|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Mar 15, 2021 21:46:25 GMT -5
I'm loving seeing the update pics on this build!  This is going to be so sweet when you're done! (And I'm sure you're going to be stoked to finally get it all together!  ) |
|
nik
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2019
Posts: 315
|
Post by nik on Mar 15, 2021 22:27:28 GMT -5
I'm loving seeing the update pics on this build! This is going to be so sweet when you're done! (And I'm sure you're going to be stoked to finally get it all together! ) Thanks Jason. It's definitely been a bigger project than I initially thought, but the end is in sight. Then I'm looking at a 8-10" flat lap |
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Mar 15, 2021 22:42:09 GMT -5
I'm loving seeing the update pics on this build! This is going to be so sweet when you're done! (And I'm sure you're going to be stoked to finally get it all together! ) Thanks Jason. It's definitely been a bigger project than I initially thought, but the end is in sight. Then I'm looking at a 8-10" flat lap I'm assuming the flat lap will be another "build"...with an accompanying thread? |
|
nik
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2019
Posts: 315
|
Post by nik on Mar 15, 2021 22:56:02 GMT -5
Thanks Jason. It's definitely been a bigger project than I initially thought, but the end is in sight. Then I'm looking at a 8-10" flat lap I'm assuming the flat lap will be another "build"...with an accompanying thread? That's a safe assumption, and it will probably be over built and end up costing more than I could have just bought one for on the mainland...but I do these things because I like them |
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Mar 16, 2021 0:08:59 GMT -5
I'm assuming the flat lap will be another "build"...with an accompanying thread? That's a safe assumption, and it will probably be over built and end up costing more than I could have just bought one for on the mainland...but I do these things because I like them Sweet! I look forward to peeking in on that thread too!  And I have the same mentality when it comes to my projects...why use one screw when I can fit three in that spot?!? LOL |
|
Brian
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2020
Posts: 1,512
|
Post by Brian on Mar 16, 2021 7:00:59 GMT -5
I'm assuming the flat lap will be another "build"...with an accompanying thread? That's a safe assumption, and it will probably be over built and end up costing more than I could have just bought one for on the mainland...but I do these things because I like them But if it’s anything like your current build, it will be better built than most anything you could buy. Based on this one, I can’t wait to see how the flat lap will turn out! |
|
nik
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2019
Posts: 315
|
Post by nik on Mar 16, 2021 7:38:22 GMT -5
That's a safe assumption, and it will probably be over built and end up costing more than I could have just bought one for on the mainland...but I do these things because I like them Sweet! I look forward to peeking in on that thread too! And I have the same mentality when it comes to my projects...why use one screw when I can fit three in that spot?!? LOL You will be happy to know that parts of this grinder are held on with titanium screws |
|
nik
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2019
Posts: 315
|
Post by nik on Mar 22, 2021 2:58:34 GMT -5
It works! My never ending project of a grinder is finally turning under its own power, and successfully ground a rock, even if it was just roughing in a big block for another tap handle. The 30 grit wheel is as nice for the bulk removal as I'd hoped. This links to a video of it running at the lower speed, which should be about 1380 rpm, high speed is 1750, but I want to stiffen up the motor mount before I try that.  VID_20210322_171404 by nik1924, on Flickr Next in the series of tap handles, the first of two sanora dendritic rhyolite. Nice and messy to stain all the white paint.  IMG_20210322_171451 by nik1924, on Flickr |
|
saxplayer
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since March 2018
Posts: 1,327
|
Post by saxplayer on Mar 22, 2021 8:28:07 GMT -5
Great job nik! I don't have the skills to do this - I'm very impressed! Also, I love the tap handle idea very much! |
|
|
|
Post by hummingbirdstones on Mar 22, 2021 9:18:31 GMT -5
That is so awesome, nik! A 30 grit wheel would scare the bejesus outta me! |
|
nik
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2019
Posts: 315
|
Post by nik on Mar 22, 2021 20:03:12 GMT -5
That is so awesome, nik ! A 30 grit wheel would scare the bejesus outta me! Thanks. The 30 definitely isn't for every stone, it leaves an incredibly rough surface, but makes rounding out these palm sized tap handles so much more tolerable. I think it would be a great wheel for somebody that does lots of tumbling, for removing the rind from agates and knocking down sharp edges prior to the first stage tumble. |
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Mar 22, 2021 20:31:04 GMT -5
I cannot believe you took the test run with something as messy as sanora dendritic rhyolite! LOL (Teasing!) I'm so glad everything's working the way it's supposed to be on this behemoth! Now, tighten those motor mounts and "let 'er rip"! |
|
nik
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2019
Posts: 315
|
Post by nik on Mar 22, 2021 22:15:05 GMT -5
I cannot believe you took the test run with something as messy as sanora dendritic rhyolite! LOL (Teasing!) I'm so glad everything's working the way it's supposed to be on this behemoth! Now, tighten those motor mounts and "let 'er rip"! Thanks, the next two stones that I fed it were boulder opal and psilomelane, can't have it too pretty. It is close to where I want it, but I think the motor might get swapped for one with a bit more starting torque. As it is now, it is a bit slow to spool. I'm not too surprised though, the rotating assembly is pretty close to 100 pounds, so that is asking a lot of the motor. |
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Mar 22, 2021 22:20:12 GMT -5
I cannot believe you took the test run with something as messy as sanora dendritic rhyolite! LOL (Teasing!) I'm so glad everything's working the way it's supposed to be on this behemoth! Now, tighten those motor mounts and "let 'er rip"! Thanks, the next two stones that I fed it were boulder opal and psilomelane, can't have it too pretty. It is close to where I want it, but I think the motor might get swapped for one with a bit more starting torque. As it is now, it is a bit slow to spool. I'm not too surprised though, the rotating assembly is pretty close to 100 pounds, so that is asking a lot of the motor. I know there was a thread I was reading not too long ago in which they were talking about certain motors being used on homemade tumblers. The required start-up torque was pretty hefty due to the size of the barrels...and for the life of me I can't remember what thread that was in! (So, not a lot of help from me right there! LOL) |
|
nik
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2019
Posts: 315
|
Post by nik on Mar 23, 2021 1:08:23 GMT -5
Thanks, the next two stones that I fed it were boulder opal and psilomelane, can't have it too pretty. It is close to where I want it, but I think the motor might get swapped for one with a bit more starting torque. As it is now, it is a bit slow to spool. I'm not too surprised though, the rotating assembly is pretty close to 100 pounds, so that is asking a lot of the motor. I know there was a thread I was reading not too long ago in which they were talking about certain motors being used on homemade tumblers. The required start-up torque was pretty hefty due to the size of the barrels...and for the life of me I can't remember what thread that was in! (So, not a lot of help from me right there! LOL) I will likely just swap motors with my 10" saw. If that 1.5 hp monster wont do it, I think that the next step will have a turbocharger and burn diesel. |
|
nik
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2019
Posts: 315
|
Post by nik on Mar 27, 2021 19:30:25 GMT -5
It's official, I love this thing. I just finished a 16mm round Wyoming jade cab from preform to polish in about 8 minutes, and I'm not covered in overspray.
|
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Mar 27, 2021 20:05:09 GMT -5
It's official, I love this thing. I just finished a 16mm round Wyoming jade cab from preform to polish in about 8 minutes, and I'm not covered in overspray. EIGHT MINUTES!!! Holy crap, what the heck am I doing wrong!!! That's stunning to get one done in that amount of time. Way to go Mr. Andretti! I think it's really awesome this is working out so well for you. |
|
|
|
Post by hummingbirdstones on Mar 27, 2021 20:23:17 GMT -5
Glad you love it, nik! You spent a lot of sweat and time on it and it looks fabulous. |
|
Brian
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2020
Posts: 1,512
|
Post by Brian on Mar 27, 2021 21:03:47 GMT -5
It's official, I love this thing. I just finished a 16mm round Wyoming jade cab from preform to polish in about 8 minutes, and I'm not covered in overspray. I’m glad to hear it lives up to its looks! That was one impressive looking build and it would still be amazing if it only ran half as good as it looks! |
|
NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
|
Post by NDK on Mar 30, 2021 17:28:29 GMT -5
What an amazing build nik! I love seeing home built equipment |
|
)
