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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2022 19:30:58 GMT -5
I’m going to try and make a cab but with limited resources and perhaps some unorthodox ways. So I’m going to brainstorm out load to you guys to get your thoughts and input. Would this work? -cut a slab on my tile saw -grid it into a rough shape with the saw blade (I know this will wear it down quicker i also have an angle grinder but don’t know what kind of wheel I would need to use for that. Anyone know for that?) -use diamond burrs in the dremel to fine tune the cuts and smooth things out - put the cab in the lot-o to polish it What are your guys thoughts? Also I was thinking of using a bench grinder as a make shift cabbing machine. Would that be possible? What wheels would you use? Would I still need to use the lot-o to polish it? Thank you all for the help. I’ll tag Jim too b/c he has the mind for out of the box machinery! jamesp |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jul 21, 2022 19:36:48 GMT -5
We've had quite a few people who used and use the dremel and tumbling. miket uses the dremel and does a great job. I'm pretty sure there are a lot of older posts you can search, too.
I think you should go for it.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2022 19:44:40 GMT -5
@rockjunqie Thank you Tela! Once I get that down I’ll give wire wrapping a go. You sure do inspire me with your work! |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jul 21, 2022 19:46:02 GMT -5
What Tela said. It's been done, so you can do it, too!  |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2022 19:48:06 GMT -5
hummingbirdstonesThank you Robin! so it’s sounding like my thinking is a possibility!?
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Post by mohs on Jul 21, 2022 19:56:59 GMT -5
That a good creative project, Ashley
and you'll learn a lot
butte the bench grinder is not a good idea!!
bad
the rpm is way to high
and can lead to very serious injury
we don't need anymore of that
I started out with basic tools
and enjoyed what whatever I could produce
and you'll see your skill and equipt will follow
if its your thing....
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 21, 2022 20:02:43 GMT -5
Yep! What mohs said! NAY NAY on the bench grinder. I've made cabs start to finish with my Dremel. However, you don't have to take it all the way to polish with the Dremel. You can get the shape down extremely well with the diamond wheels/bits, then use the vibe to finish it. I know that's what MikeT does. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2022 20:15:42 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2022 20:18:17 GMT -5
jasoninsdThanks Jason! I’m thinking of just doing the shaping with the dremel and saving time with the polish by just throwing it in the lot-o since I always have something running in there anyways and I really don’t feel like hand polishing in with the dremel. With the kiddos I don’t have the time for that. I’ll let the vibe do the polishing work.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 21, 2022 20:32:01 GMT -5
jasoninsd Thanks Jason! I’m thinking of just doing the shaping with the dremel and saving time with the polish by just throwing it in the lot-o since I always have something running in there anyways and I really don’t feel like hand polishing in with the dremel. With the kiddos I don’t have the time for that. I’ll let the vibe do the polishing work. It totally makes sense for you to use the Lot-O. I think in one of my REALLY old threads, I described the full process I used when making the cab with the Dremel...including the types of bits and sanding disks I used. The thing I'd warn you about is putting the cabs in the Lot-O "too soon". If it's soft material, you're going to lose your shape on your cabs. The harder material, the better chance you're going to have in keeping the original shape - but even then, you can lose your edges. I would not rely on the Lot-O for any kind of shaping...just polishing. I think it's awesome you're going to give this a shot! For me, there's something so satisfying about creating something out of stone with my own hands. |
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Post by realrockhound on Jul 21, 2022 20:38:55 GMT -5
Would beveling the edges with a dremel before throwing it in the tumbler, add a doming effect? Similar to the same process as done on the wheels. This would allow for a distinct girdle.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 21, 2022 21:52:43 GMT -5
Would beveling the edges with a dremel before throwing it in the tumbler, add a doming effect? Similar to the same process as done on the wheels. This would allow for a distinct girdle. It would add the "effect"...but when you rely on the tumbler to do ANY shaping, you're at the whim of chance as to what the outcome is going to be. In order to have a "well-shaped" cab come OUT of the tumbler, I feel you need to have the final shape of the cab already done PRIOR to going in the tumbler...and again, only relying on the tumbler to provide a polish. When I wrapped a couple stones that weren't cabs, I didn't want them to lose ANY shape (and even the vibe can make them lose shape at the 500 grit level), so I ran the other stones in the 500 stage, then added the stones on the second or third day of running the 500...because by the 2nd or 3rd day, the grit is closer to 1000 grit. |
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on Jul 21, 2022 22:21:34 GMT -5
An RTH member shaped these cabs using only the side of a tile saw Ashley. And finished them with a rotary tumbler. All are coral and very hard material. Jason mentioned saving the edges and these don't have the sharpest edges.   |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2022 23:14:58 GMT -5
jasoninsdThanks Jason! I appreciate your input and wisdom!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2022 23:15:49 GMT -5
jamespThanks Jim! That’s helpful to see and inspiring!
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Post by jasoninsd on Jul 22, 2022 1:26:47 GMT -5
jasoninsd Thanks Jason! I appreciate your input and wisdom! Whoa...let's not go overboard here! LOL I never hear the words "wisdom" and my name in the same sentence...and well...technically I still haven't as you used two sentences there! LOL I'm probably a lot closer to "We's dumb" than wisdom! LOL |
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Post by Starguy on Jul 22, 2022 1:37:42 GMT -5
ashleyBench grinders designed for steel will be unsafe to use for rocks. It’s hard to adapt them for water cooling and the wheels can fly apart if unbalanced by the weight of the water. I’ve seen pictures of people with pieces of grinding wheel stuck in their heads. I like the way you’re thinking. The Dremel with diamond burrs, wheels and points will work although it will be a slow process. I use my CabKing for grinding on tumbler rocks all the time. It can speed them up considerably and it allows you to target the problem pit or crack. Lapidary equipment is expensive new and used equipment can be unreliable and is still often expensive. I have lapidary equipment that I wish I wouldn’t have purchased. My advice would be to plan where you want to be in the future and start saving for the equipment you will need. It’s hard to prioritize because there are so many facets to this hobby, pardon the pun. You’re doing the right thing asking questions. Is there a lapidary club near you? They often have equipment you can use to try out your ideas.
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Post by vegasjames on Jul 22, 2022 7:49:04 GMT -5
I would think that if you use a wet grinder (have water drip systems built in) held tightly in place with diamond polishing pads and an aluminum backer you could do it. I have used grinders to round off and polish rocks. Cabbing is similar on a smaller scale.
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jamesp
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Post by jamesp on Jul 22, 2022 8:22:09 GMT -5
rockpickerforever makes wicked fine cabs using a lapper. Even I have(preferably an 8 inch unit). Start with the 60 grit plate, switch to the 220, then the 500. Finally the 1000 plate to form the edges and remove scratches. Do 500 and then polish in the vibe and presto.
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Post by liveoak on Jul 22, 2022 8:37:23 GMT -5
I have a 1" X 30" inexpensive belt sander that I've used to help shape & polish cabs.
You have to get belts they sell for knife makers.
Since it's an inexpensive machine, I found using it outside, with a wet sponge keeping water on the stone worked for some things.
Patty
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