junep
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2022
Posts: 3
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Post by junep on Apr 15, 2022 12:19:48 GMT -5
I just joined and recently getting back to working with rocks. My equipment is about 35 years old and hasn't been used that long. At 82, I have a hard time remembering how I need to set these up. My Rock Rascal says it's doesn't need water or lubrication; but then it gives insructions for adding a coolant. I purchased a couple of gallons of Lube-Kool, for my 10" Loretone slab saw and figured I'd use some of it on the Rock Rascal. I'm mainly planning on using the rock rascal, for now, to mainly trims stones to fit into my recently purchased double, 3 lb drums in my Loretone tumbler. I won't be cutting opals or other heat affected stones that I'm aware of. Most the the stones I'm working on now are jaspers and agates. I'm not sure I can remove the screw to open the unit to the well. So can I just pour some of this Lube-Kool from the top until I see that it's touching the 1/4" edge of the blade as recommended? Thanks for any help. Looks like I'll be using this forum a lot. I'm new to rock tumbling and so far, really enjoying round hounding and the processes involved in tumbling. Warm regards, June
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limeadelee
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2022
Posts: 2
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Post by limeadelee on Apr 15, 2022 12:34:15 GMT -5
I just joined and recently getting back to working with rocks. My equipment is about 35 years old and hasn't been used that long. At 82, I have a hard time remembering how I need to set these up. My Rock Rascal says it's doesn't need water or lubrication; but then it gives insructions for adding a coolant. I purchased a couple of gallons of Lube-Kool, for my 10" Loretone slab saw and figured I'd use some of it on the Rock Rascal. I'm mainly planning on using the rock rascal, for now, to mainly trims stones to fit into my recently purchased double, 3 lb drums in my Loretone tumbler. I won't be cutting opals or other heat affected stones that I'm aware of. Most the the stones I'm working on now are jaspers and agates. I'm not sure I can remove the screw to open the unit to the well. So can I just pour some of this Lube-Kool from the top until I see that it's touching the 1/4" edge of the blade as recommended? Thanks for any help. Looks like I'll be using this forum a lot. I'm new to rock tumbling and so far, really enjoying round hounding and the processes involved in tumbling. Warm regards, June Hey, I’m new to rock tumbling but not machines. Because your Rock Rascal has been in storage for so long I’d recommend doing a “practice run” to avoid ruining your first batch. Others probably know better than me on how to properly check if it’s working or not. Also another thing I’d like to point out is that it’s old and so it may not be as safe as others out there so make sure your checking it often. Take anything I say with a grain of salt though as I’m probably the least knowledgeable out there as it stands right now. And welcome!
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Post by rockjunquie on Apr 15, 2022 12:34:59 GMT -5
Welcome from Virginia. YES! You must use a coolant. I had a Rock Rascal and I planned to use it with water and an additive. (I have since given it to my son.) I think you should try a penetrating solvent to get the screw off so you are sure to get the right amount of coolant in it. Others will answer better than myself, I'm sure.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 2,513
Member is Online
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Post by rockbrain on Apr 15, 2022 17:37:40 GMT -5
Just as a tip for the penetrating oil if you go that route, I've found that dark thread cutting oil typically works better than the oils marketed for that purpose. It's also cheap. Welcome to the forum from Central Cali
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Post by perkins17 on Apr 15, 2022 17:44:09 GMT -5
I think what it means by "no lubrication required" it means the bearings are sealed. Hope this helps...
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Post by jasoninsd on Apr 15, 2022 17:44:57 GMT -5
Hey June! I can't answer your questions...but I did want to say welcome to the forum from South Dakota!
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Apr 15, 2022 19:03:47 GMT -5
Welcome from Northern Arizona, June!
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hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Apr 15, 2022 21:03:58 GMT -5
Our Rock Rascal trim saw takes 7 oz of water to get enough on the blade to make good cuts. We do just add it from the top, with a small funnel.
You'll have to add more as you cut due to it spreading across the saw table and loss to spray/mist from cutting. It IS a messy little saw.
After I figured out how much water it needs, I marked an empty 12 oz bottle with a sharpie to use as a "measuring cup".
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Post by Peruano on Apr 16, 2022 10:20:30 GMT -5
You will need to get that top off or your tank will fill with rock dust, even if you regularly drain the tank. In New Mexico's dry climate I'd just siphon enough water out of the tank to get the level below the blade when done at night (to protect the blade from rust). Its easy to judge liquid depth for cutting by adding slowly until the blade (while running) throws a line of coolant onto the table in front of the blade, but . . . not onto the vertical splash guard or across the room. If it makes a mess, you are using too much coolant. Don't be fearful of a machine thats 35 years old. As long as the bearings are good, its a good machine. Blades, belts, and bearings. Life is good.
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Post by TheRock on Apr 16, 2022 11:44:45 GMT -5
Welcome from Michigan. I Have a Barranca Diamond 10" Saw and I use Light Mineral Oil So its different than yours. But I Use AMSOIL Spray Grease On Threads Cause It Doesn't Wash Off As badly, and leaves a lubricating film. ~Duke
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