RWA3006
Cave Dweller 
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,620 
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Post by RWA3006 on Jun 30, 2018 10:35:05 GMT -5
I have a couple of retired pals who are dedicated rock hounds and are trying to get into lapidary work. I'm confident they will stay in the hobby, but they are limited on cash to buy equipment so that stops them from fully enjoying it. There is no way they could afford something like a Cabking, etc, but I would really like to see them get set up with a minimum outfit that will serve them nicely. They are not mechanically inclined enough to build a cabbing machine, but I am. I just want ideas on what equipment you deem to be most useful and necessary.
I've looked at threads on building cabbing devices, but some tend to have many wheels or features that may not be absolutely necessary. If you had to minimize your equipment what would you keep? I seem to remember that bobby1 uses a simple system that is effective. Advise?
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Post by manofglass on Jun 30, 2018 10:52:36 GMT -5
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 30, 2018 11:13:18 GMT -5
You could look into building a flat lap. It would be cheaper, easier and will function well for cabbing.
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Post by fernwood on Jun 30, 2018 11:26:05 GMT -5
Look at the thread manofglass referred to. Anyone with a little money and some building experience/equipment could do this. I am doing everything for cabs by hand. Have a Dremel and some diamond files, sandpaper, etc. Just be sure they have a water set up. I made mine using fish tank supplies. Simple and portable. Many rocks throw off toxic dust when grinding. Even with the water drip system, I still use a mask. Thank you for reaching out on behalf of your friends. |
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,620
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Post by RWA3006 on Jun 30, 2018 12:47:44 GMT -5
You could look into building a flat lap. It would be cheaper, easier and will function well for cabbing. Thanks for your input. How many different grits would you use if it were your project, and what would they be? |
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,620
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Post by RWA3006 on Jun 30, 2018 12:55:37 GMT -5
I am doing everything for cabs by hand. Have a Dremel and some diamond files, sandpaper, etc. Yes, one of my pals is using carbide sand paper to do his cabs. He places a sheet of sand paper in one hand and works the cab on it with the other hand. I'd sure love to see him get something motorized for this task. My other friend uses an old Dremel and is ready to upgrade. I'd like to facilitate. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 30, 2018 13:29:40 GMT -5
You could look into building a flat lap. It would be cheaper, easier and will function well for cabbing. Thanks for your input. How many different grits would you use if it were your project, and what would they be? Here's the Ameritool flatlap that I have. www.ameritool-inc.com/store/index.cfm/product/5_8/universal-heavy-duty-grinder-and-polishing-machine-complete-with-accessories-kit.cfm I bought with the disks but added 80 and 8000, I believe. Or, go with what's on the genie. 80, 220, 280, 600, 1200, 3000, 14,000. I added 50 and 100k, too. |
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Jun 30, 2018 15:03:43 GMT -5
I have a couple of retired pals who are dedicated rock hounds and are trying to get into lapidary work. I'm confident they will stay in the hobby, but they are limited on cash to buy equipment so that stops them from fully enjoying it. There is no way they could afford something like a Cabking, etc, but I would really like to see them get set up with a minimum outfit that will serve them nicely. They are not mechanically inclined enough to build a cabbing machine, but I am. I just want ideas on what equipment you deem to be most useful and necessary. I've looked at threads on building cabbing devices, but some tend to have many wheels or features that may not be absolutely necessary. If you had to minimize your equipment what would you keep? I seem to remember that bobby1 uses a simple system that is effective. Advise? The easiest least expensive way to get started in Lapidary...  A used 6" B&I GemMaker. These were sold by Sears and other retailers for nearly four decades. There are thousands of them sitting around in basements and garages. Just need to keep an eye out on Craigslist, eBay and local auctions. They turn up frequently. The outfit pictured above sold online for $150 with everything needed to get started except the motor and a heat source for dopping. The motor required is a standard 1/3hp continuous duty, 1725rpm general purpose motor which is one of the most common electric motors ever made and can purchased new for around $100. And are pretty easy to find used at farm auctions, industrial auctions and flea markets for around $20. And an alcohol lamp and tin can, or an old used coffee maker warmer, or electric frying pan can be use for a cheap heat source for dopping. Larry C. |
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,620
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Post by RWA3006 on Jun 30, 2018 16:02:45 GMT -5
Thank you everybody.
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Post by stardiamond on Jun 30, 2018 16:22:42 GMT -5
The main cost of a cabbing machine is the wheels. If you go all diamond you need six wheels. The original setup I had was 80 grit hard, 220 grit hard, a belt sander and a chamois/leather polishing pad with tin oxide. I cut a lot of cabs with it, but felt limited.
The larger the wheels the more expensive they are. Best place to start is with used equipment. A two wheel arbor is enough with swapping the wheels.
The machine does not need to have a drip system. I bought bottom spray heads which use an aquarium pump to supply water from the pan under the wheels.
Many people here use an inexpensive tile saw as a trim saw.
I know nothing about tumbling and associated costs, but I've seen some nice cabs preformed on a tile saw and then tumbled.
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