garrett
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2008
Posts: 62
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Post by garrett on Nov 13, 2008 0:46:16 GMT -5
I have a Sears bench mount polisher. Not like most of the pictures I see of polishers being used here with a big polishing head and you stand straight in line with the shaft. This one looks like a grinder only the wheels are cloth and you use polishing compound that comes in stick form.
My question is, does anybody use this type polisher for rocks? Is the polishing compound any good for rocks? I know both are really designed for aluminum and other metals.
I figure on picking up new wheels (probably felt), or should I convert it to the kind you use from the side?
Thanks
Garrett
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firewalker45
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since August 2006
Posts: 929
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Post by firewalker45 on Nov 13, 2008 1:34:20 GMT -5
Hi Garrett, I have a buffer like you described. I use it to polish soft stones. I use Zam for the polish. Hope this helps and welcome to this board. Daniel
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Nov 13, 2008 12:21:40 GMT -5
garrett liked firewalker45 said, what you have is a polisher/buffer used for the final finish. As you suggested, you can modify it to add grinding disks or even a saw blade (both depending on RPM's), you may have to use a arbor adapter. You will have to isolate the motor from any water spray or water creep on the shaft (a water slinger works here). What polishing compounds (or colors if no names) do you have? Some compounds may stain rocks so you have to be careful. Check out sitnwraps thread forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/index.cgi?board=hmequip&action=display&thread=26227The good thing is ...your thinking and your on your way!!!! Dr Joe .
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garrett
having dreams about rocks
Member since August 2008
Posts: 62
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Post by garrett on Nov 14, 2008 1:55:41 GMT -5
Thanks firewalker, Dr Joe for the info. I don’t want to run grinding wheels or a saw, I picked up a Highland Park B-12 (4 grinding wheels and a saw) at a yard sale, that’s what got me into this hobby. I want to use it as a polisher.
It runs 3450 RPM and the colors of polishing compounds I have are white, red, black, and I don’t remember the fourth color but I’m thinking brown.
I was wondering if I should try to find one of those polishing pads that mount on the end of the shaft for one side and use the wheel type felt pad on the other. And I don’t know anything about the compounds except what I learned from the two of you.
Garrett
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mirkaba
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2006
Posts: 321
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Post by mirkaba on Nov 14, 2008 6:44:56 GMT -5
Hey Garret....You can use a wheel on one side and a lap plate on the other if you want. I do. I use Zam on the wheel for soft rocks like rhyolite and tin oxide on the other for harder rock. I use a rubber pad and leather on the lap plate. I use a squirt bottle with water to moisten the leather....... Zam is green Bob
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 14, 2008 21:23:00 GMT -5
The soft flannel wheels used on those buffers are primarily for metal polishing. They are used as mentioned with Zam (a green rouge) on turquoise and other soft stones. I've heard the red will polish some obsidians. The brown would be a tripoli for metal cut down or satin finish. White is used on silver by those that don't want the red gunk from red rouge in the detailing. A hard felt wheel would do a great job on harder stones but I'm not sure about the speed. I'd try polish in a spray bottle on the wheel dry. I think at 3450 you would be flinging polish in a paste form everywhere. People use that method with the wet angle polishers and they turn 3000-5000 rpm.
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