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Post by krazydiamond on Sept 29, 2007 16:05:03 GMT -5
how can you tell when you need to replace your wheels? ![:-/](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/undecided.png) what is the life expectancy of a genuine Diamond Pacific Galaxy wheel and the Nova wheels. the nova wheels are a little easier to tell because of the wear, but the Galaxy wheels? i mean, they still grind....but, it just seems to take longer. (or is that my imagination?) also, there seems to be a wide pricing range...is this one of those "you get what you pay for" kinda things? Alpha Supply offers a 6 inch x 1-1/2 80 grit wheel for $63.00....same wheel in the Diamond Pacific catalog is $200.00.... ![::)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/eyesroll.png) your opinions would be most welcome! ;D thanks, KD
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Post by johnjsgems on Sept 29, 2007 16:50:46 GMT -5
KD, Galaxy wheels are plated with a single layer of diamonds. They are really agressive when new and require breaking in by cutting a few agates. Once they are worn down a little they cut like you would expect an 80 grit wheel to cut. Ive heard everywhere from 100-300 cabs lifetime. A much better wheel is the Barranca Brazed Diamond Wheel. Debiers diamond is cooked into a solid steel wheel in a high temperature oven. They last about 4 times longer than the Galaxy. The $63 wheels from Alpha (or Jade Carver) are Chinese knockoffs of the Barranca wheels. If they are well ballanced they would probably be worth a try whether they are plated or brazed. The Jade Carver wheels have gotten good reviews here on previous posts. I would ask about exchange policies before buying. If you plan on cutting professionally I'd recommend the Inland Sintered Diamond Wheel. They have 5mm of diamond in a well ballanced wheel. They cost a lot but seem to last forever.
John at JS Gems
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stonesnbones
spending too much on rocks
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Member since September 2007
Posts: 255
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Post by stonesnbones on Sept 29, 2007 17:23:27 GMT -5
KD,I agree with what John just said.That being stated,I have a couple of worth a try's for you,As stated in Johns reply galaxy wheels are single plated wheels,but try taking some soft stone....I suggest a piece of brick if you have it or sandstone.....and grind it down to your fingers.This will get your diamond more exposed.Or take the wheel off and reverse it.Both have worked for me in the past to stave off the purchase of a new wheel.Yet,that is only a temporary fix,the time is nigh for a new one.
Brad
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
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Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Sept 30, 2007 23:02:54 GMT -5
Did you reverse the wheel and run it the other way sometimes that will give you a few more cabs
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