mattman1979
off to a rocking start
Learning a new addiction :)
Member since September 2022
Posts: 18
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Post by mattman1979 on Sept 9, 2022 12:32:02 GMT -5
Being in Southeast Ohio, very few things lapidary related seem to pop up on Facebook marketplace or craigslist. This 6" Inland Swaptop with flat lap and Saw has been on for over a month but had one really crappy photo in the priority mail box and was priced at $200. I passed. Then I saw Wednesday he marked it down to $100 and was only 25 minutes away. He said it was complete and working. Picked it up for $85 After reading all the negatives on the saw I will most likely use the flat lap only and if I do use the saw, it will be with the 6" blade do to the under powered motor. I spent a good amount of time cleaning it all up and she's good as new now. Ordered some tool cool and a few more discs for the flat lap before I start using it. Should be just the right size for my small tumbles and jewelry making.
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Post by jasoninsd on Sept 9, 2022 14:49:16 GMT -5
I'm not an expert...by any stretch of the imagination...but I think that's a heckuva pickup for $85 and gas to get it! When I first started making cabs, it was on a slant cabber (flat lap) and was a ton of fun! Way to go!!
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 2,556
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Post by rockbrain on Sept 9, 2022 14:52:56 GMT -5
Looks like a great start. Is that saw to week to trim preforms?
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Post by jasoninsd on Sept 9, 2022 15:03:27 GMT -5
Looks like a great start. Is that saw to week to trim preforms? I can't imagine it wouldn't handle cutting preforms...as I'm assuming that's what it's really designed for, not slabbing.
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mattman1979
off to a rocking start
Learning a new addiction :)
Member since September 2022
Posts: 18
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Post by mattman1979 on Sept 9, 2022 15:12:48 GMT -5
I'm not an expert...by any stretch of the imagination...but I think that's a heckuva pickup for $85 and gas to get it! When I first started making cabs, it was on a slant cabber (flat lap) and was a ton of fun! Way to go!! Thanks, I think it will be enough to get me wanting more. Lol
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mattman1979
off to a rocking start
Learning a new addiction :)
Member since September 2022
Posts: 18
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Post by mattman1979 on Sept 9, 2022 15:16:26 GMT -5
Looks like a great start. Is that saw to week to trim preforms? I can't imagine it wouldn't handle cutting preforms...as I'm assuming that's what it's really designed for, not slabbing. Reading up on it and looking at Inlands site, They removed the 6-1/2" blade that it originally came with and replaced it with a 6" blade. I'll test it out one day or maybe some one with experience will chime in thats already been there and done that.
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Post by jasoninsd on Sept 9, 2022 15:20:52 GMT -5
I can't imagine it wouldn't handle cutting preforms...as I'm assuming that's what it's really designed for, not slabbing. Reading up on it and looking at Inlands site, They removed the 6-1/2" blade that it originally came with and replaced it with a 6" blade. I'll test it out one day or maybe some one with experience will chime in thats already been there and done that. That's your best bet! Mine is/was purely guessing!
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mattman1979
off to a rocking start
Learning a new addiction :)
Member since September 2022
Posts: 18
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Post by mattman1979 on Sept 9, 2022 15:56:56 GMT -5
jasoninsdSorry, I totally thought experience with this machine when I was typing. Guess what was in my head didn’t end up in writing.
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Post by jasoninsd on Sept 9, 2022 16:52:44 GMT -5
jasoninsd Sorry, I totally thought experience with this machine when I was typing. Guess what was in my head didn’t end up in writing. Definitely nothing for you to apologize for...I'm the one who should apologize...I was (and still am) kinda adding conjecture and guesstimates about the machine's abilities without having any experience with that particular machine at all. To me, everything about the design of the saw says "preform trim saw" versus small rock slab saw. I can't imagine that saw not being able to handle cutting through 1/4" slabs...however, I can see it struggling to cut slabs from 2" rocks.
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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 Sept 9, 2022 22:38:01 GMT -5
Well, mattman1979 , that's exactly the same "machine" I started with a little over 15 years ago. Didn't take long to outgrow it... .
The saw setup does suck. It's designed for their truly crappy (at least they were back when) blades, and a 6" blade didn't get down into the water in the sump to cool the blade very well. If you had the Pro-Flow system you could probably get enough water over the blade to make it work for preforms. Problem is that the spray from the blade diverts the flow of water from that little nipple away from the blade.
So - you can indeed cut stones on the "All-In-Wonder" (wondered why I bought it) as I did when I started. You got yours at a price that would make picking up the Pro-Flow something you should do without thinking twice. The little Inland reservoir is all but useless.
Have fun with it. I did. It helped me get started, and I still have it. In a box, in a cabinet, in the saw shop where it can't annoy me. Have a Hi-Tech now.
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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 Sept 9, 2022 22:47:25 GMT -5
Oh, yeah - if you increase the water flow make sure water doesn't get to that motor. If it does you'll have a NO-powered motor in a flash.
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Post by rockjunquie on Sept 10, 2022 6:50:11 GMT -5
I'm happy for you. Not many people can start out so cheaply. No point in investing much only to find out you don't like lapidary. Which usually isn't the case.
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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 Sept 10, 2022 9:05:21 GMT -5
rockjunquie is exactly right - of course. It's a perfect way to get started, and I used mine for years. Was shocked by prices on their website yesterday.
A variable speed lap is invaluable for polishing. Their newer motors turn at a higher RPM than my original one did, but it will work well for you.
For smooth domes you'll want foam backer pads and resin discs. Just don't buy a lot of 6" stuff like I did until you're sure you don't want 8" laps.
EDIT - That unit WILL work for you. I cut the stone in my avatar photo on my Inland.
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Post by liveoak on Sept 10, 2022 9:19:00 GMT -5
Congrats mattman1979. Look forward to seeing what you make. $85 is a steal to get going . Patty
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mattman1979
off to a rocking start
Learning a new addiction :)
Member since September 2022
Posts: 18
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Post by mattman1979 on Sept 10, 2022 10:24:31 GMT -5
Well, mattman1979 , that's exactly the same "machine" I started with a little over 15 years ago. Didn't take long to outgrow it... .
The saw setup does suck. It's designed for their truly crappy (at least they were back when) blades, and a 6" blade didn't get down into the water in the sump to cool the blade very well. If you had the Pro-Flow system you could probably get enough water over the blade to make it work for preforms. Problem is that the spray from the blade diverts the flow of water from that little nipple away from the blade.
So - you can indeed cut stones on the "All-In-Wonder" (wondered why I bought it) as I did when I started. You got yours at a price that would make picking up the Pro-Flow something you should do without thinking twice. The little Inland reservoir is all but useless.
Have fun with it. I did. It helped me get started, and I still have it. In a box, in a cabinet, in the saw shop where it can't annoy me. Have a Hi-Tech now.
Thanks for all the info, figure as long as i know the downfalls with the machine I can work around them. I can also modify the machine as needed like the drip system you mention.
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mattman1979
off to a rocking start
Learning a new addiction :)
Member since September 2022
Posts: 18
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Post by mattman1979 on Sept 10, 2022 10:27:14 GMT -5
rockjunquie is exactly right - of course. It's a perfect way to get started, and I used mine for years. Was shocked by prices on their website yesterday.
A variable speed lap is invaluable for polishing. Their newer motors turn at a higher RPM than my original one did, but it will work well for you.
For smooth domes you'll want foam backer pads and resin discs. Just don't buy a lot of 6" stuff like I did until you're sure you don't want 8" laps.
EDIT - That unit WILL work for you. I cut the stone in my avatar photo on my Inland.
Awesome, thank you
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