DurboRox
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2003
Posts: 12
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Post by DurboRox on Oct 30, 2003 18:36:12 GMT -5
I'd like to trim off some junky stuff from my rocks before I start tumbling them, but I need something more accurate than a cold chisel. What's your experience with rock trimmers?
I hope everyone has a great Halloween, and I hope the tumblers in Southern California are okay.
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Post by docone31 on Oct 30, 2003 22:50:05 GMT -5
A grinding wheel and a cup of water is a good way to trim. Tile nippers work well. Hitting the stone on the back side of the piece to be knocked off also works. A knapping technique. I prefer using the grinder. Normal grits work well and they are very accurate for the trim. Watch the heat build up, that is the reason for the cup of water.
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SirRoxalot
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since October 2003
Posts: 790
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Post by SirRoxalot on Nov 3, 2003 14:30:58 GMT -5
Rock trimmers are very, very handy; basically a necessity for serious mineral collectors. They must be built strongly though, and are expensive, starting at a few hundred bucks or so. They split rock safely, without crushing or fracturing it as much as a hammer will. You can do well with a trimming hammer though, try the Estwing rock pick with the flat blade instead of the point. Small diamond-blade trim saws aren't that expensive, and really cut nicely. See if somebody in your club has one and will let you use it. If you're using a trimmer or a hammer, use eye protection, unless you want to see the world out of one eye.
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Post by k aITCH on Nov 4, 2003 11:57:05 GMT -5
Nip into B& Q and buy an electric tile cutter. 1st class
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DurboRox
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2003
Posts: 12
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Post by DurboRox on Nov 6, 2003 16:29:09 GMT -5
Many thanks for all your suggestions! I will try the tile nippers and a trimming hammer first. I'm still such a newbie that I hesitate to invest in a trimmer just yet. Maybe Santy will bring me one for Christmas. ;D
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