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Just wanted to comment that my wife and I are regular viewers and appreciate all your videos. This being the Christmas Season, after watching this current video, I ordered the Hi-tech 8" and 8" 80 grit diamond wheel. We currently have a `14" Lortone Panter and a Vib Tumbler, so, this was the push I needed to commit to buying a flat lap. I've been anxious to get out and do some hounding, as our field trips were nonexistent this past year due to a troublesome hip. But, hurray, just had a total hip replacement 8 days ago and am now walking 1/4 mile a day, so already planning trips for Spring and Summer!
Thank you for watching the channel. I think you will be very happy with the flat lap! How do you like your vibratory tumbler? Also congratulations on the new hip!
@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thank you. Sadly, I can't comment on how I like the Vib tumbler, as also we bought it over a year ago, with the hip pain I lived with, I just postponed getting material and testing the tumbler. For sure it is on my first of things to do list now. There's one guy on RU-vid that has a great instruction for using the vib tumbler, and I assume our results will be similar with the only question I have is how large a slab can be done.
My brother just dropped off a tile saw for me. Already been hard at it. But I need a flatlap. Alot of the rocks I have cut, have a greenish blue hue to the quartz. Love your videos, much love and respect.
Before i had a saw or any equipment i used to use a diamond knife sharpening block to polish my rocks haha, it was quite the painful process but it was great to be able to open up a window if I wanted and it lasted for quite a while too.
Do I really NEED a lapidary saw? I mean, that's kinda like asking if I NEED to pick up another rock! I can see how a flat lap could be more multi-functional than one might initially think and now I have a new perspective on them. I got my brick/tile saw at Harbor Freight (I figure if it doesn't perform the way I want, I can always use it for other things) and so using a wide variety of grit on the flat lap will be a necessity. One thing I saw from someone here on YT (can't remember who - KatyDid?) was to use a Sharpie across the ridges and grooves before using the next grit to ensure...flatness? Ensure flat? Ensure level? You get my point. Ha
Hahaha Yeah I mean saws are great but for someone that needs to pick between cutting rocks and polishing rocks well, maybe this is a solid option for that person. I've tried the Sharpie thing and it works on some rocks better than others. Some rocks that might be a little more porous seemed like it wicked the ink in too far.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding I love it. I spent 25.00 on a used magic saw.. Amazing how well it cuts 3 inch or less. I'm spoiled by the ability to go to my local lapidary... those people have been cutting rocks since 1970.. it's a challenge to get accepted by elders but once you are in it is a wonderful place. The knowledge in their.
I'm planning on making a video soon showing how I have been polishing rocks by hand using masonry files, sandpaper, leather with water & polishing oxides (i.e. aluminum, zirconium, cerium oxides). I've created glass-like surfaces on everything from serpentine to microcrystalline quartz specimens. Sometimes I pull certain rocks out early from my rock tumbler just to polish them by hand because I don't want to risk losing certain features.
I think it's great you showed an alternative method to achieve a flat polished surface. If you want to cut geodes or thundereggs and agates (or do slabbing for cabs, etc) then start saving for a dedicated rock saw (they offer features tile saws don't). For those on a budget, used ones do come up from time to time. Like in rock hounding itself, patience and persistence pays off when you're buying equipment. Good deals are out there.
Agreed having a saw is important in the long run. I have a big oil saw and water trim saw and it's so nice to have but those costs do add up for people so I was trying to just show an alternative for starting.
All my lapidary equipment is used, got all very inexpensively. Some needed a bit of work, most of that time not parts. The other thing is join a lapidary club, most have excellent equipment available for a nominal fee.
I'm so happy I found one of your videos that popped up on my home utube screen! Thank you for the great learning videos, your kindness also shows up in reading the comments! 🤗
Thank you! I'm glad you like the videos. The comments sections of these videos also hold so many tips and advice from other people and are worth the read.
A lapidary saw is absolutely necessary. I have a tile saw that works well enough, but the RPM's are way to high and rock easily chips away if you don't go real slow. A lapidary saw is at a much slower RPM and cuts much better. I have the Hi-Tech saw and love it. Much better slabs! No way you can get by cheap in this hobby if you want the best results.
I 100% agreed having a saw is important in the long run. I have my big oil saw and water trim saw (hi-tech) and it's so nice to have but those costs do add up for people so I was trying to just show an alternative for starting which I think this is. I agree going to the cheap route often mean you will buy twice and pay twice as much. I think in general the costs of getting into rockhounding and lapidary are rather low when you stack it next to other hobbies.
I respect your integrity. If I remember correctly, that machine was a promo, yet you still took time to generate a legitimate opinion of it. As for the stone, I thought 'what an ugly rock', until you put the window in it. Quite a surprise, though I might make the window larger. Did you see the new crystal discoveries I posted?
It was provided to me free of charge but it was something I reached out to them for and not the other way around. This is something that I would have purchased otherwise. No be honest it kind few under my radar, but I'm going to go watch it now!
You asked me earlier if I found quartz and epidote often on the Yellowstone. Looking at your rock, I can tell you emphatically "yes." :D I just don't usually pick them up, because my backpack is so heavy. After seeing this lovely video, though, I may have to change my ways.
The only thing about just using a flat lap is that depending on the material you're cutting you will wear down your laps faster than necessary. I have always ( some twenty years now ) used a saw first to get a flat surface. I know people believe they are saving money by not buying a saw but flat laps aren't cheap either. So if you are planing on doing a lot of material over the years make an investment in a rock saw it's worth it.
I 100% agree with you but if someone has to pick one for the time being this is an option. Also maybe for someone that wants to buy preforms online or use the saws at there rock club and then come home and polish as they want.
After reading all the comments, I'd have to agree,that a rock saw is a must for anyone venturing deeper into the lapidary world..your flat lap is awesome though!..I have to say I've been eyeballing that same machine ever since I bought my cab king.. here's a tip, before starting your first grind on 80,.mark the surface area well with a marker, that way as your grinding down,you can see visually the areas that need more attention..it should all disappear once flattened without over grinding your stone...also,..the rock you have there makes for great slabs once cut up!..I have many!!.. Happy Thanksgiving bud!
I agree this isn't a replacement for a trim or slab saw and having a saw is important in the long run. I have a big oil saw and water trim saw and it's so nice to have but those costs do add up for people so I was trying to just show an alternative for starting. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
@@CurrentlyRockhounding absolutely!!..we are fortunate as rockhounds to have you as a friend and who is willing to share ideas and suggestions to help ppl advance in the lapidary world.
Well, you've just confirmed for me that a few of my earliest collected rocks are indeed epidote, which I had never heard of before. That flat lap works wonders.
I just bought the all-u-need rocks/minerals machine and I was so excited after I set it up, my agates and jades are lined up for grinding and polishing. Unfortunately the knob for the speed won’t turn so I applied a little pressure then it broke. I wanted to cry out loud. It’s Saturday now so I have to wait till Monday to contact the company...so bummed. Is there supposedly a special way to turn the knob on? The stem was not turning and seemed to be stuck that’s why I’m asking. Thanks 🙏🏼
It should turn and click on with ease. I'm sorry to hear about that but I'm sure the company will make it right. If you have any other issues you can always drop me an email at currentlyrockhounding@gmail.com
@@CurrentlyRockhounding thanks for your reply. I love this company. The customer service is awesome. They explained to me what must have caused it and they are shipping a new one. By any chance are you interested in swapping some rocks? I discovered a new rockhounding site in one of LA’s beaches and the rocks are mind blowing. So the host rock is what I think is basalt or igneous but it has swirls, twirls, crystals and lots of bands. But no chalcedony like properties so I’m confused if I should call them agates. If you want some, I will happily send you a few. Let me know. Will shoot you an email in a day or two. Best regards.
@@maiguapa8 Well I am very glad that you have it getting worked out with them. I have been mailing out so much lately that I think I should take a break from the trade but if you wanted to send me an email with some photo of what you found I would love to see it. currentlyrockhounding@gmail.com
Question: once the discs wear out, how do you remove them from the acrylic backing plate? I assume you don’t have to purchase a new acrylic disc every time you replace that grit...
@@CurrentlyRockhounding yeah I just ordered the 8" with there sale rite now so keep up the vids with it I'll be watching for visuals on the whole process 👍
