First Couple of Spheres. And a question about cups.

pauls
fully equipped rock polisher

Member since May 2013
Posts: 1,172

First Couple of Spheres. And a question about cups. Dec 9, 2018 1:06:41 GMT -5

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Post by pauls on Dec 9, 2018 1:06:41 GMT -5

For your resin idea, what about car dent filler, you wouldn't need much of a mold for that. just a cardboard tube would hold for the couple of minutes for it to set. It would be easy to use too just mix the diamond in the filler first then add the catalyst and plaster it in your mold. It would need to be run wet otherwise the resin could melt and make a real mess.

loot
starting to spend too much on rocks

Member since October 2017
Posts: 111

First Couple of Spheres. And a question about cups. Apr 3, 2019 16:37:09 GMT -5 via Tapatalk whyofquartz likes this

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Post by loot on Apr 3, 2019 16:37:09 GMT -5

I've made resin/diamond mix before on cast iron cups. I've used JB Weld/diamond on cast iron cups, I used used pvc as cup material also with multiple diamond/epoxy mixes. All worked, however for short periods of time and my return on investment is low at best. I've made my own brazing rods as was discussed before and yes, that works very well, however once again the return on investment was low. I ended up using diamond core drill bits instead. Work amazing even with my less that amazing preforms. I have little to no wear showing on them even after dozens of shares ranging from limestone to agates. I only use these cups for getting my stone spherical, then I use the commercially made 3 or 4 inch diamond pads, glued to pvc fittings for my polishing stages. Those range from 50 to 10k grit, then a quick buff and I'm done. Hope this helps, feel free to PM me for any other info. And I'm always open to critique on my setups.

meandgod67
off to a rocking start

Member since June 2019
Posts: 1

First Couple of Spheres. And a question about cups. Jun 8, 2019 6:24:46 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by meandgod67 on Jun 8, 2019 6:24:46 GMT -5

Can I get info on how to make a sphere machine?
I can get the diamond heads and the motors but don’t know the setup. Can someone point me in the right direction or show me a rough blueprint of how to get set up?
I want to make 2-3 inch spheres as gifts.
I have a 18 pound vibratory tumbler

AzRockGeek
has rocks in the head

Member since September 2016
Posts: 703

First Couple of Spheres. And a question about cups. Jun 8, 2019 12:43:31 GMT -5

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Post by AzRockGeek on Jun 8, 2019 12:43:31 GMT -5

Jun 8, 2019 6:24:46 GMT -5 meandgod67 said:

Can I get info on how to make a sphere machine?
I can get the diamond heads and the motors but don’t know the setup. Can someone point me in the right direction or show me a rough blueprint of how to get set up?
I want to make 2-3 inch spheres as gifts.
I have a 18 pound vibratory tumbler

Glance through all threads in this folder, you will find what looking for. Also, search the DIY projects under lapidary equipment.

That is some nice Gneiss Schist!

Rockshund
off to a rocking start

Member since July 2019
Posts: 8

First Couple of Spheres. And a question about cups. Jul 31, 2019 15:43:32 GMT -5

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Post by Rockshund on Jul 31, 2019 15:43:32 GMT -5

Beautiful spheres Kilgore! I'm working on a homebuilt machine now. I have heard of people doing what you suggest with the epoxy. I would try to find a zero VOC epoxy (no volatiles) to avoid shrinkage!

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while!