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Post by knave on Mar 9, 2020 17:21:21 GMT -5
I may have an opportunity to purchase a good used gem maker 8, May I pretty please, hear the good bad and ugly about this beast? Seller sending pics soon
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Post by knave on Mar 9, 2020 17:48:30 GMT -5
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Post by mohs on Mar 9, 2020 18:21:21 GMT -5
That machine is kick ass & has been through the mill Done lots of gems
Do you know if been used lately? Or as it been sitting unused for long time?
Unused --cracking those nutz could be a job
I suppose that lever is for variable speed for grind, thru sand, to polish RPM
I never seen or used one
If the price is right on & ya got the room & the patience to refurbish it , i suppose
Anyway good luck with that Evan
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hummingbirdstones2
fully equipped rock polisher
Vince A., 1958-2023
Member since August 2018
Posts: 1,461
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Mar 9, 2020 18:22:45 GMT -5
Ya' can't buy that one - it's prob'ly possessed. Judging by the serial number, that is.
Good machines, though, and that speed control setup (grind/sand/polish) is as cool as anything I've ever seen.
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Post by mohs on Mar 9, 2020 18:27:27 GMT -5
ha ha Vince the double 3's didn't register w/me,,,mostly that machine may be a refurbish from hell tho
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Post by taylor on Mar 9, 2020 18:43:23 GMT -5
I had a similar machine for a while. It was a great beginner machine...can I do this? will I still like this after I've learned how to do it? Affordable. That sort of thing.
What I didn't like was the angle at which you have to put your wrists and arms to be on the bottom half of the wheels when using a dop stick. Not bad if you are going to cut one or two cabs. Ergonomically very bad if you are going to use for hours and hours. Might not be an issue if you cab without dopping.
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Post by toiv0 on Mar 9, 2020 18:49:50 GMT -5
I would pull that tag off and remount it upside down make it easier to sell when it comes time. Any old machine takes some tender loving care at first. Know nothing about the model. I bought something similar with a trim saw for under 150.
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Post by 1dave on Mar 9, 2020 18:50:09 GMT -5
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Post by stardiamond on Mar 9, 2020 19:31:59 GMT -5
I had a similar machine for a while. It was a great beginner machine...can I do this? will I still like this after I've learned how to do it? Affordable. That sort of thing. What I didn't like was the angle at which you have to put your wrists and arms to be on the bottom half of the wheels when using a dop stick. Not bad if you are going to cut one or two cabs. Ergonomically very bad if you are going to use for hours and hours. Might not be an issue if you cab without dopping. My Star Diamond machine probably has a worse angle. I limit my time working with the wheels. Right now, I am only using the 600 and 1200 wheels on the left and work only with dops. I used all 5 wheels with and without dops for 10 years. I have the 3 wheels on the right ready for replacement. I have some arthritis in my left thumb and the Genie is easier on my hands.
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Post by knave on Mar 10, 2020 4:57:00 GMT -5
2 other machines the seller has for sale...
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Post by knave on Mar 10, 2020 4:58:41 GMT -5
Meh.
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Post by Peruano on Mar 10, 2020 9:16:39 GMT -5
New wheels and you are good to go.!!
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Post by knave on Mar 10, 2020 9:19:27 GMT -5
New wheels and you are good to go.!! Sounds great! Which machine should I swing for?
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,341
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Post by quartz on Mar 10, 2020 23:45:47 GMT -5
Go for the first one, you showed yesterday. Do put a couple diamond wheels on it soon as possible. The second machine has two "bump wheels" inside, you can't put expando drums in there and change the bands, most people don't favor bump wheels much and they cut back on versatility of grits available. The third machine, Star Diamond looks in the pic. to maybe be a six inch wheel machine, and the wheels are quite narrow, probably an inch. Bigger diameter and wider wheels will make you a much happier cabber, this opinion based on experience. I've never run a Raytech with the variable speed but sure like the idea.
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Post by knave on Mar 11, 2020 1:52:48 GMT -5
Thank you
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Post by Peruano on Mar 11, 2020 7:58:08 GMT -5
I agree the Raytech is the preferred machine for the points mentioned but even more so because it has easily adjusted speed. Once you learn how to use it, polishing can be more effective with slow speeds (for some situations).
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Post by knave on Mar 11, 2020 15:36:28 GMT -5
I agree the Raytech is the preferred machine for the points mentioned but even more so because it has easily adjusted speed. Once you learn how to use it, polishing can be more effective with slow speeds (for some situations). Thanks all, for the input. A full set of new TOP wheels is $500, bearings are probably 50-100. I asked if he would take $400 and he said he would. A brand new cabking is $2400 plus shipping. Is $400 a fair price or is it too much.
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Post by Peruano on Mar 11, 2020 15:50:27 GMT -5
It's not too much if you can afford it.Almost any cab main will need new wheels. Once set up you will have a Cadillac machine. Put an expando on one end for versatility. Congrats.
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Post by greig on Mar 11, 2020 15:52:32 GMT -5
I saw one go for $150 CDN at auction a couple of years ago that looked well used like that one. Only two people bidding. However, most people in attendance wouldn't know what to do with one.
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Post by stardiamond on Mar 11, 2020 18:05:18 GMT -5
If I were buying one of those I would get the Gem King. I'm a big fan of recirculating water systems with geysers on the bottom using an aquarium pump. No reconfiguration of the overhead drippers is required. My star diamond was badly rusted on the bottom and was patched with a fiberglass liner. I took a hammer and chisel and bashed a slot where I could slide a tray under the right side wheels and then slide it left to the left side wheels. I change the water in the tray after grinding and sanding and reuse the tray of water when I go back to grinding. If 8 inch wheels will fit, you should be able to remove all the existing wheels and drums and replace with 5 or 6 wheels. The advantage of the 8 is they cut faster and the soft wheels are wider.
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