I am looking to purchase a cab machine and trim saw. I have a little
rock hog and it is really inadequate for me now. Can anyone suggest a
cab machine and trim saw that they like. I am leaning toward the
little genie cab machine from diamond pacific. Still researching the
trim saw. The particular questions I have regarding cab machine is
the pros and cons of expandable belts versus metal diamond wheels and
for slab saw power or gravity feed. any help would be greatly
appreciated. thanks sarah.–
Sarah, I’m going to recommend the Caberet from Graves Co. I will
declare up front that I helped Graves bring this machine to the
market based on a vastly improved old Hi Tech design. Graves has been
producing them for over three years now and have continually improved
them. Take a look at the web site at www.gravescompany.com.
Advantages, variable speed (from 0 to about 2000rpm) DC motor with
plenty of torque. very light (only 30± lbs), Nova wheels that last a
long time, dual spritzers, safety fuses, and removable pans for easy
cleaning. It also has a large segmented tray on top to put your
polish and stones cut/being cut. And, the price is very good.
I have been using an early model of this machine for over 10 years
and have had minimal problems through hundreds of stones big and
small.
Trim saws are another question all together. I have been using a
tile saw from Home Depot that I paid around $60 for. The initial
blade has a rather wide kerf but that can be replaced with a lapidary
blade. Otherwise there are plenty of good trim says out there and its
kind of a crap shoot which is best. I expect everyone has their own
favorite. Cheers, Don in SOFL
I have the Genie and don’t think you can to better. It’s expensive,
but aren’t they all.
I’ve been seeing ads for the CABKING-6v3 (www.cabking.us). It looks
like the Genie, but has separate drip water feeds for each wheel.
That appeals to me. Doesn’t re-circulate the dirty water.
My trim saw is a tile saw from Lowes. 7 inch blade and works great.
I’ve cut rocks, bricks and a little of everything on it. Costs
around $80.
There are two things I like about the ‘CabKing’: the wheel height
and the drip system. What I don’t like is the sequence of grits and I
would prefer 8" wheels. I would not polish on the same machine on
which I grind. I have never used an 80 grit wheel. I would like to
know who produces the motor. The price seems reasonable. All this is
from looking at the web site I have not seen it ‘live’.
I am also a person who proposes to teach lapidary and a person with
30 years cutting experience
Ideally try out equipment before you buy. Some suppliers have bought
up the competition to eliminate competition and perhaps a better
product.
Diamond Pacific makes a stainless steel body/diamond blade- trim saw
that looks nice.
Having a very easy way to get to the water or oil reservoir(no tool)
is something to consider when laying out $300+ for a new saw. I am
pretty sure it just flips up and you dump a molded bucket. Raytec
makes a nice one, also. Most rock clubs use them.
I used a tile saw to start out also- but after joining a local Gem
and Mineral Society. Was able to find a used trim saw pretty
easyjust don’t get in a big hurry & one will find you. I am on
my second one now after refurbishing the 1st and selling it when a
better one came up.
Arbors:
On a budget- get a two place arbor (Poly is an old brand you find on
Ebay occasionally) & put two 6" Raytec expanding drums on. Your able
to purchase diamond belts in 6" relatively inexpensive. You must
screw the arbor to a heavy chunk of painted plywood or build a table
to mount it. Taking diamond belts on and off to change from 220 to
3,000mesh is simple.
Aquarium pumps, flex hose and a brass 3 way- provide the air for a
homemade bubbler/coolant system with a little ingenuity. Catering
line stainless pans can be found in a metal scrap yard for a few
dollars. Cut out one side with a Sawsall or Saber Saw/metal cutting
blade/filing and sanding the sharp edges.
You can make wheels from wood if you know a meticulous crafts person
with a lathe.
—Even a wood rasp and a fine file will work/determination.
– Any hardwood, epoxy and diamond bort will fashion a functional
device.
Pink Ivory wood was mentioned by author and carver; Henry Hunt, as
superior.
—Eye protection for every possible scenario, please.