goiter
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2019
Posts: 11
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Post by goiter on Apr 10, 2021 16:31:39 GMT -5
Hi, I’m thinking of getting a handheld polishing tool, and would need to clamp my agate cut side up, with room above the clamp to polish the whole face. Any ideas on how this might work? Thanks in advance.
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rockstock
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2019
Posts: 472
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Post by rockstock on Apr 10, 2021 18:33:56 GMT -5
Clamp the polishing tool and manually move the rock.
I've been messing with one on larger rocks so I've only had them on the ground or moving angles by hand and boot.
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Post by manofglass on Apr 10, 2021 18:42:53 GMT -5
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standles
spending too much on rocks
Well all I got was a rock ... Cool!
Member since February 2021
Posts: 325
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Post by standles on Apr 10, 2021 19:50:02 GMT -5
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goiter
off to a rocking start
Member since July 2019
Posts: 11
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Post by goiter on Apr 12, 2021 20:22:03 GMT -5
Thanks for all for the responses, guys. The problem I have is I am polishing the cut face on some big Kentucky agates. How would you clamp to the round bottom of the rock while polishing the face? The vacuum clamps are interesting, I’ll have to look into those more, any other thoughts?
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 12, 2021 20:51:44 GMT -5
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standles
spending too much on rocks
Well all I got was a rock ... Cool!
Member since February 2021
Posts: 325
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Post by standles on Apr 13, 2021 5:08:37 GMT -5
Another Idea is a pitch pot. You heat the pitch up and smoosh whatever irregular item your trying to hold into it and let cool. Then go to town. to remove reheat and remove. If backside is full of cracks/crevices/divots I would probably add a layer of foil/parchment etc between pitch and rock to reduce cleanup. How big a rock face? This is what vibrating flat laps are made for. A 10" to 16" can be had for 400-500 and if this is something you plan on doing often well worth the cost. Alternatively you can look at the DIY project page and build you own forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/page/diy-projects
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Post by HankRocks on Apr 13, 2021 6:58:22 GMT -5
Another Idea is a pitch pot. You heat the pitch up and smoosh whatever irregular item your trying to hold into it and let cool. Then go to town. to remove reheat and remove. If backside is full of cracks/crevices/divots I would probably add a layer of foil/parchment etc between pitch and rock to reduce cleanup. How big a rock face? This is what vibrating flat laps are made for. A 10" to 16" can be had for 400-500 and if this is something you plan on doing often well worth the cost. Alternatively you can look at the DIY project page and build you own forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/page/diy-projectsI agree that a Vib Lap is a good way to go to polish cut halves and even large slabs for that matter. I have polished several hundred halves on a Flat Lap over the years, some up to 13 inches across. Currently have a 20 inch model so it can accommodate larger rocks. The main trick to polishing on a Vib Lap is adequate and balanced weight for the piece being polished. Pictures of what you are trying to polish would be helpful.
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brotherbill
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2018
Posts: 370
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Post by brotherbill on Apr 13, 2021 7:48:33 GMT -5
Hi, I’m thinking of getting a handheld polishing tool, and would need to clamp my agate cut side up, with room above the clamp to polish the whole face. Any ideas on how this might work? Thanks in advance. I am thinking of getting a wet grinder as well. I have only seen the Barranca and Makita models. Are you leaning towards any particular type? I saw a guy demonstrating one at Quartzsite a couple of years ago. He had a Thunder egg on a table with sides (approx. 4 " high). The table had a rubber mat. The egg was in a corner and the rotation direction of the disk seemed to keep it firmly lodged there. No clamps were used. I can't say this would work in all circumstances but worked well for that application.
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