Hi,

I'd like to get started on cutting grinding cabbing and such and have found this all-in-one model to buy.  It's a hobby for me so only wanting to do novice style work for fun  - nothing heavy-duty or for profit. 

Anyone have an opinion or any experience with this model or can recommend a better model/tool to buy?

http://www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/product.php?id=92973&catID=1065

Your advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,
L82Play

Well Robert, there are certainly a lot of different ways to look at it,
but I'm thinking $900.00 on a 6 wheel cab machine like the ones shown here;
http://www.kingsleynorth.com/,

would be a more satisfying investment in the long run.
Then, of course, you would need to find a saw separately.

The Hog only has the two wheels and going from 100grit to 600 grit is quite a leap. And then straight to polish?
I guess the saw blade just screws onto the end like the polishing pads.
Maybe this machine would meet your needs but it just seems to me like,
again, in the long run, will only meet them halfway at best.

As always, I highly recommend anyone interested in investing in lapidary equipment
take the cabochon course at the NC State Crafts Center first.
That will answer a lot of your questions.
And, if you aren't too impatient, checking with all the local rock clubs, Craigslist, etc.,
for used equipment is the most economical way to go.

Joe

Yes, Alan, something like this package deal is the best way to go
for polishing flat surfaces. Not this particular one but...
http://www.amazon.com/Diamond-Polishing-Pads-Grinder-Granite/dp/B004UETOZO/ref=sr_1_42?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1393902865&sr=1-42&keywords=wet%2Fdry+angle+grinders

Those flat laps are tricky to get to know and slow.
They are good for a lot of things tho.

There are all different routes to go. I'm just offering my opinions here, guys.
Usually, it takes a combination of several tools.

Nope, don't think so. You would need a stationary wheel type
grinder for doing little cabs.

Think I gonna get a flat lap rather than build one. Just feeling lazy. Have the saw so halfway there.

Agreed,Alan. I think the 6 wheel cabbers are much more practical.
I only showed the Lortone Combo unit because it is about $200 less
than the Stone Hog and I think the saw is a better set-up.
With any 2 or 3 wheeled combo unit you are going to keep your
rough wheel stationary and have to change the outer one
every time you want to change a grit.

Where did you see the CabMate at? I was looking for that.
I know folks with the Cabmate and it works fine for them,
but I couldn't find it.

By the way, Alan, my 10" saw may be down for the time being,
but I got a few more to keep me busy.

Hi guys,

I took Joe's advice and bought a used Pixie 6 wheel cabber and a separate Lartone Lapidary Saw at the Gem and Mineral show in Raleigh.  Thanks for the conversation and info and now I'm ready to try my luck at cutting and polishing.

,
L82Play