rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,058
Member is Online
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Post by rockbrain on Apr 7, 2022 22:43:10 GMT -5
I'm getting ready to order some diamond belts from Hans Lapidary for an Expandable drum that I just ordered. I'm getting an 8X3. I had the set of belts in my cart which includes 280 600 1200 3000. For another $35 I can get 280 325 600 1200 3000. $35 is a great price but is this something I'm likely to use? I'm still very green at this. I'm currently using really cheap 6x1 hard wheels in 100 and 220 and a 6x2.5 expandable drum with SIC up to 1000 then I have a 1200 and 3000 diamond belt. I'm planning on getting 8" x 2" hard wheels and I'm looking forward to the extra real estate.
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Post by rmf on Apr 8, 2022 3:43:57 GMT -5
rockbrain I currently use 80 and 220 metal bonded coarse wheels. Then follow up with a 220, 325, 600, 1200, 3000, 8000 resin wheels. All are diamond. I find the 220 resin gets the deep scratches out from the 220 metal bonded and saves me a lot of time over going straight to the 325. Saves time and wear on the 325. I have not used diamond belts only diamond wheels (mostly from Diamond Pacific). Sounds like the $35 could be a cheap (as far as diamond goes) experiment to see if it works for you.
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Post by perkins17 on Apr 8, 2022 11:10:59 GMT -5
I use an 80 hard wheel, 220 hard wheel,and then back to an 80 belt on the drum, 220, 320, 400, 600 Nova, 800, 1200 AO belt, and then 50k paste belt on almost all my cabs. My 320 and 400 belts are diamond. I think a perfect setup would be and 80 and 220 hard, 220 belt, 320 belt, 600 belt, 1200 belt, 3000 belt, and then polish. I am in a budget so I mostly use silicon carbide belts. That might be what you want to start with, seeing as they aren't above 3 dollars a belt.
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 8, 2022 12:49:32 GMT -5
The addition that is popular with people who cut hard stuff is a 140 grit soft wheel after the hard 220 to quickly remove flat spots, never tried it but the folks who do it make some very nice cabs. Definitely the 220 instead of 280 if it's available. All that said, Han and I have an unresolved dispute that compels me to warn anyone who buys from him. I ordered some wheels from him some time ago in a joint purchase from a currently inactive member here who lived near me. 2 hard diamond wheels had a large part of the plated coating blister and come off after a relatively short time of use. There was no response from them after repeated emails, Han claims now that he never recieved them. I have a set of belts from an interim purchase that I used briefly, as I found my used genie shortly after, so I have no report on them to share.
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 8, 2022 12:52:43 GMT -5
rockbrain I currently use 80 and 220 metal bonded coarse wheels. Then follow up with a 220, 325, 600, 1200, 3000, 8000 resin wheels. All are diamond. I find the 220 resin gets the deep scratches out from the 220 metal bonded and saves me a lot of time over going straight to the 325. Saves time and wear on the 325. I have not used diamond belts only diamond wheels (mostly from Diamond Pacific). Sounds like the $35 could be a cheap (as far as diamond goes) experiment to see if it works for you. Who do you get 220 and 325 from? I don't see them on DP website, and DP won't make the 220 ones for Rons Rocks anymore.
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Post by rmf on Apr 9, 2022 9:06:50 GMT -5
Rockoonz I am using DP. I am on my last 220 from them. I did a double check and the 325 (I use 325 paste on a spool polisher for Star rubies/sapphires) is actually a 280 DP wheel. I was just thinking I need more back stock on wheels. I will have to go hunting for a 220 grit wheel.
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 9, 2022 15:08:19 GMT -5
Rockoonz I am using DP. I am on my last 220 from them. I did a double check and the 325 (I use 325 paste on a spool polisher for Star rubies/sapphires) is actually a 280 DP wheel. I was just thinking I need more back stock on wheels. I will have to go hunting for a 220 grit wheel. Earth Brite rock shop in Caldwell ID does Nova recoats. I can direct you through FB or find the contact info for calls if you're interested.
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Post by rmf on Apr 10, 2022 12:05:42 GMT -5
Rockoonz I am assuming the you have used the retreads? If so how do they compare to DP originals? I would be interested in their contact info and pricing if you have it. I had not been saving old wheels until recently when I learned they could be retread. I don't social media but if you want to direct message me I would really appreciate the info.
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 11, 2022 0:19:36 GMT -5
Rockoonz I am assuming the you have used the retreads? If so how do they compare to DP originals? I would be interested in their contact info and pricing if you have it. I had not been saving old wheels until recently when I learned they could be retread. I don't social media but if you want to direct message me I would really appreciate the info. I sent a PM.
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