I find that they lack torque. Also sometimes you hit a softer spot and they kinda try to get away if you're still putting the same force. DeWalt makes a 1/4" die grinder that's cordless and brushless. It's amazing. 20v 2Ah battery lasts forever, no cord to distract you, and the torque is amazing even at like ten rpm. Oh right, variable speed 0-30,000 rpm. I wish they'd made them when I was doing stone for a living. I can't imagine where I'd be. Outside, maybe by the river in the wind, you can carve some large pieces, or even smaller ones go so so fast and you don't need to worry about dusting up your entire life lol..
I'll try for a link
*This price is about what I paid, but it was all one price, nothing about import fees. It was still ~$200 https://www.amazon.ca/DEWALT-DCG426B-Variable-Speed-Grinder/dp/B076S9YBMH
I use 1/4 inch diamond tipped core drill bits, got them here: https://www.amazon.com/YOTINO-Diamond-Ceramics-Porcelain-Ceramic/dp/B07DXL74M2/ref=pd_aw_sbs_2/130-0590242-9070129?pd_rd_w=oCQQo&pf_rd_p=0f862814-ef56-48c7-b848-1ee8a9d56753&pf_rd_r=5QMDN4GF2H7A37MK0HWY&pd_rd_r=02bce218-725b-4954-a5fb-...
It still takes a while to drill holes (especially in harder stones like agate), but its much quicker than the carbide tipped masonry bits I used to use.
I'm so excited! I got this one a little while ago. Haven't used it yet, but I'm looking forward to.
I'm using an angle grinder with this wheel for the rough up, it chews the marble really well:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07479PNN7?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
And I use small diamond wheels for the rotary tools for the finer work.
For small pieces I've found a shotgun sandbag to be quite helpful.
I've also used an old tennis shoe braced by two sandbags, with the stone resting in the opening for your foot.
far from an expert…this is a casual hobby…so take what i say with a grain of salt but…
this works for me…
dewalt 6 inch wheel
amacupid 6 inch green silicon
now i sharpen occasional…not every day or week
DEWALT Bench Grinder, 6-Inch (DW756) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000224J3?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
AmaCupid 6 inch Green Silicon... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09815M9WK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Wow you're going super high on grits!
I'm guessing you're talking about Nephrite not Jadite (the latter of which I have no experience in). I tend to only sand to 800 or 1200 grit maximum before doing my final polish with a polishing compound on a cotton wheel. Personally I've had the best results with using Fabulustre, but I've also used Zam and Steel polish with some success.
The key to getting a good polish IME is getting the right amount of heat from friction to get the best out of the polishing compound. It should get basically too hot to touch immediately after taking it off the wheel. You do have to be a bit careful though as I've had pieces crack apart while polishing, possibly from pre-existing cracks or perhaps moisture in the stone turning to steam.
I've heard the "best" polish for Nephrite is tin oxide mixed into a slurry with water. I'm not sure what is the best material to use with the tin oxide as I've never used it myself, but I've seen it done with a flat leather disc. Again, getting some friction heat is key to getting a good polish.
Is this a mask you'd recommend? I already own it new in the box and was curious if it was as good as the Sundstrom SR100 mentioned above. If not I'll go ahead and order the other mask :)
it's called 'Full Face Respirator Gas Mask RHINO RH-7011 for Organic Vapor, Chemical, Dust, Painting (+ Acid Gas)'
No thats like epoxy glue, i mean like casting resin. Like This
You can just buy magnetite power online, it's cheap.
If you mix it with some binders you can make a form of ferrite, which is used for magnetic applications in electronics, and to make permanent magnets.
This guy has figured out a way to make your own functional ferrite cores and published an Instructible on how to do it.
https://www.instructables.com/Make-your-own-Ferrite-to-improve-magnetic-fields/
Thanks man! I'm guessing this is what you have?
That is exactly what I'm looking for except for the handpiece. On my dremel I switched out the standard collet nut for the chuck and I really don't want to go back to using collets for different shank sizes so would have to also get a chuck handpiece for this.
Al-Orr chisels. Also, check out these texts for guidance.
The Art of Letter Carving in Stone https://www.amazon.com/dp/1861268793/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_Usk8Fb1QMN08C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
“Letters Slate Cut” is the classic text but can be hard to find.
Do you already have the stone? Because this kit has everything you need to start
Soapstone would also be a good choice. It's soft and easily carved with simple tools, and usually comes in a grey-green color that might be acceptable.
Amazon has a beginner's kit that would be a good way to start, and probably the most economical way to get started
Hope this helps
Under the Stone Carving Sets, I see the “Bantam Pneumatic Stone Carving Tool Set - Set of Five Tools” which seems to be on sale for $55. This looks like what I might need. Is that correct?
Also, I’m assuming that’s a good price? It certainly is when compared to the original price ($110), but I’m also seeing this “CSLU 11pcs Stone Carving Tool Chisels/Knife Set Kit Mn Alloy Steel” on Amazon for $19.
Edit: lol the amazon one says not for use on stone (well, several types of stone at least, but you get the point) so that explains the price difference.
I know I'm kind of late to the party, but "rub'n buff" can be really pretty in the letters: https://www.amazon.com/AMACO-Metallic-Finish-0-5-Fluid-Ounce/dp/B00081HYDC For outdoor use it may need a spar varnish or something over it, I'm not sure.