jhh
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2020
Posts: 5
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Post by jhh on Mar 12, 2024 17:41:37 GMT -5
Hello all, I previously entered this forum years ago, got some great advice, got out of rock hunting for a while, and I'm now back into it again. I do have some questions I would appreciate being answered. Before I ask, my only piece of lapidary equipment is a Lortone tumbler (6# capacity, I believe) which is great! I'm looking to get a 8" or 10" lapidary saw for cutting rocks that aren't too big, but I'm confused by all the ads. Plus, I've heard that Hi Tech Diamond saws don't last. So what are my best options if I want something decent that won't break the bank? Also, I don't plan to make jewelry or anything, but what are my options for polishing what I do cut? I think cabbing machines might be overkill for me. Flat lap? Something else? Many thanks for your suggestions. John
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Post by Pat on Mar 12, 2024 17:46:10 GMT -5
I can’t advise you on machines, but I can welcome you from California.
I must add: 80 huh, it’s about time! : )
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ThomasT
spending too much on rocks
Trying to keep the dust down.
Member since June 2022
Posts: 258
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Post by ThomasT on Mar 12, 2024 17:49:01 GMT -5
The new models of HP Lapidary saws are heavy duty.
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Post by vegasjames on Mar 12, 2024 18:09:34 GMT -5
Welcome John from Southern Nevada.
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,722
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Post by khara on Mar 12, 2024 18:11:49 GMT -5
Welcome back! I don’t know much about new equipment. I would start by seeing if you can possibly find any used equipment still. This is getting harder to do but you never know. Check local estate and garage sales. See if there is a rock club in your area as other members can be a good resource for finding old equipment. It gets snatched up quick though. Check everyday online on whatever platform is convenient to you. I am really glad I picked up an old trim saw and drop saw a decade or so ago. I found these via a local rock club that had been contacted by a family running an estate sale for an old rockhound. I also got a small flat lap machine from a fellow member who didn’t want it anymore. Clubs can be a great resource. My only new equipment is a new cabbing machine and yes if you aren’t really interested in cabbing then a new machine would be overkill. Probably the “cheapest” new equipment route would be one of the small flat lap machines but I’ve not worked with them. Good luck! Looking forward to seeing what all you do.
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chris1956
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2022
Posts: 1,227
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Post by chris1956 on Mar 12, 2024 18:20:26 GMT -5
Welcome from Missouri. HP Lapidary may be the best bet in saws. I have a newer Covington 10" saw. There are some things about it that make it a pain to clean and change blades and keep the oil at the right level. On the plus side, Covington has always been great when it comes to getting answers about any problems with the saw.
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Post by drocknut on Mar 12, 2024 22:09:59 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum from NW Arizona
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Mar 12, 2024 23:14:57 GMT -5
Welcome from Northern Arizona! drocknut, I love that you get to put NW Arizona now.
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Post by Rockoonz on Mar 13, 2024 0:04:40 GMT -5
Welcome from AZ, valley of the dirt people. Where are you located? Good deals on pre-owned equipment are around, just got another 6 inch Highland Park saw today for the right price, less than half the price of a new High tech, and about 110x better, at least as good as a new HP even. Craigslist and Facebook marketplace have deals.
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Post by liveoak on Mar 13, 2024 6:16:37 GMT -5
Welcome from NW Florida.
A cheap way to get a saw is to look for a used tile saw. People use them for one job & then sell them.
Patty
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 2,510
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Post by rockbrain on Mar 13, 2024 9:19:33 GMT -5
Welcome from Central California. Joining a rock club where you can actually try out equipment and see if a flat lap will work for you is often a good option.
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Post by opalpyrexia on Mar 13, 2024 9:59:40 GMT -5
Welcome from Washington.
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victor1941
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2011
Posts: 1,978
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Post by victor1941 on Mar 13, 2024 10:20:12 GMT -5
Jhh, we have several members that sell rock and used equipment that I know can advise you on what to look for and what they might have available.
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pebblesky
fully equipped rock polisher
Purchased another UV mini bowl for tumbling
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,410
Member is Online
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Post by pebblesky on Mar 13, 2024 11:46:12 GMT -5
Welcome!
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Post by drocknut on Mar 13, 2024 12:19:40 GMT -5
Welcome from Northern Arizona! drocknut, I love that you get to put NW Arizona now. Me too.
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jhh
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2020
Posts: 5
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Post by jhh on Mar 13, 2024 12:27:02 GMT -5
Welcome from AZ, valley of the dirt people. Where are you located? Good deals on pre-owned equipment are around, just got another 6 inch Highland Park saw today for the right price, less than half the price of a new High tech, and about 110x better, at least as good as a new HP even. Craigslist and Facebook marketplace have deals. I live in Grand Rapids, MI. There is a local rock & mineral club that I may want to check out again. Thanks.
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jhh
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2020
Posts: 5
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Post by jhh on Mar 13, 2024 12:28:48 GMT -5
Jhh, we have several members that sell rock and used equipment that I know can advise you on what to look for and what they might have available. That w/b great! I look forward to hearing from them. Thanks.
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Post by Peruano on Mar 13, 2024 12:54:57 GMT -5
A lapidary arbor with two expando wheels would be just as cheap as a flat lap and much more utilitarian. Sic belts are cheap and even aluminum oxide and diamond belts are within reason as you want to go to finer finishes. Used (opportunistic scores) are much preferred price wise and to a certain extent offer greater variety. You can hand cut with a 6 - 10" saw but if you can find a small slab saw you will have so much more control and versatility. Good luck in assembling the equipment you need.
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zebra61
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since January 2024
Posts: 116
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Post by zebra61 on Mar 13, 2024 14:16:01 GMT -5
Welcome to the RTH Forum John, it's nice to have you back!
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jhh
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2020
Posts: 5
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Post by jhh on Mar 17, 2024 16:02:41 GMT -5
Hello all, I previously entered this forum years ago, got some great advice, got out of rock hunting for a while, and I'm now back into it again. I do have some questions I would appreciate being answered. Before I ask, my only piece of lapidary equipment is a Lortone tumbler (6# capacity, I believe) which is great! I'm looking to get a 8" or 10" lapidary saw for cutting rocks that aren't too big, but I'm confused by all the ads. Plus, I've heard that Hi Tech Diamond saws don't last. So what are my best options if I want something decent that won't break the bank? Also, I don't plan to make jewelry or anything, but what are my options for polishing what I do cut? I think cabbing machines might be overkill for me. Flat lap? Something else? Many thanks for your suggestions. John I appreciate all the advice given, and I've made a decision. Because I'm living on a fixed income and money is a factor, I've decided to buy a tile saw instead of a lapidary saw. I know the trade-off is that I will need to do my cutting outside and the initial finish after cutting won't be as smooth, and in Michigan that means late April through September. That's OK with me. That said, please give me your recommendations for a tile saw on the lower end of the price range, and also a blade I may have to buy (knowing that the blade may be on the pricey side is OK). For finishing/polishing, I'm looking at a hand held wet stone polisher, which I know would have to be used outside too (another trade-off because of a cheaper price than a cabbing machine or flat lap). Rookie Rockhounding on Youtube posted a video using one outside with a towel draped over his lap. Check out some of the rocks he has collected. Unbelievable! If you have recommendations on this type of polisher, I would appreciate your feedback too. You all are so kind and generous to help an old codger like me! I can't thank you enough.
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