flatumbler
starting to spend too much on rocks
Now totally addicted!!!
Member since January 2007
Posts: 191
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Post by flatumbler on Jan 18, 2007 21:28:53 GMT -5
Ok well I have seen how to build one, but since I have no where near a workshop like I have seen from others, heres my question. Whats the best grinder and accessories to get? I admit I didnt do a lot of searching on the forums for this one, but I figure if I am really to leap into the things that really interest me here, I would like some of the best advice. So give me your opinions what I need to get me up and running besides having the Workforce, which I am buying next week. What I need to know is this. What kind of grinder? What type of wheels? Any special extras I should get? Any and all advice as usual will be sooooo much appreciated, thanks to all the rockers....
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Post by stoner on Jan 19, 2007 2:03:52 GMT -5
Sorry, but I have to answer your question with a very important question. How much are you willing to, or want to spend? The ideal grinder, especially for someone just getting started, is a Diamond Pacific Genie(6" wheels) or a Pixie(4" wheels). A new Genie is around$1500 and a Pixie I think is around $1000. Barranca makes a nice grinder for about $850, but you have to change sanding belts whereas the Diamond Pacific machines have all the wheels mounted and you can go through all the stages without stopping.
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flatumbler
starting to spend too much on rocks
Now totally addicted!!!
Member since January 2007
Posts: 191
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Post by flatumbler on Jan 19, 2007 5:44:32 GMT -5
Hmmm well now, maybe the grinder might just have to wait a bit then lol. Think I will stick with my tumblers, and buy me a WF this week instead. Thanks though
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yogi
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2006
Posts: 175
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Post by yogi on Jan 20, 2007 8:22:09 GMT -5
Yea a WF will keep you busy! Once you get a feel for cutting, you can also shape by using the side edge of the blade. It's a little hard on the blade, but the tile blades are beefy compared to thin kerf lapidary blades. Once you ruff out the shapes, polish in your tumbler. You can skip or at least shorten the cycle time of the 60/90 G. Have fun, Bill
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blarneystone
spending too much on rocks
Rocks in my head
Member since March 2010
Posts: 307
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Post by blarneystone on Jan 20, 2007 9:07:35 GMT -5
Definitely get a Work Force... You'l never look back. It's a great tool at a good price and you can do so much with it. You can slab, shape or pre-trim stones and even cut tile! hehe... It will increase your enjoyment of the hobby tremendously and it's a good place to start.
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RockyBlue
fully equipped rock polisher
Go U.K.
Member since June 2006
Posts: 1,719
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Post by RockyBlue on Jan 30, 2007 22:13:18 GMT -5
Hey flatumbler! I went down to Wally-World and bought a Black and Decker bench grinder for$39.00 brought it home and started grinding.WHOA the dust was really flying,so i did as the members suggested, i got a mask,squeez bottle of water,a 100 grit green grinding wheel 6x1 it has the clearence because a 65 grit 3/4 inch 1/2 inch arbor came on the grinder now it`s a pleasure to use,i use it for grinding edges down on my tumbling rocks.......I hope this helps.........Rocky
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