|
Post by Peruano on Dec 1, 2023 10:06:00 GMT -5
Anything heavy, larger than the greatest circumference of the specimen being polished, and easy (of feasible) to remove when you are done, will work. I was frustrated by polish becoming embedded in the sides of the specimen being polished (i.e. unpolished surfaces)so I would be tempted to try to cover lateral surfaces with sections of inner tubes or ?? Folks talk about lead weights, sections of other stones, etc. but what you use depends on what you have and how much weight you need. I noticed a commercial outfit using plaster of paris with several stones embedded in it on a circular flat lap, but p of p may be too soft for the action of a vibratory lap. It is important to sandwich a degradable layer between the specimen and the weight to facilitate a soak for removal.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 27, 2023 8:07:27 GMT -5
Most of my rough is stored outside (uv light is a concern for all plastic bags and many of the containers mentioned so far). I use the black plastic uv resistant tubs that nursery plants come in. They drain, they resist uv degradation, and come in a variety of sizes. I do throw a cloth or paper towel in the bottom to reduce spillage if small material is likely to be stored. Inside the shop I use everything from cigar boxes to dollar store bins.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 18, 2023 8:00:23 GMT -5
Neet stuff; do you suppose it is formed under water?
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 18, 2023 7:57:32 GMT -5
Congratulations on the new toy. Actually, it's not a toy; 10" is a very versatile size and once you realize its capabilities, you will tend to select stones of the appropriate size and shape to allow it to do its job. Bigger is not always better. I'm a strong believer in Raytech saws because of how easy they are to clean (plastic tray lining tank), so much so that I have one that I'm just beginning to restore, even though I have other slab saws that meet my modest needs. I'm working on a real ugly duckling that has been neglected for several years, but it has promise. Cheers.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 10, 2023 20:12:18 GMT -5
Barranca Diamond took over star diamond and provides manuals for all currently producedodels (in case your saw looks similar). Check their site. Some hp parts are potentially compatible as well.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 10, 2023 20:01:36 GMT -5
Slab saws don't really need manuals. They consist of bearings, shafts, threaded rods and things that fi those components. Ask questions when problems arise. This forum has lots of tips on how to run a slab saw. Info not usually in an equipment manual. Go forth and cut away.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 10, 2023 19:14:33 GMT -5
Please don't worry about language. We will understand. We love pictures.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 10, 2023 17:27:20 GMT -5
Its like a bike that was advertised in perfect condition but crusty as hell. I passed on the bike.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 10, 2023 17:21:57 GMT -5
Sounds like you need a new host.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 10, 2023 16:27:45 GMT -5
My phone showed heavy duty porn shots When I highlighted your photos Is it just my phonw?
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 10, 2023 15:15:59 GMT -5
There are two good size pieces remaining from the large slab for another day. You have been photo bombed in the worst way. Sexy cabs or abs?
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 4, 2023 5:40:27 GMT -5
A very nice array of the biggies and beauties, sort of like a sampler box of candy. But a great way to learn what you like and what you can do with different types of material. Sharing the diversity of this avocation is part of the game. You get to enjoy a big swatch of lapidary too.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Nov 3, 2023 6:34:04 GMT -5
It would be more informative if we had a fresh cut or windowed view of the internal, non eroded structure. I'd vote no on the basis of too little information.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Oct 24, 2023 6:20:33 GMT -5
I know there is a way to hide the posts of specific members. I can't remember how to do it, but I can tell you there are a couple of members that I've banished from my screen. Instead of following, I'm running the other way.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Oct 23, 2023 17:12:45 GMT -5
Clearly we share the same techniques and tricks. Yes the hp vice can bind a bit short of a firm clamp and all the tightening in the world can let the rock jiggle. This probably in part to rock crumbs in the vice grooves or gremlins. That's where you tapping is applicable. The issue of a blade first contacting a shallow angle is best addressed by making sure the saw is started with the stone close but not in contact with it. Thus it is spinning straight and cuts the correct groove and is not wedging the blade laterally. Slabbing is an art and probably as important to the economics of lapidary as the final steps. Cheers.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Oct 23, 2023 6:17:42 GMT -5
I do my hammering on hardwood wedges. The wedges are only inserted when the rock is "tight" and then hammered (tapped) in and if possible tightened a bit more. My old custom saw has a vice tightened with a 3/4" open end wrench which gives me some leverage; and I seem to recall that Tommy joins me in using a box wrench to extend the squeeze of the Highland Park vice on the tough ones. Your tapping is a good option too.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Oct 18, 2023 9:16:48 GMT -5
Another consideration is the position of the blade slot relative to the holes. That too could be moved if needed.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Oct 16, 2023 6:41:50 GMT -5
The best trim saw is like the best bicycle helmet, its the one that you have available and will use. If you can find a 10 or 8" that would be best. A good blade can make a moderate saw work well, but any saw with a bad blade will work you and the motor too hard. All trim saws can be messy because they lack a top, but its possible to fabricate a shield in front of the blade on most saws so that the operator does not have to take a shower with every use. Ditto for some side protection. And learning how much water (or gasp oil) to use in the tank will certainly limit the mess from lubricant spray. If you can find something really cheap, why not try it and get some experience as to what is important to you as for features to shop for when you spend real money. Happy sawing.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Oct 16, 2023 6:34:16 GMT -5
I would not fret the cleanliness issue. When you fill it with oil, some of the stuff bothering you will free up and settle out or float out on the first cleanout. If your bearings have grease zerks, I'd hit them with a grease gun, but if not, don't worry until you hear noise or sense resistance. WD40 is not a lubricant. But it is a good solvent for cleaning like you are doing. If you really need lubrication count on oil or grease. Again your tank oil will lubricate things like vice rails and threads of feed screws. I'd fill it up and run it on small rocks and little jobs until you get a feel for everything being functional and then enjoy.
|
|
|
Post by Peruano on Oct 14, 2023 16:22:39 GMT -5
Shooting blindly with too little info, I'd lean toward a terminal digit of something large fossil or not ( toe).
|
|