thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
|
Post by thomtap on Jul 10, 2008 9:27:13 GMT -5
What are your reccomendations for a good flat lap for making cabochons? I need something that will let me start and finish the cab after cutting the shape on the saw. Now I am using a vibe tumbler, and I want to do it with more control. (I do like what I am doing, but I want to be able to do calibrated cabs too!)
What are you using? My budget is under $700.00, so I am pretty sure I will have to go with a small flat lap.
Thanks!
Thom Tapp
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Jul 10, 2008 15:48:51 GMT -5
I know several professional opal cutters that use Ameritool Universal units and really like them. They list for $529 for the complete 6" unit and $629 for the 8". They are available for less from distributors. The High Tech "All-You-Need" is very similar and I think prices are about the same. Either machine would give you the capacity to grind, sand and polish. Covington's 8" Horizontal Combo Unit and Graves CabMate are combination units under $700.
|
|
thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
|
Post by thomtap on Jul 10, 2008 16:52:10 GMT -5
Thanks! The only ones I had seen were the Inland units. I don't need the saw built in, as in the all in wonder, but these you mention look really good! Thanks.
Thom
|
|
thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
|
Post by thomtap on Jul 11, 2008 9:07:09 GMT -5
OK folks... So far, all I have ever used to do my cabbing is a bench grinder with an 80 grit diamond wheel, and a vibrating tumbler. That's it! I need input on where to go from here, but on a budget. How does flat lap grinding compare to using a 6" diamond wheel on a bench grinder? Faster? Slower? Do I need any added instruction to use a flat lap? Do the laps have diamond grit built in, or do I have to "charge" them? And if there is a choice, which is best? I don't want to invest my limited funds in something I won't be satisfied with. I've seen the flat laps mentioned above online, but I have no idea about the "hype" and which would really be better.
I really want to make some nice cabochons, but I only have about $700.00 to spend. I'm selling some other stuff to get that! (Telescopes and cameras.) Anyway, if you have any tips I would be thankful.
Thanks!
Thom Tapp
|
|
|
Post by kap on Jul 11, 2008 15:01:29 GMT -5
Have you thought about using a expando drum? You can do it all on it with differant grit belts and a leather or felt pad to polish.
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Jul 11, 2008 21:37:02 GMT -5
I learned on wheels so find flat laps awkward. People that learn on them say they are better since you can do flats easily and domes by rotating the stone. It is almost impossible to grind a flat surface on a wheel. I think I spent $300-$400 adding flat laps and magnetic Nova laps on my Genie to do flats. The Ameritool and All-You-Need units (complete) come with a diamond flat lap for grinding and diamond sanding discs (325, 600 & 1200) and polish pad with 14000 diamond compound. They are also very compact and durable units.
|
|
Tigger
freely admits to licking rocks
The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers is I'm the Only One!
Member since January 2008
Posts: 896
|
Post by Tigger on Jul 12, 2008 12:46:59 GMT -5
I have the Hi Tech flat lap and really enjoy it. It's compact and easy to clean. I don't have a genie or anything with wheels,except a grinder. I like the flat lap better than the grinder. I have the 8: model as it gives you a little bit more room to work. Good luck with your decission.
LadyT
|
|
thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
|
Post by thomtap on Jul 12, 2008 15:34:52 GMT -5
Thanks for your replies. I think, in my price range, the Hi Tech might be the way to go. Soon! I can't wait to do it right!
Thom Tapp
|
|
Wolfden
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2007
Posts: 1,368
|
Post by Wolfden on Jul 24, 2008 22:46:27 GMT -5
I have The 6" Ameritool and love it .. John @ jsgems gave me a great price and fast delivery. If i had to do it again I would probably go with the 8" just so I could do larger flats and geodes..
Good luck Dennis
|
|
hkswrapsody
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2008
Posts: 109
|
Post by hkswrapsody on Aug 3, 2008 9:39:29 GMT -5
I have an 8 in. Swaptop Inland flat lap. It comes with the necessary wheels. The only extras I bought were wet sandpaper disks instead of using the diamond laps after the 220 grit diamond lap. The harder diamond laps leave flat spots. I also bought leather laps for 8k and 50k diamond paste for the final polish because it is a lot cleaner for polishing than using a felt wheel and cerium. The grinder moves at high speeds and throws a lot of stuff. I bought the whole package so you change tops and it can be used as a grinder for stain glass or as a small cut off saw with a 6.5 inch wheel. You need to buy the diamond wheel for cutting rock. It only comes with a saw blade for dry cutting.
|
|
rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
|
Post by rallyrocks on Aug 4, 2008 1:35:44 GMT -5
I am also an Ameritool user (8") and quite happy with it for the most part.
|
|
garrett
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2008
Posts: 62
|
Post by garrett on Oct 6, 2008 22:55:28 GMT -5
This thread has been especially helpful to me (I think). I’ve been wanting to pick up a lap because I think I would use it a lot. I was thinking one in the 6 to 8 inch range would be useful even if I got a larger one sometime in the future.
I had no idea which one to get but after reading all the advice here (twice) and doing a little checking on my own I made the big decision.
Yesterday I ordered the Ameritool 8 inch setup from J S Gems. Now the hard part, waiting for it to be delivered and the weekend to come when I hope to have some time to use it.
Garrett
|
|
fisherman510
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2008
Posts: 113
|
Post by fisherman510 on Oct 7, 2008 6:41:25 GMT -5
I ordered the 8" Ameritool after doing my first cab on one at a gem show. I have been very happy with it. I just ordered some I just ordered the 3000 and 8000 grit sanding pads for it this week. I am sure you will be happy with it.
bob
|
|
Wolfden
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2007
Posts: 1,368
|
Post by Wolfden on Oct 7, 2008 23:12:59 GMT -5
Johns the best and I'm sure you'll be very happy with the Ameritool I'v had mine for a bit now and still really like using it
Dennis
|
|