mrzulu
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2015
Posts: 245
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Post by mrzulu on May 17, 2015 21:22:12 GMT -5
My name is Michael. I am a life long rock hound. Thanks for the invite. I am computerless for now. This is my phone... :cool: I am recently retired and decided to delve deeper into rocks so I am investing in a cab machine and a drill station. I need a bit of guidance. I am looking at a Graves All Diamond Cabmate and a Dremel 4000 w/drill press. I am familiar with the Dremel. The cab machine, however, is a mystery! lol Any and all guidance is appreciated. Thanks again for allowing me in! Michael
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Hi...
May 17, 2015 21:55:13 GMT -5
Post by Rockoonz on May 17, 2015 21:55:13 GMT -5
Welcome Michael, I have a cabmate and I use it quite a bit, it's a versatile machine that works well for grinding cabs. I bought mine used and only use it with hard diamond grinding wheels and diamond belts on a Lortone expanding drum. I haven't used a dremel for working with rocks, but I've used that style of grinder for tool and die work with steel. For stone I use a Foredom flex shaft so I can use plenty of water when carving without electrical risk.
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mrzulu
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2015
Posts: 245
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Post by mrzulu on May 17, 2015 22:14:35 GMT -5
Thanks... does the Cabmate have saw capabilities? I have access to an extraordinary collection of Humboldt Moonstones! I want to slab a few of the larger ones for some pendants...
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Hi...
May 17, 2015 22:33:03 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by Pat on May 17, 2015 22:33:03 GMT -5
I also use a Foredom flex shaft for carving stones. I use a Dremel for working with metal. I've heard the Foredom is more powerful of the two, so the motor won't wear out so quickly.
Welcome!
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Hi...
May 17, 2015 23:01:02 GMT -5
Post by Fossilman on May 17, 2015 23:01:02 GMT -5
Welcome Michael-great forum and lot's of information too............
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May 17, 2015 23:27:33 GMT -5
Post by Rockoonz on May 17, 2015 23:27:33 GMT -5
Thanks... does the Cabmate have saw capabilities? I have access to an extraordinary collection of Humboldt Moonstones! I want to slab a few of the larger ones for some pendants... I think the one you are looking at has the saw hardware with it. A 6 inch saw with only a water drip for cooling probably won't work well for cutting slabs from any size rough, but should be ok for trimming slabs.
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May 18, 2015 5:38:21 GMT -5
Post by snowmom on May 18, 2015 5:38:21 GMT -5
welcome from MI, you came to the right place. Lots of good info here, glad you are with us!
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mrzulu
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2015
Posts: 245
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Post by mrzulu on May 18, 2015 13:55:55 GMT -5
Thanks everyone!
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mrzulu
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2015
Posts: 245
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Post by mrzulu on May 18, 2015 14:28:34 GMT -5
Can someone post the actual website for this forum? I want to enter my profile.
I had a total hip replacement a month and a half ago. I am up and around and life is improving exponentially. Not quite ready for the stage but I am ready for Agate Beach.
I live in Trinidad, CA. Both Moonstone Beach and Agate Beach are walking distance as is Patrick's Point.
I also frequent Werner Valley, Hart Mountain and the Upper Klamath River basin in Southeastern Oregon. I'll have some pics of my Oregon Sunstone/Champagne Labradorite collection soon.
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Hi...
May 18, 2015 22:40:17 GMT -5
Post by Rockoonz on May 18, 2015 22:40:17 GMT -5
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mrzulu
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2015
Posts: 245
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Post by mrzulu on May 19, 2015 11:28:51 GMT -5
Thanks Rock! I am going to the library today.
Cool! It's beautiful around here. I wish they would leave the giants standing though. Only 7% of the original Coastal Redwood Forest still stands.
As I am sure you are aware, we have some of the most diverse geology on the planet. Walking the beaches around here is very, very difficult. There are sooooo frigging many natural cabochons and spheres, natural slabs and moonstones glowing at the high tide line people think I am tweaking because I am constantly picking up stones! In a away I am naturally stoned. lol! My Mother, RIP, used to get mad at me because I ALWAYS had rocks in my pockets! I remember Mom telling her friends, " ...at least no lizards, toads, snakes or bugs!" ROFL(I grew up in the Northern Utah high desert and no I am not Mormon lol) :cool:
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mrzulu
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2015
Posts: 245
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Post by mrzulu on May 19, 2015 11:41:10 GMT -5
...Foredom flex shaft so I can use plenty of water when carving without electrical risk. The Dremel package I am getting next week has the drill press, the flex shaft and a foot controller for smooth variable speeds up to 50,000rpm.
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Hi...
May 22, 2015 12:10:19 GMT -5
Post by iant on May 22, 2015 12:10:19 GMT -5
Welcome Michael! Ian
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mrzulu
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since May 2015
Posts: 245
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Post by mrzulu on May 24, 2015 6:21:04 GMT -5
Thanks, Ian
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