heathervee
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 57
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Post by heathervee on Nov 6, 2021 15:20:58 GMT -5
I'd like to start grinding and pre-shaping my stones to get the best results. I've been dreaming of the cabking but don't want to make the investment at this point, since I'm just getting started. Is there a good entry-level tool anyone can suggest?
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Post by knave on Nov 6, 2021 16:05:07 GMT -5
If you are adventurous $99 tile saw and a tuck point diamond blade. Lower the blade all the way down.
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Post by perkins17 on Nov 6, 2021 17:44:42 GMT -5
I would begin by checking Craigslist and Facebook marketplace. I scored an antique grinder off marketplace for 25 dollars a couple weeks ago. Good luck!
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Post by mohs on Nov 6, 2021 17:56:12 GMT -5
find an old rocker like mohs who as all the necessary accouterments butte not the space willing to let it go real reasonably to the enthusiastic
best of luck were a dying breed ha ha
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heathervee
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 57
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Post by heathervee on Nov 10, 2021 19:30:57 GMT -5
knave, sorry but I didn't follow any of what you advised. I can grind with a saw?
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heathervee
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 57
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Post by heathervee on Nov 10, 2021 19:32:02 GMT -5
@mohs, if you have any equipment you'd like to part with, I'm happy to take it off your hands!
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heathervee
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 57
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Post by heathervee on Nov 10, 2021 19:34:12 GMT -5
Can I use a dremel or hand grinder? I haven't found anything used and the least expensive one I've found is a slanted 6 inch cabbing machine that kinda looks like a toy and is $500+, which is quite an investment for a newcomer
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heathervee
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 57
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Post by heathervee on Nov 10, 2021 19:35:34 GMT -5
On the other hand, I think if I could grind out some imperfections pre-tumble it would make a world of difference in the end result
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Post by knave on Nov 10, 2021 19:43:59 GMT -5
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Post by mohs on Nov 10, 2021 19:48:07 GMT -5
@mohs, if you have any equipment you'd like to part with, I'm happy to take it off your hands! not sure I;m finished yet rock season as started and I just did preliminary spin up of my cabber so i probably get the grind bug, again anyway it well used equipment but it always roll little at a time is the way I started
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Post by Rockoonz on Nov 11, 2021 1:23:30 GMT -5
Can I use a dremel or hand grinder? I haven't found anything used and the least expensive one I've found is a slanted 6 inch cabbing machine that kinda looks like a toy and is $500+, which is quite an investment for a newcomer A flex shaft with a few diamond burrs and a bunch of cutoff wheels can do a lot, it's what I use to carve. I use Foredoms, but there are less expensive alternatives. Always keep everything wet, and wear a mask and eye protection.
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Post by miket on Nov 11, 2021 10:18:26 GMT -5
Can I use a dremel or hand grinder? I haven't found anything used and the least expensive one I've found is a slanted 6 inch cabbing machine that kinda looks like a toy and is $500+, which is quite an investment for a newcomer I use a dremel for all of my cabs, you really can do quite a lot with one, as Rockoonz stated. Diamond burrs are fairly inexpensive but I burn through them pretty quickly.
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jimmie
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 233
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Post by jimmie on Nov 11, 2021 10:36:56 GMT -5
Grizzly tools has a good flex shaft grinder. I have one, works good and affordable. Got my bits from Lasco diamond products.
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Post by Rockoonz on Nov 11, 2021 10:51:02 GMT -5
Can I use a dremel or hand grinder? I haven't found anything used and the least expensive one I've found is a slanted 6 inch cabbing machine that kinda looks like a toy and is $500+, which is quite an investment for a newcomer I use a dremel for all of my cabs, you really can do quite a lot with one, as Rockoonz stated. Diamond burrs are fairly inexpensive but I burn through them pretty quickly.
Get some SiC cutoff wheels with mandrels. Get the straight discs without any mesh reinforcement, the mesh will get in the way as they wear down. I stack 2 or 3 on the mandrel and they can be a smoother or they can carve concaves. I just keep a double bowl dog dish on the table and dunk the stone to keep it wet. Here's one for example, I think you can do better for price though. amazon.com/Dremel-409-Cut-off-Wheels-thick/dp/B00004UDGX/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=SiC+cut+off+discs+for+dremel&qid=1636644975&sr=8-9
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heathervee
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 57
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Post by heathervee on Nov 12, 2021 9:39:03 GMT -5
Grizzly tools has a good flex shaft grinder. I have one, works good and affordable. Got my bits from Lasco diamond products. What is the advantage of a flex shaft vs a static shaft tool?
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Post by knave on Nov 12, 2021 9:58:07 GMT -5
You don’t have to carry the motor.
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heathervee
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 57
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Post by heathervee on Nov 12, 2021 12:20:49 GMT -5
You don’t have to carry the motor. oh, that makes sense! TY!
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Post by Rockoonz on Nov 12, 2021 18:26:48 GMT -5
heathervee a flex shaft also keeps the electric part away from the water part, always a good idea.
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dshanpnw
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2020
Posts: 1,071
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Post by dshanpnw on Nov 13, 2021 8:35:02 GMT -5
Hello Heathervee, I use a 6" bench grinder with 60 grit wheels. It works very well, but the wheels sure do not last very long. I also use a Dremel for certain rocks with smaller problem areas, and I use a 6" trim saw to cut away any really big sections. I have a flex shaft and it does make working on the small defects a little easier.
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heathervee
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2021
Posts: 57
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Post by heathervee on Nov 14, 2021 14:56:05 GMT -5
I did it! I have a dremel with a flex shaft and some bits (I think I need better ones) and I've been practicing grinding! I'm running agates and they have a LOT of holes, from tiny pinholes to very deep pits filled with geode crystals (they look like tiny caves). I don’t expect them to be perfectly smooth with the dremel, just want to give them a better run thru the grit. Are agates a bad choice for a beginning grinder? I read elsewhere on the forum that some people just fill the holes?
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