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Post by Peruano on Jan 9, 2020 10:16:46 GMT -5
Persistence and luck are critical. Using one of the programs that sweeps together results from a large number of regional Craigslist listings so its easy to see what's in the region and not just your home town. Its hardly efficient but its partly rewarding and partly fun, visiting garage sales. I have picked up a practically new Lortone cab unit for less than half price, and a mini sonic vibratory tumbler at a bargain price at yard sales that had not advertised rock equipment. I found two saws on Craigslist by searching on rock saw instead of the broader "lapidary" search word. Talking to like minded interested folks to alert them that you would be interested in things they discover would be useful too. Hey this is an older community and there is a turnover of enthusiasts and their equipment. You have to listen for the rumblings of the turnover There may not be many offerings in your area, but once in awhile there will be one than the community does not recognize or snap up before you see it. I frequently see the question "what would be the best saw or sander for a beginner". The answer in my view is the one that you find Used that can be purchased at a reasonable price - use it and then move up as other opportunities come along. The biggest bargain available almost everywhere is a used tile saw. Alas there is no grinder/polisher equivalent in the general tool market, but there are lots of small combo units Rock Rascals being one suite of options that pop up with some frequency. Good luck with your search.
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julieooly
Cave Dweller 
Member since October 2018
Posts: 721 
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Post by julieooly on Jan 9, 2020 11:29:46 GMT -5
How do people find all these sweet deals on equipment. I know I don't live in the best part of the country for the hobby, but I rarely if ever see anything near me being sold for anything resembling a reasonable price. Any advice on where to look for deals? The Southeast is not known for lapidary that's for sure. I live north of Atlanta and never see anything either. If you search out of region you'll just end up having to drive a long way to pick up or forfeit the cost of shipping. I'd just widen my circle to as far as I'm willing to drive and start there. Or if you have family you visit by driving search in their areas and pick up next time you see them - unfortunately that means asking for their help plus relying on their knowledge of a sound piece of equipment. There is a lapidary school in North Georgia called William Holland, I wonder if they have a posting area for equipment for sale? I'm considering classes at some point but want to go with a buddy. Lapidary buddies close to me are just as scarce as used equipment though  lapidaryschool.org/main.aspx |
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Jan 9, 2020 12:41:42 GMT -5
How do people find all these sweet deals on equipment. I know I don't live in the best part of the country for the hobby, but I rarely if ever see anything near me being sold for anything resembling a reasonable price. Any advice on where to look for deals? The Southeast is not known for lapidary that's for sure. I live north of Atlanta and never see anything either. If you search out of region you'll just end up having to drive a long way to pick up or forfeit the cost of shipping. I'd just widen my circle to as far as I'm willing to drive and start there. Or if you have family you visit by driving search in their areas and pick up next time you see them - unfortunately that means asking for their help plus relying on their knowledge of a sound piece of equipment. There is a lapidary school in North Georgia called William Holland, I wonder if they have a posting area for equipment for sale? I'm considering classes at some point but want to go with a buddy. Lapidary buddies close to me are just as scarce as used equipment though lapidaryschool.org/main.aspxjulieooly I've been wanting to go to either William Holland or Wildacres too, I just need to find the time. I've been able to buy some stuff from local folks in my club, but still need a few things to set up a full shop. I have family out on the West Coast (and there's TONS listed near them), but fly to visit, obviously. I've got a friend who sometimes drives his van in from Oregon, I need to find out when he's heading cross-country again.
Someday I'll have lots of time and an RV...
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Post by knave on Jan 9, 2020 14:49:15 GMT -5
FYI last I checked the Vibrating Lap and Large saw were still up on CL.
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Post by knave on Jan 9, 2020 14:50:30 GMT -5
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Post by knave on Jan 9, 2020 14:50:51 GMT -5
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Post by joshuamcduffie on Jan 16, 2020 20:28:04 GMT -5
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Post by knave on Mar 24, 2020 11:23:55 GMT -5
Option 1: purchase and install a narrower (2”) expando wheel for easier belt swap
Option 2: cut out a semi circle on the right side of the drain pan to allow 3” belt to be removed without twisting the sanding belt
Purchasing a 6 wheel is on the back burner for now.
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Post by knave on Mar 24, 2020 19:33:01 GMT -5
Option 1: purchase and install a narrower (2”) expando wheel for easier belt swap Option 2: cut out a semi circle on the right side of the drain pan to allow 3” belt to be removed without twisting the sanding belt Purchasing a 6 wheel is on the back burner for now. I unno. I don’t think I’m an expando wheel type. Maybe haul my scrap in and buy some tp and a cabbing machine. Not in that order. |
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Post by knave on Mar 29, 2020 15:24:09 GMT -5
 Easier to change belts now. Kinda hacky though but that’s ok with me. Lol |
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dreamrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
I got lucky this morning and was able to post this no others since
Member since November 2018
Posts: 1,232
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Post by dreamrocks on Mar 29, 2020 15:37:01 GMT -5
How do people find all these sweet deals on equipment. I know I don't live in the best part of the country for the hobby, but I rarely if ever see anything near me being sold for anything resembling a reasonable price. Any advice on where to look for deals? I have seen Craigslist in Washington state and in Oregon I searching craigslist for rough rock back around Xmas and servers came up but shipping created a problem for some that offered shipping seemed to high others practically giving rocks away would not ship. Hope this helps good luck |
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Post by knave on Mar 29, 2020 15:37:02 GMT -5
I did wash the expando wheel hopefully it helps the balance.
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