.
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Post by phil on Nov 28, 2014 13:38:28 GMT -5
The item called a "flat lap" in the ad would not be used to make cabs. Sure you would. they'd just be flat cabs! <G> Like big bookends... |
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Post by snowmom on Nov 28, 2014 14:36:32 GMT -5
more good info. I knew I could count on this board. The guy says it is all in running condition but the "saw is loud"... I emailed him again and asked if he knew why it is loud. We may go look at this next week when we are passing through the area.. not sure yet, but I'm getting a much clearer idea on all of it. thank you all!
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