rockcrystal
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2016
Posts: 1
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Post by rockcrystal on Oct 2, 2016 1:16:46 GMT -5
Hi I am somewhat new to lapidary but long time rock and crystal collector. My wife started a small business selling rocks and minerals and I am trying to help get the thundereggs and other rocks we have polished.
I have several pieces of equipment that I have working or in the process of being fixed. Lortone 10 inch vibratory lap - working condition Frantom 10 inch saw/ 8 inch 2 wheel stone wheel grinder with flat plate at end. - needs some work but mostly there 8 inch leather polishing wheel - working condition 12 or so inch leather polishing wheel - home made and a bit rough but seems to work. 10 inch alta rock saw needs a decent amount of work. 2 vibrator tumbers one large and one 2-3 pounder 3 rotary tumblers 1 - 6 lb inclined rotary, one lortone 12 lb rotary, one chicago 2x3 lb rotary. OK so now for the questions. I am looking for what equipment I should get and what would be the easiest way to polish stuff. I am looking ways to do this work in the least amount of time since I am currently working 40+ hours a week and helping the wife with her business. addition space is currently at a premium since all my equipment is in a 8x9 or so outbuilding.
I am looking at maybe getting a high speed sander that I could just move outside to work with it. What other equipment do you think I should get or how should I improve what I have to work on mainly thundereggs (I currently have 300-400 half t-eggs to work on) and bookends but that also gives me some flexibility going forward if I want to do other stuff.
Thanks Kris
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Post by Peruano on Oct 3, 2016 7:44:30 GMT -5
You can do it with what you have once you have 3 years to practice. Or buy a sander and respiratory mask and sand them dry. Seriously if you want to do it quick for commercial reasons, I see frustration in the future if you don't master the techniques well.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Oct 3, 2016 9:18:57 GMT -5
Roy and Jason have a machine that does T/E's in about 5 minutes,but is a huge investment!!!
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Oct 3, 2016 17:32:26 GMT -5
Roy and Jason have a machine that does T/E's in about 5 minutes,but is a huge investment!!! Sounds like a bull wheel. That's the machine to have for polishing slabs and t-eggs quickly. Chuck
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,340
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Post by quartz on Oct 4, 2016 0:35:25 GMT -5
I've seen Roy's machine; large rotary lap, heavy, strong, and efficient.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Oct 4, 2016 7:21:28 GMT -5
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
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Post by Fossilman on Oct 5, 2016 23:37:54 GMT -5
Seen Roys Bull too,it got the job done fast with a thunderegg!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by oregon on Oct 6, 2016 11:35:25 GMT -5
Are all the quick ways dry? Richardsons,bull wheel, ... I try to avoid rock dust as much as I can, but would love a quicker way to deal with Thunder eggs. Vibrating flat lap might be ok, but afraid I'll forget to check it and it'll go dry overnight or such, certainly not quick to work through all the stages.
Any pics?
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jerrys
spending too much on rocks
Member since February 2014
Posts: 263
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Post by jerrys on Oct 12, 2016 11:49:55 GMT -5
Vibrating laps are ok for thunder eggs. I remove all the saw marks and start them on 220 grit.
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