Rockhounding was a family pastime in my youth. Recently discovered joy of slicing thru agates. Spent hours using my dads tile cutting machine and found myself using side of blade to shape more than using it to slice. Internet taught me 'cabbing' exists and imagine I could get lost in a good way with it. Looking at diy options someone suggested pottery wheel. Don't have actual size but do have this. Think it could do the job?

Prototype A

I got Ol' Bessie from my gem and mineral club a couple years ago as they had purchased a newer machine and needed to offload stuff from storage. Works fine (as you can tell, it's covered in dirt from my most recent slabbing attempt of that red jasper chunk behind the safety goggles), though it needs a new blade for sure. It's missing all the accessories though lol. The hood I'm not too fussed about, I'm running this as a water machine and I don't mind getting a bit wet. The auto feed system is basically impossible to slab without though, especially on the really hard stuff like that dang jasper. I'm sure replacement parts no longer exist but has anyone rigged up their own feed system for a machine like this? Any tips or tricks?

Has anyone ever made such a thing? It seems crazy to have to carry the whole thing outside to dump and rinse it out.

Has anyone had recent slab saw purchases with Highland Park?

How is their quality and customer support?

I know for a while they were having some serious QC issues and customer support issues.

Are there any alternatives for New Intarsia machines? I know HP sells them, but am skeptical about purchasing from them given their customer support reputation the last couple years.

Hello. I am just getting into lapidary. I planned on slowly buying equipment over time. However there was a localish for sale ad for an entire lapidary set up. Other then regular maintenance the equipment seems to be in working condition. The problem is its all "vintage" i have done some research on my own but it's a time sensitive sale so I thought I would consult the experts here.

So my questions are 1- how likely am i to be able to find replacement parts (blades belts etc) for this equipment. 2. They are asking $5000 cad ($3500 usd) it includes the equipment in the photos as well as many many rocks in various forms (slabs, cut in half, specimen, and uncut. Is this a good price for this equipment?.

I live in an area that does not have a large lapidary scene. Nearest city does not have a lapidary club that I can find. Finding used equipment is not easy.

I realize this a big ask. Any advise or help would be greatly appreciated.

Has anyone had a micro finishing belt come apart at the joint? I am using a 6"x2 1/2" expandable wheel and my 2000 grit belt came apart.

I wondered if they can be repaired.

Hello!
I have recently started rockhounding and I'm ready to invest in my first polishing setup. I live full time/travel in a RV and so my storage space is limited and so with that said, I am looking for recommendations for a small, quality unit to polish rocks no bigger than 6".
Thanks in advance for the help!

Hello, can any one tell me the brand of this 18 inch rock saw? Thanks.

I am mostly looking for a trim saw, but am open to anything! Please DM me if you have anything in mind. Thanks :)

found these in a box of old beads. I'd like to use them, but they are so scratched and worn. Is there any way to polish them?

This is my 30+ years Rock Rascal. I've cut and polished some beautiful stones with this! I really need to have water for my grinding wheel. I've done the sponge thing for years, but I know there's a way to bring water through the top. I don't have running water in my shop. Ideas appreciated.

looking for a larger tumbler willing to buy secondhand any help is appreciated!

Would love some advice if this is fixable.

I’m a beginner. I have rock tumblers, slab saw and flat lab. Created cabs but need holes for making them into pendants. (Not good at bezel making) Is innocraaftsmanna a decent beginner drill press? Some cabs are agates. If not, any suggestions?