10thumbs
spending too much on rocks
I want to be reincarnated as a dog.
Member since March 2009
Posts: 480
|
Post by 10thumbs on Jul 24, 2009 8:51:00 GMT -5
For the purposes of this poll it is irrelevant whether you're using belts, wheels, discs, pads, or compounds. I think it will be interesting to get a sense of what the experts typically use. Yes, this is yet another poll by me as I try and convince myself to spend more money on lapidary tools.
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Jul 24, 2009 9:28:57 GMT -5
You left out 280. It is first soft wheel on Diamond Pacific machines, Cab-Kings, and more.
|
|
10thumbs
spending too much on rocks
I want to be reincarnated as a dog.
Member since March 2009
Posts: 480
|
Post by 10thumbs on Jul 24, 2009 14:48:11 GMT -5
I intentionally left of the 200/220 phase as I thought that was more of a second stage of the grind rather than a true polish. But I freely admit that I barely know what I'm doing...
|
|
drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
|
Post by drjo on Jul 24, 2009 20:05:42 GMT -5
Deciding whether this... 1) is a hobby or 2) is to be self supporting or 3) is to support you will drive these answers best. Even to enjoy a hobby properly to have to have the right tools. Just ask the few who use sandpaper and a piece of glass! Getting an incredible shine on a gem makes it all worth it tho. You could ask for belts/disks/compounds for your birthday, your neighbor's birthday, anniversaries, bar mitzvah, Christmas, kwansaa, solar equinox, you getting the idea yet. ;D Sometimes giving nice 'presents' can change a outlook too. Dr Joe .
|
|
10thumbs
spending too much on rocks
I want to be reincarnated as a dog.
Member since March 2009
Posts: 480
|
Post by 10thumbs on Jul 25, 2009 8:39:20 GMT -5
Deciding whether this... 1) is a hobby or 2) is to be self supporting or 3) is to support you will drive these answers best. #1 This has to be it. Nobody would pay for the rocks I mangle. #2 Unless I bought a table at a rock swap or a craft show I don't know how I'd do this. And it's likely I wouldn't make my $20 back on the table. #3 I've been to rock shows and seen the mountains of cabs fresh off the boat from China. Is this even an option for anyone?
|
|
10thumbs
spending too much on rocks
I want to be reincarnated as a dog.
Member since March 2009
Posts: 480
|
Post by 10thumbs on Jul 31, 2009 14:33:31 GMT -5
Well I took a first step and had John (JSGEMS) send me four Eastwind belts (400, 600, 1200, 3000). I know I need a couple more. Maybe for my birthday in September I'll treat myself. Therefore I am still very interested in the steps people are using but poll to my response has been very limited. I don't care if people are using belts, wheels, flex wheels, paste, laps. I just want to see which steps y'all are using.
|
|
drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
|
Post by drjo on Jul 31, 2009 18:03:28 GMT -5
Congrats on the new toys Just remember, let the belt do all the work, use no more pressure than to hold the stone to the wheel. It's takes a little bit longer complete each step but the belts last so much longer. When you think your ready to move to the next step or belt try looking at the finish with a jeweler's loop or strong magnifying glass...it can show a whole new world of scratches (I hate doing that part when I'm tired). Got anything finished yet? huh! do ya? huh!?! Dr Joe .
|
|
highplainsdrifter
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,266
|
Post by highplainsdrifter on Jul 31, 2009 21:21:38 GMT -5
For me, it depends on what I'm polishing. For my picture jaspers and any materials that are free from any surface defects I go right from 3000 to optical grade cerium oxide. On any materials that have surface issues that cerium will get stuck in, I use diamond paste. Typically I use 14000,50000,100000.
|
|
|
Post by akansan on Aug 3, 2009 10:38:43 GMT -5
The 280 is the third step on the CabKing/Genie - it's after the 220.
|
|
10thumbs
spending too much on rocks
I want to be reincarnated as a dog.
Member since March 2009
Posts: 480
|
Post by 10thumbs on Aug 4, 2009 12:31:50 GMT -5
The 280 is the third step on the CabKing/Genie - it's after the 220. Jumping up only 60 grit seems gratuitous, doesn't it?
|
|
|
Post by akansan on Aug 4, 2009 16:15:47 GMT -5
You'd think so, but not really. My 280 wheel does a lot of the work - in fact, it's the wheel I've replaced the most. If I do a good job on the 280, the rest of the steps are a breeze. It takes out the flats left by the hard wheels, really setting the cab up for the final sanding and polishing stages. You jump from the 280 straight to the 600 wheel, and then it's basically on to the polishing stages.
|
|
10thumbs
spending too much on rocks
I want to be reincarnated as a dog.
Member since March 2009
Posts: 480
|
Post by 10thumbs on Aug 9, 2009 8:40:00 GMT -5
In retrospect, who the heck am I to second guess a manufacturer that's been making lapidary equipment as long as Diamond.
|
|
|
Post by rocklicker on Sept 1, 2009 18:01:32 GMT -5
I recently switched to a 280 grit wheel and was very impressed. It really made a difference and it gets me to the 600 grit wheel faster which is where I concentrate on the most. To think what I was missing ;D Oh and don't forget compound polishes. I used to use cerium, went to 3 stages of diamond pastes (14K, 50K, 100K), and now I'm back to cerium (sorry Ed... I gotta be me). My trick is ceruim oxide on felt. Use that after 3000 grit and whamo- you're looking in a mirror! Steve
|
|