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Got my tumblers now gonna save for the flat lap, awesome 😊

Good machine on my wish list! Pond pump idea is superb. Also a larger end reservoir bucket. Cool!!!

Very helpful, thanks for taking the time to put such good work into all you so here👍👍

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Thanks for the good review. I was just given this unit with a lot of wheels and it will be nice to get back into Lapidardy considering I have about 500 lbs of slabbed stone. Our association shutdown our shop that has been running for 35 years and was going to trash all our equipment, we managed to save the equipment to use at home. Happy cabbing, I’m checking out all your videos ! 👍🏻

Thanks for the concise and informative video, very helpful in my flap lap selection process.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for stopping by and giving it a watch!

Thanks for the info I appreciate that. I was thinking about maybe buying that very machine.

Nice review. Comment for the algorithm.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

Lovely advice. You definitely don’t talk to fast that’s a big help for me.

I have had one of these for about 13 years and I have polished thousands of cabochons on it. It's a workhorse. Early on I got an 80 grit disk. I use both a larger water container and collector that came with cole slaw. Given its ease of use, the water issue is minor.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

Жыл бұрын

Like you I have the 80grit wheel and I think its a very important step for getting out those saw marks.

Tools and toys of the trade. 😎. Nice review. 10% discount buying through your link. Sweet!

Thanks for doing this review ! I have been looking at their system sometime now. You answered several questions. Will look for your cabbing and flattening videos.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

I have a good lapidary playlist going.

Thank you so much for this I'm considering buying one so it's nice to see a review o.o

@CurrentlyRockhounding

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you liked it.

Thanks again for this kind of honest information. It helps when making a decision on these types of equipment. Like you mentioned it fits in the “sweet spot” of lapidary purchases.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you liked it! I think this really does hit the sweet spot.

Awesome hands on knowledge and experience fantastic looks to be a great machine I would be happy with and you have done awesome cabbing thank you

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

It's a good little machine.

Really like this breakdown video. Great recommendations. I was already sold on getting a hi-tech from your other videos. Time to break the piggy bank!

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

They really are nice machines.

I have one I have had for probably at least 20 years, and I have never had any trouble with it. But yes the water system does leave a lot to be desired. I think your review was spot on.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

Have you had anything break on it in that time?

@chuckraup6836

3 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Only the water supply cup and it went about 2 years ago. Can't complain about that, I don't use it every day. I originally got it to cut Spencer Opal triplets and it works great for that.

@raystevens687

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks it makes me want to buy 1 I'll try to save up for it maybe buy the end of summer possibly and thanks again for your review

I have a HI-Tech, I opted for their slant back. I bought the pump from them as well. I’m a beginner but very impressed with the machine and what I’ve polished thus far. I love the dish rack idea! I always look forward to your videos but am really excited for your future videos on polishing.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

It's a nice machine for sure. The dish rack is such a cheap little thing, heck I have seen them at the dollar store but it actually really nice to have.

Solid review. I agree about the water system. I have the slant cabber, but it too is less than ideal. I've got some extra pads coming my way - the 80 grit and the 3000 grit, but I might grab more.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

The 80 and 3000 are very nice to have. You should rig up a water system.

Thanks, I’ve been debating it but you definitely made it easy to need it, 😂 I will be breaking the piggy but I’ve got such a collection of rocks I would like to polish already, the collection is outta control I’ve been told so I must bend the wallet much ❤️

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

My collection has also grown a lot. I'm really trying to be much more selective these days. It's nice to shift my view some and start thinking of rocks in the terms of what can be done with them.

you sealed the day for me! I am saving for that now and as soon as my pickle jar has enough change in it I am buying one.Thanks for the vid. Havagudun .

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

I don't think you will be disappointed.

Thoughtful explanation, wouldn't expect anything less from you. Inre the irregular cut of a tile or trim saw; found that a diamond cup on a sander or polisher works very well in evening a rock for polishing. Readily available at Harbor Freight.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you and that's a good tip.

I too added the 5-gallon water system LOL! I have never had a true workspace for my flat lap so, the one thing I love is its mobility. One year I took my flat lap out to the patio and used it outside in the fresh air. I also clamped a water hose to my unit and worked on cabochons all summer it was great. I can pick it up and move it anywhere I can find space to work and, it is quiet enough to use indoors. I inherited mine from my rockhounding friend and I LOVE IT!!! I do use a small (Harbor freight) tile saw to cut rocks that I have made modifications to but it, unfortunately, is NOT quiet. I can only use that thing outside in the summer.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

I'm so going to take my flatlap out into the sun this spring, that sounds really nice.

Great video great information thanks

@CurrentlyRockhounding

Жыл бұрын

I'm glad you liked it!

I just got this exact model and I’m loving it. The issue with the water is a bit annoying. I don’t currently have a permanent spot for my work so I will keep that 2gal bucket trick for when I do. The other thing I don’t like is how difficult it is to clean. The grooves in the water pan take forever to wash out. A small bottle brush does help though.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

The bottom tray does get a bit hard to clean but it doesn't really effect it. I should clean mine more, maybe a little tooth brush would work for it.

Cool. I'm thinking about getting one of these for all the geodes I have cut.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

What size geodes do you have?

@christopherort3045

2 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I have a few hundred geodes in all sizes. From 1 or 2 inch up to 6 and 7 inches. Mainly quartz and citrine inside them. Most are rattlers. So, they are semi hallow. The small ones should be fine, but the large ones may be an issue.

After seeing your first video on this machine, I also bought one, it’s well made, and seems to work fine. It’s not big enough for a few of my larger thunder eggs, but for 99% of them it’s working great! My next upgrade will be a water pump system. Thanks for turning my on to it, after the first of the year I hope to try making some cabs.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

It's also not big enough for some of my larger rocks as well. I've been looking into some work around for that.

@sheetmetalhead

3 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I had picked up an old angled lap that was missing some pieces, I converted it to a 7” Velcro pad, and am using the hook&loop pads for concrete grinding. This allows the center to be open.

Hey man great subject to cover and great video. I need to make a better water system for mine cause it is definitely annoying ha being to switch out that water so much. As well removing the top tub for the water guard would also help with the vibration sound from it off balancing it while running.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

I used a bucket with a little irrigation dipper from home depot and it worked well! I do like the pond pump I currently have a bit better, this to mess with.

How can anyone give you a hands down on this video? They are nuts! This video was fantastic and very informative! Thank You! 🤗

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

It happens, but the jokes on them cause the way in which KZread views the thumbs up and down is the same, it all counts as an interaction.

@trevorallen2274

2 жыл бұрын

Well KZread fixed that didn't they. Now when content really is garbage we will not know until missing time from our life for nothing 😁

I want one!

I have the Hi-Tech slant lap (purchased 2 weeks ago). I've had a some issues with mine, Starting with the shipment was incomplete (missing 3 important parts), the tubing wasn't completely assembled INSIDE (what a mess!) and now something else needs re-glued! I would have bought a more expensive lap but, as an amature I didn't want to break my fixed income size bank! I wish the feet were leveling feet since my floor and table are not level... I went to Amazon and ordered the rack you have your laps stored on! Great idea! Now that it's working and I've accomplished a few items I'm happy. Already thinking of more accessories when I can afford them!

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

I'm really sorry that you have had a less than positive experience with it. Have you given them a call? If not I would suggest giving them a ring cause they really seem responsive and if something isn't right I'm sure they will fix it.

@kksrocks5204

3 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding oh yes I've talked with them several times now. They walked me through opening the bottom of the unit and fixing the tubing. I can easily re-glue the little gizmo that holds the spray guard, although it works fine not being glued too. I will message them with the suggested leveling feet. I think it would be a nice addition without adding much cost at all. I'm sorry they had an issue with quality control somewhere along the line. I want the trim saw next so I'll buy from them when my "old lady" budget is happy again LOL!

Also went to 60 and 100 grit discs for rough grinding. You need to get one of their trim or slab saws or both, highly recommend, I own both now.. To your point straight cuts make all the difference for grinding. Also recommend their Cerium oxide powder, then put into paste on soft wheel vs cerium oxide disc, but this is all dependent on the material you polish, but great for mirror polish agates. Lastly great reco and video on fluorescent lights, I now own the UVBeast. :-)

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

I do have the 6" trim saw from Hi-Tech as well. Its been a good saw so far. Those lights are pretty good, I have another one coming to test against it.

@hitechdiversions3160

3 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Oh sure.. now I will have to spend money again when you find a better one.. .hah. Can't wait to get this one out in the field. I started with the 6 inch but my rock outgrew the blades and then got the 10 inch... your in the same boat I think.

Thanks very much for the content post my friend, really appreciated!👍 Very nice explanation of your thoughts on the matter but noted you didn't mention the limitation on material sizes due to the center post.🤷‍♂️ When working larger specimen (like bookends) and slabs the post in the middle of the lap is a deal breaker(my primary reason for going with a larger rotary lap without the center post)🤦‍♂️ Additionally, before using the resin disks if they had any diamond abraded disks for course grinding that would be really helpful for those rougher cuts to get the surface really flat before going into the resin disks for polish. Anyway, thanks again brother, if I don't talk to you before, hope you and Sara have a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday!

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

Oh I hear you there, the size is a limiting factor for big work. I personally would the two speed 16" horizontal lap from Covington, but at $1900 new I think that will need to wait. They do have diamond disc, I have an 80 and 180 grit diamond disc for it that I use before moving to resin discs. Merry Christmas dude!

@BackcountrywithShaughn

3 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Oh I guess I must've missed the part on those diamond discs! 🤦‍♂️👍😁 Getting blind in my old age~ haha Yeah who doesn't want a nice 16", 18" or even 24" rotary flat lap with a whole set of magnetic backed disks? haha Take care sir and talk again soon~

I went with the covington 16" horizontal lap...But I think I will need to make a vijeo explaining that one.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

I would love to watch that.

@pattywpschoonbeck49

3 жыл бұрын

So would I! Please?

@TheRogueRockhound

3 жыл бұрын

@@pattywpschoonbeck49 I'm putting together my shop now and am excited to share and start making new videos . Make sure to check back with me soon!

I bought one of these in December of 2016, it is now basically worn out after occasional use. Last year the motor started blowing the fuse. I replaced the fuse several time and eventually the plastic fuse holder broke. The motor now sometimes does not start, when it does start many time it does not rotate very fast. I decided it was not worth trying to have it fixed and decided to buy an Ameritool flatlap from Covington Engineering instead.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 ай бұрын

8 Years out of an electric motor sounds pretty good if you ask me. A replacement motor would have been a fraction of the price of your Ameritool lap.

This video will be a big hit because nobody want to drop 1300 on a big cab machine..Good advice and budget saver tips.

I've had a 6" version since the mid 80s, still going strong with some minor mods & upkeep. Vibration issues are the only complaint. Enjoy! Have one large opal that made into the Imperial Museum of Geology in China. I believe these are still made in the USA. The slant version for me, just not so sure about. Enjoy & thanks to everyone at Hi Tech.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

4 ай бұрын

They are good little machines.

The instructions mention greasing the metal arbor to keep it from freezing up. I don’t know how to do this. Do you have any thoughts on this issue? Thanks so much for all your help! You are a wonderful teacher.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

4 ай бұрын

I have never done that before, and I just removed my arbor with ease, but it would likely be good to do.

I'm so glad you took the advice and made your own water feed and drainage system... it's so helpful. The plastic structures are important as it keeps down on the rust factor. And definitely the 80 grit is the best starting point.. getting out all those scratches and uneven surfaces before moving forward. Making all the other processes faster. Even when I cab on a cab king I put all my specimens through one grit at a time. So ideally flat lap having needed pads to change.. doing 5 or so at each grit then let's you see more ways to improve your productivity. Happy to see the company offers some great options for more steady users. Thanks so much for sharing.. We don't have a flat lap that is easy use at my shop.. our system it huge. Like 24inch across.. I'm patiently awaiting the ability to have a long day to utilize it.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah the water system is much better when than what it came with, its a simple but nice upgrade. Dang a 24" flat lap is really big.

Thanks large, man! Do you think that device could handle a two-person operation? Set it on a small table with opposite seats? That's my idea of the perfect date. 😊 Keep on Rockin' 🤙

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

That's actually a very interesting idea. I think it could so long as you're not doing two really big rocks at once, you want the water to clear the pads you know.

@silversixxx

3 жыл бұрын

it does work! my wife and I were polishing rocks yesterday on it, we both had opposite sides with plenty of hand room. it was fun!

@justincosby2258

3 жыл бұрын

Not just the water I wouldnt push the motor that hard. Just my opinion even if it sounds fun and I know these are good machines but thats a lot of stress.

So I got one for my birthday last week. Just a heads up. Never run it with just one of the washers. It is not a spare as my husband suggested. There may or may not be a short video of it flying apart when I was showing my daughter what it does. :/

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

Yikes I whop it didn't damage anyone or anything.

@deanabell507

3 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding No it’s all good just scared the piss out of my daughter.

Hey man. I'm curious what material you made that mat with. Thanks for the video, good work.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

Are talking about the mat on my bench?

@groundhogdog76

2 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding yes, sorry, the black rubber looking mat on your bench.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

@@groundhogdog76 The one on the main bench is a cutting mat for people that sew.

Nice video, thank you. Couple questions Jared as research a bit more about this Hi-Tech lap, Ameritools and a few others in this price range. Did you think about the slant lap when your were choosing and if so, what made you go with the flat version? Im thinking the slant may be a little rough on the wrists over time with heavier rocks. Since it really has no base support for the discs, other then very small quarter size piece to lay the disc on; does it vibrate, wobble or risk of damage if you are working a heavy stone slab? Last question Jared. When the discs wear out, do you have to buy new backing plates for the new discs or can you rip off the old ones to reuse or just flip them over? Oh, one last question as I just remembered to ask you this. I just bought a 10 inch Diamondback bridge style wet tile saw two weeks back and did so after researching all over and seeing you cut on your rigid tile saw. Love it so far, but I see some cons in its use, one being seeing while cutting and the other that "wonky" cut at times I make on harder stones. The original blade is ok, but I "upgrade" to this Agate Kutter blade by BK/MK Diamond and really didnt see much difference; other then the price. That being said, what blades do you use for your wet tile saws that you could recommend to me and others for better, faster cuts? Thanks for the time to answer as I hope it helps others as well. Cheers, Chris

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

So to address your questions. I think working at a 45degree angle isn't as good as working flat for this, anything you can do on the slant lap you can do here and more. Mine doesn't vibrate, if it does your disc might be out of balance. When it comes time to replace a pad you just warm it up with the hair-dryer and peel it off the backer and stick a new one on. As for you blade issue you should watch my blade sharpening video. Happy Thanksgiving!

@ChristopherSchiffermiller

2 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thanks Jared and have a wonderful day with your Family.

That thing needs an interchangeable head on it, so you can also use the same motor for a vibratory tumbler.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

That's a neat idea, I've been thinking about some different ways that that I could make some different things that could run off it.

@TheRogueRockhound

3 жыл бұрын

I bet the vibrations would destroy that motor

Great review! I’m just about to make this purchase. I’m looking forward to working with it. What 80g disk would you recommend for it?

@CurrentlyRockhounding

Жыл бұрын

I think getting the diamond one they sell is really good.

@woodlanddesperados8320

Жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding appreciate the quick response! I will definitely check into it!

Hey Jared quick question. I finally got a HI-TECH 8" Flat Lap and was wondering if the Diamond Smoothing disks are used in conjunction with the Electroplated diamond disks? Like if i were to use a 1200 soothing disk then use a 3000 diamind disk. Thanks for the help and knowledge.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

You can but generally speaking you would want to stick with a softer disc. Keep in mind grit is just a unit of measurement and different abrasives will be different even if they have the same grit number.

@eng12b3p

2 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thanks for the info, I orded the two Diamond Smoothing disks #220 and #3000.

Thank you! I am planning on buying one soon. This review answered many questions. I would like to ask another question, if I may. One of my agates is a big one that is cut in half, it is 4.5 inch large and so I think the largest All-U-Need is 8 inch? with the center of the disk having this thing in the middle, it means the 4.5 inch rock would not fit because of the sides that are for preventing the spilling of the water. So let's say for this one rock, I decide to take off the black thing in order to have nothing above the hight of the disk so that I can place my rock flat on it, and just spin the rock around so all the surface is done, would that work? I would have to maybe put it in the bath or outside because of all the water that would spill around without the top part but just for one rock, could that be a solution? One hand would hold the rock, the other hand would pour water because without the top part, the bucket would not be held so my hand would hold the water bucket... is that doable?

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

That could work for sure but it would be really messy. The main limitation to these machines is of course the size of material you can work with them.

@sylviesgf6623

2 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding ok, if it works, I will deal with the mess...maybe go outside and protect myself or use a cone around it... there is only one of my rocks that is that big. The other rocks are ok. But if that piece can be taken off in order to do that, it will work. Thanks!

I just purchased an 8” lap, you’ve been a big part of that. I’m sorry if you’ve gone over this elsewhere - I’m looking to understand all the disc stages I would need through to finish. I’m sure a lot of that is subjective and situational, but if I had small slabs that I wanted to bring to a full polish, what stages would you recommend? I expect to need several, but I’d like to start wisely.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

I think running all of the discs would be important. I also think the 80 grit diamond disc is a must have. Which ones do you currently have?

@groundhogdog76

2 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thanks for the response - I currently have no discs, I'm buying them to supplement the lap I just ordered. I'm expecting, if it makes sense, to do something like a 80/100/220/400/600/1200/3000/polish(?), but I dont know if that is overkill (the 80 is more utility than polish). And I dont know what to do for the "diamond paste polish disc". So really what I';m hoping to establish is a "what's generally best" for a set of discs and polish if I am making a full purchase. Thank you very much.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

@@groundhogdog76 Currently I have more grits then I really use. I have 220/325/600/1200/3000 and a cerium oxide wheel.

And you don't have to pay for the faceting pole! Basic does what it is intended for machine!

How do you think this would work with urethane or epoxy resin? I currently hand sand resin cubes (220#-2000#) and it's a lot of work. Do you think this would be too aggressive for resin/plastic?

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

I have no clue about that, I'm sorry.

@justincosby2258

3 жыл бұрын

I think it would work for it but I would imagine you would have to really force yourself to go slow so you didnt overheat the epoxy.

Good mods.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you.

I am trying to decide between this machine and the Ameritool flat lap. Anybody have some comments? I enjoyed your video, thank you.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

Жыл бұрын

I would go with the Hi-Tech while its still affordable.

@jeanmenden5105

Жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Why do you feel it is better?

After doing research and watching this video I ordered this exact machine. Can you please tell me what discs you added to the 4 it comes with and where I can buy them. Thanks!

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

I also have the 80 grit diamond, 3000 grit, and cerium oxide.

@kokosnood

2 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Do you have a recommendation of where to order those extra discs? Thanks! Your videos are very helpful.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

@@kokosnood I ordered mine from Hi-tech

@rustythecat2163

Жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Based on your review of the Hi-tech 6” flat top I am going to purchase the machine. I have yet to find any purchase option to buy replacement discs for the machine other than Hi-tech which bothers me. 😱

@CurrentlyRockhounding

Жыл бұрын

@@rustythecat2163 I have also not found any other replacements, I'm sure something else out there will fit but I'm not sure just yet.

Have you had to replace any of the pads since you got it in the six months of use?

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

I have not. The company says that the pads are good for 100+ stones. As of right now I see no signs of wear.

@406findings

3 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I guess I need to use more water I have some wear on a couple of pads and only have done around 10 rocks.

I thought very hard before giving you a thumbs down. I love what you do, your videos, knowledge and art.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

You gave me a thumbs down?

@pattywpschoonbeck49

3 жыл бұрын

@@CurrentlyRockhounding not you, the High Tech Diamond 8" all you need. I ordered one and think they don't have an inspection before they send out their machines. One of my disc's is out of round, my water splash tray tipped over immediately at filling 1/2 the tub. Right out of the box my splash tray was busted / cracked by the simple over screw down of the top water tank shelf. I was hopeful when they immediately sent me a new one, but they said it happened in shipping, but I don't think so. I just think they aren't inspecting/ testing before shipping. Plus a heads up on the water tip would be great. I don't want to tape my splash guard. I just think they could BE BETTER.

@CurrentlyRockhounding

3 жыл бұрын

@@pattywpschoonbeck49 I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience with it so far. That hasn't been my personal experience.

@pattywpschoonbeck49

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I would rather not even report things this way and wish I’d hadn’t. I love what you do Theo. You are a precise artist and your opinion is worth much. The “ all you need “ is actually a very nice machine. True, I have just had a bad experience. I’m sure things will work out. I saw your review after going to the second ( brown ) disc, glueing it on and found the hole is too big and out of round. I was frustrated. Wish this thread could be deleted!

i made one for free . used a tread mill motor . discs bolt right on with its half inch threades shaft . runs on 12 volt battery or 24 volts with 2 batteries if you want more speed

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

That can work for sure but not for everyone.

How much does it cost

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

The website had current prices.

Thanks for all the videos. My 14 year old son and I are just getting into rockhounding. Andrew enjoy and learn a lot from your videos. Can you please recommend a good startup list of equipment. All things included I'm willing to invest $750.00. I know you have a lot of comments to respond to. But this might be good info for others as well. Thanks

@CurrentlyRockhounding

2 жыл бұрын

I got you're email about this subject and I will respond there! :)