rockhard
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2006
Posts: 227
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Post by rockhard on Jan 16, 2010 23:23:44 GMT -5
I've been thinking about making some small equipment that would be portable enough to take out where there's no power. I don't want a generator running when I'm trying to get away from civilization.
Has anyone seen or built any simple, old-style treadle and flywheel saws or laps?
Ideally, I'd have a frame with treadle and wheel, and be able to switch out the tools between saw, lap, grinding wheels, and maybe drill, building it light but with tie downs and ways to connect local rocks for weight and stability. I've thought about a hollow wheel I could fill with sand or whatever on site, to make it even lighter, but that might be a nightmare to balance. Baffles and water might work...
Anyway, I've seen some wood lathes built similarly but want to see more before I start planning.
Vincent
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Jan 16, 2010 23:39:11 GMT -5
I've had similar thoughts for windowing rough, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I'd be curious to see what you come up with.
A kick wheel might also work, but that might be too heavy.
Chuck
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Post by Woodyrock on Jan 17, 2010 1:15:48 GMT -5
Find some old lapidary books, I can remember seeing designs for tredle powered grinders, and saws in some early books.....like pre WWII. Woody
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bendsum
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2008
Posts: 140
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Post by bendsum on Jan 17, 2010 1:31:09 GMT -5
look around for one of the old hand cranked grinders might need to hire someone to do the crankin though
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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 Jan 17, 2010 6:24:43 GMT -5
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 17, 2010 9:58:50 GMT -5
Make a treadmill, buy a labrador retreiver. They'll run non-stop for at least 7 years.
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Post by moondragon on Jan 17, 2010 11:07:30 GMT -5
LOLOL JOhn:)
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blessed
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by blessed on Jan 17, 2010 11:52:50 GMT -5
I think Dr Joe hit the nail on the head. Bicycle, you can find exercise bicycle at garage sales. They already have petels an a seat. They are cheap most of the time. Beside you can get your exercise at the samt time. Good idea you have. Blessed
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Post by NatureNut on Jan 17, 2010 16:07:01 GMT -5
This is a cool GREEN idea! Get your exercise while tumbling, sawing, cabbing or whatever. You guys keep brainstorming, I'm sure it'll catch on! Jo
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Post by Woodyrock on Jan 17, 2010 23:33:41 GMT -5
Yeah, you could hook up your tools to the wifes treadmill LOL.........prolly safer to try the lag though!
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