cabbing machines

[joanne]

we want to purchase a cabbing machine. we are thinking about a diamond pacifc genie is there a better way to go for a beginner that would not like to grow out of a machine but rather into one

[jollyrockhound]

Hello, those are good if you want to learn or have a compact unit. I recommend poly or loratone arbors with 8" tall by 1.5" wide diamond wheels. These last forever are killer and can be picked up used for 150 each. You can also grind more with these too. Whatever you get go with diamond wheels you will be happier.

[bluestone]

The 8" two wheel Lortone or Poly arbors are a good option and not very expensive on Ebay. Motors are often sold separately from what I've seen. I am almost in the same situation. I bought a used Highland Park off E-Bay in November with 4 wheels and a polishing head. The more wheels the better but also the more money. The system I picked up is Silicon Carbide but I can upgrade the wheels just by buying the diamond ones and putting them on. You may want to look at an expando drum. The silicon carbide sander belts are very inexpensive. The diamond ones are a lot more but come in much finer grits. Make sure the end of the wheel is exposed if you want an expando drum so you can slip the different belts easily.