RocknCritter
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 489
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Post by RocknCritter on Apr 16, 2010 21:46:44 GMT -5
I decided to build my own lapidary grinder this past winter. Since I'm a little tight for funds right now, I took the motor, arbor and some left over HDPE plastic and of course lots of duct tape and created this monster! The red strap keeps the flimsy plastic from falling over. For a little more than $125, it works great. Ameri-Tool L KOUT! The competition is here I've cut over 50 stones and just made the handles for my Hubei Turquoise knife. When finished, the grinder going to be a beauty and do a lot more.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Apr 17, 2010 21:18:47 GMT -5
Just goes to show you don't need a 2000 dollar genie to turn out a nice cab, huh Richard!?!
Nice work.
Nate
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Post by rockrookie on Apr 18, 2010 7:32:14 GMT -5
if it works ...... IT WORKS !! it's great to be resourceful . great job !! ----paul
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RocknCritter
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2008
Posts: 489
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Post by RocknCritter on Apr 18, 2010 21:38:32 GMT -5
Actually the grinder cost about $85 - motor ($30), arbor ($7), Locline kit ($15), plastic valve ($8) and a Platypus hydration bladder ($25) that's not in the picture. I spent another $100 on a Jacobs chuck, Foredom Flexade and 44T hand piece. The Jacobs chuck will screw into the end of the arbor and then accept the Flexade with the hand piece for carving. Foredom sells a Flexade that would attach directly to the motor but the Allen screws are behind the splash shield and hard to reach. Lapidary equipment doesn't have to be fancy to yield good results. I downloaded the CAD software from www.eMachineShop.com and have the final grinder design ready. I just need to save some more $$$.
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Post by rocklicker on Apr 19, 2010 0:27:25 GMT -5
If it works great, and it obviously does, then who cares what it looks like! Nice DIY job on that one. You got all the functionality of a regular machine at a fraction of the cost! Steve
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Jun 3, 2010 3:33:27 GMT -5
Hi GReat Machine just shows what can be done if we are willing to make a little effort
You just made my day ;D ;D
Jack Yorkshire uk
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pporky
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2007
Posts: 1,932
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Post by pporky on Jun 21, 2010 22:49:15 GMT -5
Oh yeah thats a good one, well built
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Post by jakesrocks on Jun 22, 2010 12:00:51 GMT -5
Reminds me of my first lapidary grinder. I started out with a $15.00 yard sale bench grinder. Made the hoods and pans out of scrap ABS plastic and fitted it with 100 and 220 grit wheels, and a pair of Exact-Span drums. Worked great until I saved enough for my Genie. First saw was a $25.00 Star Diamond 10" with weight feed, also found at a yard sale. A little cleaning and paint and it's still working. A little imagination and careful shopping is all it takes to get started cabbing. Don
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