USMC15
Cave Dweller
I feel like I just came out of the tumbler ...
Member since March 2021
Posts: 273
|
Post by USMC15 on Mar 10, 2021 18:43:53 GMT -5
I need a cabbing machine that will not break the bank. I can always upgrade at a later date. It is important to me that I learn everything at/around the same time so beginner gear is what I seek that can produce quality cuts and grinds.
If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. If I am posting anything in the wrong area, I would like to know that as well.
Any advise?
|
|
|
Post by manofglass on Mar 10, 2021 18:48:27 GMT -5
|
|
USMC15
Cave Dweller
I feel like I just came out of the tumbler ...
Member since March 2021
Posts: 273
|
Post by USMC15 on Mar 10, 2021 22:01:40 GMT -5
So you can do the same thing on a flat lap? Would it be harder or the same?
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Mar 10, 2021 22:44:13 GMT -5
So you can do the same thing on a flat lap? Would it be harder or the same? You can't do an "inside" curve on a cab with a flat lap...but you can on the cabber. You can't face polish a slab on a cabbing machine...but you can on the flat lap. I can make any kind of cab (excluding one with an inside swoop) that someone can make on a cabbing machine. With cabbing machines, all of your wheels with different grits are set out in front of you already on the arbor. On a flat lap, you have to change disks to get to another grit level. (This doesn't bother me though...)
|
|
QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,622
|
Post by QuailRiver on Mar 11, 2021 11:27:30 GMT -5
An old used B&I Gem Maker, also commonly sold as the Craftsman Gem Maker is a great low cost starter machine. Tens of thousands of these units were made over a span of about four decades. They made a 6" model and a 10" model. The 10 inch model came with 8" laps and a 10" diamond blade. Both used bronze sleeve bearings and a grease cup so if needed, bearing replacement is inexpensive. While these machines are generally used with flat laps and discs, there is enough hand room to one side, especially on the 10" model, that one can use standard round wheels for preforming the shape of a stone and for producing an inside curve on a cab. The housing, legs and drip pot were all made of cast aluminum and never rust. And there were such a large number of these machines made, and they were made so well, that most are still around and show up fairly frequently on eBay, Craigslist, and at estate sales. The basic 6" model can often be found for under $100 and 10" model for around $200. If sold with newer accessories they may sell for more. But don't place much value on any of the old silicon carbide grinding wheels or MDF backed sanding discs that originally came with the machine. You'll be much happier upgrading to diamond laps and sanding discs. The old style hard felt polishing discs that came with the Gem Maker units originally were very good for use with cerium oxide or tin oxide polish. But the B&I machines have been out of production for over thirty years so unless one is lucky enough to find a unit that has never been used (which does occasionally happen) then the hard felt polishing disc would likely need replacing. Here is what the 6" model looks like: And this is the 10" model: And the 10" model shown with a 10" diamond blade and the rock sawing vise mounted: Larry C.
|
|
Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,681
|
Post by Fossilman on Mar 11, 2021 12:23:34 GMT -5
Yes, cabbing are pricey! I saved up and bought a used one (Roy), that was in great shape and works like a charm... Hit up Roy or Tony, see what they have...
|
|
USMC15
Cave Dweller
I feel like I just came out of the tumbler ...
Member since March 2021
Posts: 273
|
Post by USMC15 on Mar 11, 2021 13:08:23 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by manofglass on Mar 11, 2021 16:08:00 GMT -5
8” blade would be a start
|
|
|
Post by manofglass on Mar 12, 2021 9:55:08 GMT -5
|
|
USMC15
Cave Dweller
I feel like I just came out of the tumbler ...
Member since March 2021
Posts: 273
|
Post by USMC15 on Mar 13, 2021 21:27:36 GMT -5
That looks nice, but then I would have to buy a motor and pay someone to hook it up and the wheels, by time I do all that i minus well buy a complete system. I might just start with a lap system. No harm in that. Drive down to the Rock Shed and pick up an 8" with all the accessories. Might get my saws too.
|
|
|
Post by hummingbirdstones on Mar 13, 2021 21:30:39 GMT -5
That looks nice, but then I would have to buy a motor and pay someone to hook it up and the wheels, by time I do all that i minus well buy a complete system. I might just start with a lap system. No harm in that. Drive down to the Rock Shed and pick up an 8" with all the accessories. Might get my saws too. There's nothing wrong with a flat lap. It's what I started with and my husband did too (before we had even met). We both still use them for certain stones and I use mine all the time for the backs of cabs. Even after you graduate to a cabber with wheels, you will still use that flat lap.
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Mar 13, 2021 21:31:44 GMT -5
(Just teasing! )
|
|
USMC15
Cave Dweller
I feel like I just came out of the tumbler ...
Member since March 2021
Posts: 273
|
Post by USMC15 on Mar 13, 2021 21:36:26 GMT -5
(Just teasing! ) Jason, didn't you hear? I was using your stimulus check.
|
|
|
Post by jasoninsd on Mar 13, 2021 21:39:29 GMT -5
(Just teasing! ) Jason, didn't you hear? I was using your stimulus check. You'd have to fight my wife for that one...and I know who I'd be betting on in that one! LOL
|
|
|
Post by stardiamond on Mar 14, 2021 13:31:14 GMT -5
|
|
stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
|
Post by stefan on Mar 17, 2021 18:20:41 GMT -5
Stardiamond- I actually PMed with USMC15! Not really the machine he was looking for. If anyone else is interested I just lowered the price to $750. I just spent my stimulus check on a new CabKing 6" using the affiliate link so the board gets a little something something too! If I can't sell my Lortone here it will probably end up on fleabay. I promise you shipping will not be free then. If any one is even slightly interested please PM me as I am willing to hold it for a while if someone needs to raise some funds. OK selfish plug over!
|
|