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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 12, 2010 13:31:32 GMT -5
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Post by Rockoonz on Mar 12, 2010 23:44:38 GMT -5
HS sanders are nice for sanding large pieces. I have used them for slabs, but when I do I sand 6 or so at a time, rotating through them before they get hot to avoid cracking. I ALWAYS hook it up to a vacuum to suck most of the dust up, and ALWAYS wear safety glasses and a dust mask. Also it's important to know what you're sanding, some rock dust is poisonous and the dry sanding doesn't work for everything. If you choose to build one they use a 3450 RPM motor, not the standard 1725RPM type.
Lee
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 13, 2010 13:02:36 GMT -5
Thanks Lee! I guessed I would have to rotate rocks.
I wouldn't sand malachite; I'm mostly interested in quartz stuff.
I did notice that it uses a 3450 motor.
Chuck
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2010 13:08:36 GMT -5
Chuck,
bobby1 would be the one to talk to about dry sanding. I believe he dry sands most of his giant cabs using SiC belts. Following his advice when I was having trouble with scratches on just one portion of my cabs (every time), I started dry sanding mine with a well worn SiC belt and my scratch issue disappeared. You do have to be careful with heat and some stones just do not take to heat well but on those that do ok, it brings up a super shine. I found that it did not work on a couple of softer stones, they ended up kinda orange peeled from the heat.
Shan
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 13, 2010 14:38:08 GMT -5
Thanks Shan! I'll check with bobby1.
I also dry sand with a worn 600 SiC, but that's just the last step. Everything else is done wet.
Chuck
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Post by Woodyrock on Mar 15, 2010 0:46:33 GMT -5
Chasfire has one of Richardson's High Speed sanders, and you have all seen the killer polish he gets. Big material acts as its own heatsink, whilst thin slabs do not, so you have to be careful in not overheating them. Woody
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 15, 2010 13:53:23 GMT -5
Thanks Woody!
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rockhound97058
freely admits to licking rocks
Thundereggs - Oregons Official State Rock!
Member since January 2006
Posts: 760
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Post by rockhound97058 on Mar 15, 2010 21:48:10 GMT -5
These sanders go work great. I've used one for 14 years and love it. It can be a little intimidating at times due to the sanding head right next to your fingers and in my case chest level. Also it takes time to get the feel of it. I used to use this for rough to fine grits, but now I strictly do my course sanding and finish up with a expando drum! I do small 1/4 stones up wards of huge pieces with this sander. I also do slabs by hand.
One thing though if you shred paper it can tear meat from your hand LOL.... Course grit paper just floats, however the fine grits are best glued onto the head. I personally never glue any of mine due to the mess and found the glue would create bumps under the paper.
The unit you linked to is a little rough looking, however still in usable material. I see the auction has ended - Great price for whoever bought it... These things run about $400 new right now
These sanders can build up heat, but the trick is keep moving and try not to bevel the edges with it. This machine works fantastic with agates, jaspers and more... However some thing it's terrible... Mexican Coconuts are a pain in the rear... best with wet drum.
Speaking of Richardsons... Bonnie called me yesterday and told me to pass the word they opened some of the beds for digging. Red Bed, Moss Bed and Pony Butte are open. Blue bed like every year is full of water and won't be open for another month or so.
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chasfire
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since February 2008
Posts: 180
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Post by chasfire on Mar 16, 2010 0:42:18 GMT -5
Chuck:
I have used this sander on agate and jaspers quite a bit. One thing to keep in mind is the temperature difference between cold rocks and the heat from the sander. The only time I have had a problem with heat is when the agate or jasper is real cold before sanding. I now warm the rock before I start sanding. I have even sanded a slab that was only 1/16" thick without cracking it.
chasfire
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highplainsdrifter
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,266
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Post by highplainsdrifter on Mar 16, 2010 10:31:20 GMT -5
I have one of these for sale that is in great shape. I use velcro backed sanding pads and am including about 30 with it. I'll be posting it in the buy thread.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Mar 16, 2010 13:32:30 GMT -5
Thanks all! I appreciate the experiences! Chuck
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