Really useful info! Am just looking at options for lap machines. Don't really care for the dremmel approach. Also, tried angle grinder mounted in vice using silica carbide polishing disks. Actually works, but (at 18000 rpm) has the unfortunate tendency of shooting opals several meters across the room. So, now wondering if I can adapt an existing bench grinder.
Thanks, yes you can adapt an existing bench grinder. A number of years ago. modified 10 x 6" Ryobi grinders to dedicated high speed sanders for customers. Took the wheels and guards off, lathed up 4 1/2" discs out of aluminium bar. Some professional opal cutters put quality sintered metal bond wheels on. You may consider a diamond disc for side grinding instead of periphery wheel. If you are starting out, you can use silicon carbide, #100 would be the coarsest or an electroplated wheel #180 would be good. Just remember to do your best to avoid getting water into the switch. Could be fatal. You just need to consider how you will saw and or polishing as low speed is advisable when using felt or leather with a powder polish.
@@diverseopalproducts Really appreciate the very helpful info! Putting a coarse wheel on one side such as the ones you recommend and a medium coarse wheel on the other should cover my needs, I think. Will definitely need to fabricate covers and water catchment basins for each side. Will probably still do final polishing steps by hand. Regards.
Great video! I'm looking forward to trying the aluminum oxide stick on my 220 sintered wheel, it definitely feels like it has slowed down. Do you have any tips for knowing if your wheel is as sharp as it should be? Maybe using a loupe or just the feel of it? Thanks for all the videos you have made, really enjoying watching them!
Thanks for your feedback and question. If you feel your sintered diamond wheel has slowed you can try taking it off your machine, turning it around to run in the opposite direction. As well as cleaning your wheel with your dressing stick. Another option, increase the pulley speed of your machine.
@@diverseopalproducts Great idea to turn it around! The sintered wheels I got are from Baltic Abrasives, they make a really nice 2"x8" wide wheel. They seem really nicely balanced, I'm able to run two of them on a CabKing and machine runs very smooth. I had another solid sintered wheel that made the machine vibrate terribly. Thanks again for all the videos, you have created a real treasure trove of info! I've got a lot of stones that need carving and paste polishing, so that content is really great!
@@brettharper2393 Sintered metal bond diamond wheels start out fast then the cutting rate slows to a stable rate. Your wheel that is out of balance can be fixed. You just need to find someone who can provide that service. I have had many wheels balanced over the years.
Tons of tips
Thanks for your feedback, its appreciated.
Lots of valuable content. Thank you.
Thanks for watching and your feedback.
wow awesome info thanks a ton for sharing!!
Thanks for your feedback, hope it has been of interest.
Merry Christmas mate be safe
Thank you for your wishes. May you and your family have the same experience. Merry Christmas.
Really useful info! Am just looking at options for lap machines. Don't really care for the dremmel approach. Also, tried angle grinder mounted in vice using silica carbide polishing disks. Actually works, but (at 18000 rpm) has the unfortunate tendency of shooting opals several meters across the room.
So, now wondering if I can adapt an existing bench grinder.
Thanks, yes you can adapt an existing bench grinder. A number of years ago. modified 10 x 6" Ryobi grinders to dedicated high speed sanders for customers. Took the wheels and guards off, lathed up 4 1/2" discs out of aluminium bar. Some professional opal cutters put quality sintered metal bond wheels on. You may consider a diamond disc for side grinding instead of periphery wheel. If you are starting out, you can use silicon carbide, #100 would be the coarsest or an electroplated wheel #180 would be good. Just remember to do your best to avoid getting water into the switch. Could be fatal. You just need to consider how you will saw and or polishing as low speed is advisable when using felt or leather with a powder polish.
@@diverseopalproducts Really appreciate the very helpful info! Putting a coarse wheel on one side such as the ones you recommend and a medium coarse wheel on the other should cover my needs, I think. Will definitely need to fabricate covers and water catchment basins for each side. Will probably still do final polishing steps by hand. Regards.
@@bentationfunkiloglio Glad to have been able to help.
Great video! I'm looking forward to trying the aluminum oxide stick on my 220 sintered wheel, it definitely feels like it has slowed down. Do you have any tips for knowing if your wheel is as sharp as it should be? Maybe using a loupe or just the feel of it? Thanks for all the videos you have made, really enjoying watching them!
Thanks for your feedback and question. If you feel your sintered diamond wheel has slowed you can try taking it off your machine, turning it around to run in the opposite direction. As well as cleaning your wheel with your dressing stick. Another option, increase the pulley speed of your machine.
@@diverseopalproducts Great idea to turn it around! The sintered wheels I got are from Baltic Abrasives, they make a really nice 2"x8" wide wheel. They seem really nicely balanced, I'm able to run two of them on a CabKing and machine runs very smooth. I had another solid sintered wheel that made the machine vibrate terribly. Thanks again for all the videos, you have created a real treasure trove of info! I've got a lot of stones that need carving and paste polishing, so that content is really great!
@@brettharper2393 Sintered metal bond diamond wheels start out fast then the cutting rate slows to a stable rate. Your wheel that is out of balance can be fixed. You just need to find someone who can provide that service. I have had many wheels balanced over the years.
what cost is a 6 inch
Silicon Carbide Grinding Wheel
I don't sell silicon carbide wheels but I think Kinik are still supplying 6" x 1" x #100 grit wheels.