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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 15, 2008 20:56:42 GMT -5
So I understand that a lot of folks have switched to using a water sprayer at the bottom of the wheel rather than dripping water from the top. My question is why? What are the advantages?
I would guess that it has something to do with the switch from silicon carbide to diamond wheels. Maybe the diamond wheels throw the water off more? If that's the case, do you aim the sprayer at the intersection of the cab and the wheel?
Thanks! Chuck
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Post by akansan on Nov 15, 2008 21:25:08 GMT -5
My machines were set up for drip, but they made a horrible mess. THe water hits the top and immediately goes forward. Bubblers are set up under the wheels, spraying water lightly on the wheel which goes up, around, and then down...less mess. There's also less hassle in regard to water supply. Container with an inch or so of water under each wheel and you're set...
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Post by Woodyrock on Nov 16, 2008 3:04:04 GMT -5
Most people have switched to a bubbler, which is fed by an aquarium air pump that carries drops of water to the wheel. Diamond wheels required less water than do SC wheels, so the there is a wee bit less mess. Since you are using the water in the pan, you can have additives in the water to provide better cooling, and rust inhibition. Of course one can do this with a drip system if you captured, and reuse the cooling water. A few people do use a spray aimed at the bottom of the wheel, but I am not sure that works much differently than a drip system outside of being movable like the bubbler block. Before bubblers, some people used a sponge in the pan under the wheel. There are only really two important things to consider, keeping the wheel cool, and keeping it clean, neither of which really uses a lot of water. Woody
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 16, 2008 8:32:37 GMT -5
Thanks to you both!
So with the aquarium pump, do you just put a regular air stone on the end?
My experience with aquarium pumps and air stones (in aquariums) is that the bubbles don't come out with a lot of velocity (i.e. it doesn't seem like they would lift water high enough to hit a wheel). But maybe that's because they're fully submerged in an aquarium.
Chuck
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Post by bobby1 on Nov 16, 2008 9:36:10 GMT -5
I prefer the drip system even though it can be a little wet and messy. I have 8" wheels and when I do my large cabs I end up doing some heavy duty grinding that requires a lot more water. A squirt or spray system isn't adjustable as far as flow volumes is concerned. On the grinding wheels I have a denim cloth that wipes lightly on the wheel and it spreads the water across the wheel and keeps the spray down. Bob
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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 16, 2008 12:52:52 GMT -5
It is actually a sputtering effect , forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=hmequip&thread=25967&page=1By creating bubbles just under the surface at high volume, they break, carrying alot of water to the wheel directly over them (if you use a single pan under all your wheels you just slide the unit from wheel to wheel). Down side is your splashing dirty water onto the wheel and grinding with it. (I put a couple of drops of bubble bath soap in a friends water tray once ... at least I thought it was funny ;D) Dr Joe .
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 16, 2008 13:25:53 GMT -5
Thanks Dr. Joe. That thread is partially why I started this one.
I'm trying to figure out how to set up my 8" unit. It's already plumbed for drip, but it seems like a lot of people prefer the bubbler or a sprayer like in the other thread. I have a fountain pump (which could be used with either drip or spray) and bought PVC fittings yesterday so that I could build a sprayer. An aquarium pump and air stone would be cheaper and easier if it delivers enough water. I expect I'll be doing some heavy grinding, like Bob.
Maybe I'll try both and see which I prefer. If the drip is messy, I'll have to wait until Spring when I can do it outdoors.
Chuck
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Post by Woodyrock on Nov 16, 2008 21:16:27 GMT -5
Chuck:
The bubbler block is not an air stone.........somewhere here in the forum there is a very nice drawing of a bubbler block, do some searching and you will find it...drawings are so much easier to comprehend than would be a description. Woody
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 16, 2008 21:36:02 GMT -5
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spicer m
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 337
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Post by spicer m on Nov 16, 2008 23:35:00 GMT -5
Chuck I like a movable water supply under the wheel verses turning on/off a valve at each wheel. Much faster i think. Also I think I would prefer the pressurized water spray from house pressure. Instead of bubbling dirty water onto the wheel. Only problem with this system you have to also have a drain system. I run my drain system into a bucket to catch solids. then run pipe out of bucket outside on the ground. (do not run into house drains). Thread on sprayer I made forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/index.cgi?board=hmequip&action=display&thread=25967Mike
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 18, 2008 9:17:40 GMT -5
Thanks Mike.
I don't know that I have ready access to aluminum block. I'll see what HD has, but I may end up using plumbing fittings.
I think I'll try all three approaches and see what I like best: 1. Using the drip system already on the unit (with a drip cloth) 2. Sprayer 3. Bubbler
I can use house water or a fountain pump for the first two, and I have an aquarium pump for the bubbler.
I'll post the results of my tests, but the house water tests will have to wait until Spring.
Thanks again to all! Chuck
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WarrenA
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2003
Posts: 1,530
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Post by WarrenA on Nov 20, 2008 0:07:54 GMT -5
I made my bubbler by taking the top from a lawn mower blade balancer turning it upside down and melting it full of lead. I then drilled the holes in it. it was a pain drilling into the lead but I got it done and it is still heavy enough to stay in place and not vibrate around
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 20, 2008 7:49:16 GMT -5
Thanks for the tip, Warren. I hadn't considered the need for mass.
Chuck
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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 20, 2008 8:12:34 GMT -5
How about drilling a very large fishing sinker? Your could force fit plastic or brass fittings in for the air hose and could actually drill it with just a bit and a pair of pliers if you are tool challenged.
Dr Joe
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 20, 2008 9:20:11 GMT -5
Good thought. I've got a pretty good supply of tools (except welding gear and woodworking tools) and I'm an engineer, so I'll come up with something. I may use fishing weights to hold down the bubbler and sprayer.
Chuck
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