osuguy0301
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 203
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Post by osuguy0301 on Jan 7, 2016 16:57:01 GMT -5
Hello all,
I am looking to invest in a flat lap along with a saw in the near future (couple months down the line) and I got to looking at the Hi-Tech and Ameritool 8" flat laps. From what I have read both seem to be pretty solid equipment. I was wondering if it is worth spending an extra $100 for the Ameritool and if so why? To me, they seem to be pretty close to identical in how they look and function. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Thanks, Jake
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ChrisO
off to a rocking start
My first groove wrap on a Charlevoix stone I polished!
Member since July 2015
Posts: 7
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Post by ChrisO on Jan 9, 2016 21:55:05 GMT -5
Hi Jake. I just purchased the Ameritool 8". It arrived yesterday, and I've been grinding like a crazy woman all day today. So far, I am very happy with it. It is lightweight, quiet, easy to put together, and very simple to use. You have to stick the sanding disks on the backing plates, which is a little tricky. An exact fit is key, as it will make the machine wobble if it is off-center. I found cutting the hole in the sanding disk a bit difficult but was successful using a very sharp carpet knife. I ordered it on 1/1/16 and it arrived 1/8/16. I'm in Michigan, and I feel the standard free shipping from California was very quick. Glad I chose the 8" instead of the 6".
I'm a newbie at this, but have taken classes using the 6" Pixie and Cab King grinders. They are very different from the flat lap. So far I like the ability to grind a flat surface and it's much easier on my arms and neck than the regular grinders. I use a lot of water, so the small reservoir is a bit limiting. Changing disks is easy but is a pain, so plan to do several cabs in groups so you don't have to swap the disks as often.
I hope this was helpful to you.
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victor1941
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2011
Posts: 1,984
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Post by victor1941 on Jan 9, 2016 22:36:21 GMT -5
I have been using an Ameritool 8" flat lap for 5 years and have been impressed with it's quality and ease of use in shaping preforms and flats for the vibe. I can say this machine has given me excellent control in shaping and putting the curve on cabs and thinning flats. My use of thin metal toppers allows for easy grit change and balancing in a minimum of time. I did several things that make use of the machine easier. One was my own water supply and the second was to enlarge (by drilling) and using new fittings for the drain hole. The machine water collection exit now goes to a 5 gallon bucket by use of a flex tube.
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 10, 2016 1:28:53 GMT -5
Given the chouce I say definitely go with the Ameritool, it's the only primarily plastic lapidary tool I would ever recommend, and if you have a problem EVER their customer service is the best.
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osuguy0301
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2015
Posts: 203
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Post by osuguy0301 on Jan 10, 2016 9:31:37 GMT -5
Thanks for all the replies...The extra $80-$100 for the Ameritool doesn't bother me and if its a better quality machine, it would definitely be worth it to me. I would rather but something better quality and spend a few more bucks than go the cheaper route and regret it.
Jake
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barclay
has rocks in the head
Lowly Padawan of rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 510
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Post by barclay on Jan 12, 2016 8:54:40 GMT -5
The Hi-Tech was the first grinder I bought back in the day so I will chalk some of my difficulties to being a newbie. Taking the top off of the unit and cleaning the crud out of all those channels was a pain. The plastic of the shell is kind of thin and after a couple of years it started cracking and water started going bad places so now it sits in my garage gathering dust. The unit is also kind of tall so finding a table and chair to get my hands at the right height was hard so I ended up standing most of the time. I got an Ameritool for Christmas and it is a smaller unit so I don't have that height problem. The guts look a lot simpler to clean, no channels to catch the rock dust.
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Post by tntmom on Jan 17, 2016 14:19:35 GMT -5
I love my Ameritool 8. It was my first cabbing machine and I still use it every day for backs. It is also amazing for things like doublets and intarsia in addition to cabs! It is not as quick at cutting as an arbor but you can bring it inside and use it at the kitchen table on cold shop days
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ChrisO
off to a rocking start
My first groove wrap on a Charlevoix stone I polished!
Member since July 2015
Posts: 7
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Post by ChrisO on Jan 19, 2016 23:33:02 GMT -5
Two weeks and loving this tool more each day. I definitely recommend the 8" Ameritool. Had a little trouble with the water reservoir moving due to a slight vibration on one of my poorly centered discs. Remedy was to put a sheet of papertowel under it.
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