vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Oct 30, 2014 21:22:31 GMT -5
Looks like im trying to spend some more money on this hobby. Im pretty close to buying a cabbing machine and have narrowed it down to a few machines and am interested in hearing any opinions on them. Hopefully some have first hand experience with them. Thanks in advance for any input. Here are the candidates: Kingsley/Lortone 6 wheel cabber. Pro's - stainless steel, eastwind wheels, belt driven motor (cheaper to replace). Con's - gravity feed water setup (easy to change to pump), drain location. www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/product.php?id=95532&catID=1059This next one i stumbled upon online. I havent been able to find and user info on it but its obviously very similar to the Lortone. Made in Utah. Is also stainless steel. Fits 6" or 8" wheels. All a plus. I dont see any valves or lines so i assume it uses an air stone to deliver the water. I prefer the pump water feed system. I've inquired with them about that and the price so assuming its competitively price with the Kingsley/Lortone i consider it an option. www.simpleelegancerockshop.com/machine.htmGraves 6 Wheeler. Graves has a good name. This seems to be like a Cab King but a little cheaper. I like the water delivery system. Problem is there is a chinese machine that looks exactly like it and im worried they are the same. Does anyone have experience with this machine? What is the quality of the parts/build/wheels? I noticed a few clubs seem to use these. www.gravescompany.com/caberet.htm#6%20Wheeler
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barclay
has rocks in the head
Lowly Padawan of rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 510
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Post by barclay on Oct 30, 2014 21:39:55 GMT -5
If you are going to plunk down that much cash I would go with a Genie IMHO. There is a reason that most of the other grinders use Nova and Galaxy wheels. Diamond Pacific makes a superior product. I got my Genie about 5 years ago and the only bad thing I can say about it is that the base boards (made out of particle board) don't last as long as the rest of the machine. The competitors try and make a big deal about how their system continuously drips fresh water on to the wheels preventing contamination. I have never had a problem with the Diamond Pacific bubbler system. Maybe if you work soft material like opal it is a big deal but all of the opal guys I see working at shows use Pixies. Diamond Pacific's customer service is great. Living in SoCal you can drive to the factory in Barstow, CA and pick it up on the way to a weekend in Las Vegas
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vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Oct 30, 2014 22:23:06 GMT -5
If you are going to plunk down that much cash I would go with a Genie IMHO. There is a reason that most of the other grinders use Nova and Galaxy wheels. Diamond Pacific makes a superior product. Thanks for the input. I should have mentioned that the Diamond Pacific machines are out of my price range. I can spend about 1200-1300 max which would only leave me the option of the Pixie if i went with DP. With the Kingsley/Lortone i believe you can upgrade to Nova wheels for a little more.
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Post by stardiamond on Oct 30, 2014 23:27:23 GMT -5
A lot of the cost of a cabbing machine is the wheels. Jadecarver hardwheels are heavier as good as and less expensive than DP Galaxy. I posted a thread on supernova wheels from johnsonbrotherlapidary. What you then need is an arbor to spin the wheels that has a hood. I prefer using a bubbler or sprayer that recycles the water instead of a water feed and drain. The Genie uses a recycling sprayer. I use trays, bubblers and aquarium pumps on mys star diamond. I would consider this one I mentioned in this thread forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/68059/entry-level-cabber and upgrade the wheels when necessary. This Chinese made on is not much more expensive than the American made arbor and includes the wheels. My other alternative is to buy something like this and replace the wheels: www.ebay.com/itm/STAR-DIAMOND-IND-LAPIDARY-POLISHER-SANDER-/251666702392?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a98812038
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Post by Rockoonz on Oct 31, 2014 0:56:53 GMT -5
I have used genies and I believe that many years ago they may have been the best option out there, but now the only reason anyone still buys them is that us rockhound and lapidary types are resistant to change. The new stainless Lortone units are the best bang for the buck IMO. If you have a few dollars more though, here is another good option. sphereproducts.com/cabmaking-slabpolishing.htmThe upper part of the hood can be moved up or down on this all aluminum unit to accept 6 or 8 inch wheels. I also think diamond belts on Scott Murray expando drums are better than DP nova wheels, the rubber drums form to the shape of the cab better and the belts are ready to use with no break in, cut the same through their entire life, last almost as long as Novas, and after the initial cost of the drums they cost less to use. I also use Silicone Carbide belts for most of my sanding up through 600 grit which saves a lot of dough, and IMO works better with many materials.
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Oct 31, 2014 9:03:38 GMT -5
I do not know what the price is on that second one, but a machine that will hold up to 8 wheels, is designed for 6 or 8 inch wheels, has a switched variable speed 3/4 HP motor, and a large drain, looks very good to me. There is a lot of room to grow a machine like that.
It looks like you would want to spend another $100.00 on a submersible pump, 1/4" surgical hosing, some type of real up-sprayer (bubblers are the devil for me lol) and some fittings to connect a drain hose to. You would also probably want to line the pan with something. I use pond filters as a liner to strain and capture as much rock particles as I can.
If you are handier than I am, you could also drill your own holes, get some grommets and needle valves, and make above wheel drips.
The other machines are nice ones - but they are weaker and you cant upgrade them to 8". I wish I had seen it before I purchased my BMT. The BMT is a nice enough machine and I got a very good deal on a used one. It is similar to this one, except it holds 8-6" wheels and is a single speed 3/4HP motor. I wish I could easily upgrade it to 8" wheels and would have done it if I could..
Hopefully someone here has had experience with that company. I am curious myself.
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vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Oct 31, 2014 10:55:14 GMT -5
stardiamond thanks for the reply. This will be a good chunk of money spent for me and i'd rather not spend it on a chinese knockoff even if the quality is decent. I'd like it to hold it's resale value a little better as well. I do appreciate the suggestion. Rockoonz thanks for that link. I like that machine alot. That may replace the Graves machine on my list of candidates. I had looked at their sphere machine before but had totally forgot about them when looking at cabbing machines. They seems to manufacture some nice products (sphere machine and slab saw) and that cabber seems to be well thought out. I am going to give them an email and ask a few questions. Definitely got my eye on it now. Roger thanks for the input. I agree about the water delivery methods. I'll probably replace the Graves machine with Rockoonz suggestion from Sphere Products as a candidate. I'd really like to stick with an all metal machine made in the US. Thanks for the input so far everyone
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Post by fantastic5 on Oct 31, 2014 11:44:42 GMT -5
Still being a relative newb I can only speak about the cabber that I have. I was able to find a Genie on Craigslist from a guy who was getting out of the hobby for an absolute steal about 5 years ago. As previously stated the particle base board was shot and my husband easily replaced it for me from some scrap concrete board (from a tiling project). It has been a true pleasure to learn to cab on. I've only recently had some of the wheels resurfaced with good success. I've added the optional felt and leather pads to the right side and flat lap style wheels to the left.
The only other machine I've ever used is a homemade machine from a friend of mine called the Diamond Devil. Unlike the Genie I don't get overspray back on me when it is in use and I found it very easy to work with. I know Jim was planning on selling these, but I don't know how much for or if he is doing so. But if I had the money to spend I would certainly try and add something like this to my shop.
Edited to link to correct video and to say that you see everything you need to in the first few seconds.
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Post by Rockoonz on Oct 31, 2014 14:22:39 GMT -5
vugs and Roger, Rod Riel of sphereproducts sells at a lot of the shows in Oregon and Northern CA, we have spoken at length about tools and I own many of his inventions. My future wet bench in the shop we are building will use a water system he helped me draw up using his snap tubing setup. He is a life long lapidary and machinist, his tools are all designed for hard use, way more durable than a lot of the hobbyist stuff out there. If you plan to recirculate using a pump please consider using a settling sump that overflows into the container you pump from to keep the water clean, and be sure to add a few drops of bleach or other anti bacterial every few days for your health.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 31, 2014 17:09:37 GMT -5
This is a nice thread. Thanks Brandon.
Lee, wouldn't a half cup of borax one time do the same as bleach every few days?
As for "settling pump", at lapidary class they mounted a swamp cooler pump onto some scrap lumber and then float THAT assembly in a 5 gallon bucket. This puts the pumps intake well above the bottom of the bucket.
The return from the machines then flows down a tube whose end is just above the bottom of the bucket. The larger bits of stone settle fast enough and the same swamp cooler pumps have been working for as long as 20 years.
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vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Nov 3, 2014 17:34:07 GMT -5
Well i had to up the budget a bit so im wont be ordering the machine for a couple more weeks but i decided its going to be the machine from Sphere Products (Rod Riel) that was suggested by Rockoonz Thanks for that one Lee I was leaning towards both the stainless steel EZ-Cab from Simple Elegance rock shop and the aluminum cabber from Sphere Products. I had a chance to talk to both owners over the phone. Both very willing to discuss their machines. After speaking with Rod from Sphere Machines i decided his cabber is what i want to spend my money on. All aluminum TIG welded, self contained (no baseboard), shaft is tapped on both ends to accept flat lap plates, the shaft itself is a larger diameter, the unit will accept 6" or 8" wheels via an adjustable hood design, i think his water delivery system is a good simple idea. These are all welded and assembled by Rod. Made to order which i think is awesome. He even balances the shaft/wheels before shipping it out and it ships fully assembled and ready to go. I dont believe it comes with the water pump. And it does not come with the flat lap polishing attachments which the other machine includes. But the other machine (EZ-Cab) has a particle board base and is not a fully self contained unit. It wouldnt be tough to change the baseboard to better material but the lazy side of me doesnt want to deal with that on an expensive item. But, some pluses on this machine that arent available on Rod's cabber is the switchable motor speed and the EZ-Cab includes a leather flat lap polishing plate and another buffing wheel. I wanted an all metal cabber to avoid any issues with plastic parts, trays, ect down the line and thought stainless steel was the only option but the all aluminum design that Sphere Products uses was also a big selling point. I should also point out that they both ship with wheels from china and i couldnt find any info online regarding anyones experiences with them. That being said i like to think they wouldnt attempt to design and build a "better" cabber and then put junk wheels on it. Im pretty dang anxious to get this thing. And thanks to all who bounced around opinions and suggestions in this thread.
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<'))))>< Fish
Cave Dweller
Gone Fishing
Member since April 2005
Posts: 1,841
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Post by <'))))>< Fish on Nov 6, 2014 22:05:47 GMT -5
CabKing
Vugs a Searcher member will get a discount.
with your price range you can get the cabking. contact me I will set up up with the cabking dealer.
I like this machine due you use clean water all the time.
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Post by glennz01 on Nov 7, 2014 3:12:02 GMT -5
Looks like im trying to spend some more money on this hobby. Im pretty close to buying a cabbing machine and have narrowed it down to a few machines and am interested in hearing any opinions on them. Hopefully some have first hand experience with them. Thanks in advance for any input. Here are the candidates: Kingsley/Lortone 6 wheel cabber. Pro's - stainless steel, eastwind wheels, belt driven motor (cheaper to replace). Con's - gravity feed water setup (easy to change to pump), drain location. www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/product.php?id=95532&catID=1059This next one i stumbled upon online. I havent been able to find and user info on it but its obviously very similar to the Lortone. Made in Utah. Is also stainless steel. Fits 6" or 8" wheels. All a plus. I dont see any valves or lines so i assume it uses an air stone to deliver the water. I prefer the pump water feed system. I've inquired with them about that and the price so assuming its competitively price with the Kingsley/Lortone i consider it an option. www.simpleelegancerockshop.com/machine.htmGraves 6 Wheeler. Graves has a good name. This seems to be like a Cab King but a little cheaper. I like the water delivery system. Problem is there is a chinese machine that looks exactly like it and im worried they are the same. Does anyone have experience with this machine? What is the quality of the parts/build/wheels? I noticed a few clubs seem to use these. www.gravescompany.com/caberet.htm#6%20WheelerI use the graves 6 wheeler, I love the water feed system. If you get it i can tell you the order to space the wheels out. The light is bright, motor works great.
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Post by roy on Nov 7, 2014 9:59:58 GMT -5
i have two genies and a highland park 8" both work great i think that you would be happy with either a genie or a cabking both are good machines the cabking is cheaper uses fresh water but it slings the water the genie uses a gyser and dosnt spray all over but your always changing out the water in the pans !
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RocknCritter
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 489
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Post by RocknCritter on Nov 7, 2014 10:46:14 GMT -5
The brand of machine isn't nearly as important as the person operating it.
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vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Nov 7, 2014 10:56:11 GMT -5
glennz01 i have already decided against the Graves machine. I dont like that type of water delivery system. Seems to be alot of potential for cross contamination of the wheels and i really dont want to buy a machine that uses alot of plastic. I've decided to spend a little more and go with an all metal machine. roy the Genie is just more than i want to spend on a machine that i hear mixed opinions about. I've heard that the plastic can crack over time and the baseboard sags and i'd like to avoid those issues. i will be going with the all aluminum machine from Sphere Products suggested by Rockoonz. Have you taken a look at that machine? All aluminum and self contained (no baseboard), Loc-Line water delivery, can accept 6" or 8" wheels, has a drain. Im really impressed with the machine and after talking with the owner im sold.
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Post by pghram on Nov 7, 2014 10:57:30 GMT -5
The brand of machine isn't nearly as important as the person operating it. I could not agree more. Rich
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vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Nov 7, 2014 11:01:07 GMT -5
The brand of machine isn't nearly as important as the person operating it. I like to think that a person about to invest in one would be wise to ask a few questions first and spend his money on a machine that will last.
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Post by pghram on Nov 7, 2014 11:21:27 GMT -5
The brand of machine isn't nearly as important as the person operating it. I like to think that a person about to invest in one would be wise to ask a few questions first and spend his money on a machine that will last. Absolutely, but I waited years & years to get into the hobby because of lack of funds & wanting the "best" machine. I regret that mistake. My advice is not to agonize over the choice too much. Pick one & start having fun. I am sorry if I came across as criticizing, not at all, just don't make the same mistake I did. Rich
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vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Nov 7, 2014 12:09:50 GMT -5
pghram hey Rich no need to apologize. I understand what you're saying.
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