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Post by 150FromFundy on Dec 29, 2009 7:22:05 GMT -5
I was fortunate enough to get a Christmas bonus this year, so I made sure my new grinder arrived in time for Christmas holidays. Many of you may already be using one of these in your work. This is the Gryphon Twister Grinder originally developed for stained glass work, but works fine for light lapidary. Unlike the two original models that used a gravity water drip and some sponges, the new units have a pump and hose to direct water onto the bit. The pump works great so far, but may be prone to blockage as it re-circulates dirty reservoir water. It should be fine as long as I do a clean water flush after every heavy (dirty) use. So far I’m using the basic bits to grind the edges of performs, but will experiment with the grinding pins for more complex shapes soon. Based on my first 180 preforms, this is a great little machine. Time will tell on how tough it is and we’ll have to see what shape it is in a year from now. Gryphon Twister and Basis BitsNo More Gravity Drip and Sponges in the WayBasic ¾” Grinding Bit - DryBasic ¾” Grinding Bit - JuicyDarryl.
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Post by Toad on Dec 29, 2009 8:23:37 GMT -5
Fun. I like new toys.
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Dec 29, 2009 11:28:01 GMT -5
I've got one of those and love it. It's great for preshaping cabs and flats.
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Post by Bejewelme on Dec 29, 2009 13:55:21 GMT -5
Hey I want that fancy drip system, I have the good old kitchen sponge which I have to hold while holding the cab, etc,. You will love it, they cut great, we got the really little bits from john at Johnjsgems and Tony is able to cut some pretty inctricate shapes on there. Keep us posted on your progress! Happy New Year! Amber
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Dec 29, 2009 19:21:58 GMT -5
Looks like a nice machine Darryl! Can't wait to see what shapes you make with it.
Nate
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Dec 29, 2009 20:07:39 GMT -5
Dang, Darryl, why did you have to post this? I just ordered me one for next Christmas after I saw it, or should I say a Happy New Years gift, ;D
snuffy
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chromenut
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2009
Posts: 1,971
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Post by chromenut on Dec 29, 2009 23:16:09 GMT -5
Have you tried twisting it to use angled? I can't figure out which model I want, but like the fact that this has a built in pump system. How hard is the basin to clean? You lucky dog...
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Post by 150FromFundy on Dec 30, 2009 7:21:11 GMT -5
If you "twist" the grinder, you can elevate the worksurface at a 30 degree angle. This reduces the need to stoop over the grinder and look down which reduces wear and tear on the neck and shoulders. However, the arbour and ginding head move with the surface of the grinder so they are always perpendicular to the work surface. In short, you can not grind a uniform bevel by twisting the unit.
Cleaning isn't that bad. Fill the reservoir before you start. Pick the unit up the the recessed handles and dump the reservoir into a slop bucket when you are done. A spray bottle can be used to flush the grit. I have been flushing clean water through the pump after each use so the lines don't get clogged. These were designed for stained glass work which may not be quite as dirty as rock flour.
Gryphon Corporation has a video of their three ginders on the web site. It was that video and the water pump that sold me on this unit. Most non-pump units rely on gravity drip and wrapping sponges around the grinder head. This tends to get in the way. You should be wrapping preforms around the ginder head, not sponges!
If you search the web, you should be able to find this unit with two standard bits for $125 to $150. Prices can vary greatly, so shop around. You are more likely to find it at a stained glass supplier than a lapidary shop. Gryphon are noted in the industry for thier motors which is another selling point. They also make their own bits and have several to choose from.
Over time, at $15 per bit, the cost of bits will far exceed the cost of the machine. Cost and availability of bits is another thing to think about if you are a heavy user. I also purchased a few extra gringing heads including the 1/8" pin, 1/4" pin and groove cutter. I'll post some pics once I figure all this out.
Darryl.
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jean
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 127
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Post by jean on Jan 3, 2010 0:36:48 GMT -5
I too wish I had waited for the new drip system. I do fight with the sponges. Have had my unit for a few months but I'm not really comfortable with it yet. Looking forward to warmer weather when I can get in some serious practice time with the unit. Good luck to you. Look forward to seeing pics.
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Post by 150FromFundy on Jan 4, 2010 20:41:19 GMT -5
Jean - There's no need to wait for warmer weather if you are using your Gryphon outside. I was amazed at how little spalsh comes off this unit. It really is clean work. I fill mine with warm water because I am a big woos when it comes to cold paws. Plus, you get a steamy facial when you grind. I've already ground 180 pieces since I posted this message. You should be practicing all winter long so you will be amazing by the time the warm weather arrives. Darryl.
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Jan 5, 2010 17:50:26 GMT -5
H ey, Darryl, just got my twister in,put it together,used the snifter bottle to get the water flowing,no worky.Bummer. We are supposed to have several days of freezing weather,cant do our work,was gonna sit and grind away. Any hints on the pump? Did what they said.
P'O'd snuffy
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Jan 5, 2010 18:20:09 GMT -5
Well, I got the water flowing, the small plastic pump had come out of where it goes,no excuse now.lol
snuffy
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Post by 150FromFundy on Jan 6, 2010 20:52:02 GMT -5
So that's what the bottle is for! I don't want to tell you how I primed mine to get it going. Let's just say I'm a big suck!
Let me know how many pieces you grind before burning through a bit. I'm new to this and uncertain of what I should expect from a bit.
Darryl.
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snuffy
Cave Dweller
Member since May 2009
Posts: 4,319
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Post by snuffy on Jan 6, 2010 21:08:00 GMT -5
Yea, that bottle was a chore ,too. finally got the top off and had to cut the tip off 3 times to finally get a small hole. Havn't ground any yet,got to get some preforms cut first,had to wait till its freezing outside to do that.
snuffy
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Post by sandsman1 on Jan 11, 2010 21:19:51 GMT -5
hey did you say it has a groove bit like for cutting a groove wrap ? hell the machine would be worth buying if it just did that anything after that is a bonus -- and you said about the motor ? did they beef it up or am i thinking of a dif machine -- im not a great wrapper and i just started cleaning my work room up outside to get started again on some cabs after i dig out my genie and if it can cut a groove for wrapping i just might have to save up for one haha
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Post by 150FromFundy on Jan 12, 2010 8:00:15 GMT -5
Sandsman - There is a bit specifically for cutting grooves. I haven't tried it yet, but will post some pics probably by the weekend. I have a load in my UV-10 that will have a few candidates for a groove.
The bits are standard and may be adapted to a number of grinders.
Darryl.
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