Radial Arm Polisher

06-27-2005, 01:12 AM

Who needs a radial arm polisher? People claim that with this toy you have no need for hand tools. Please let me know if that is truth.
Guess what? I have a Video clip

Matt Lansing · 06-27-2005, 11:23 PM

As you already figured that is completely wrong. You can do alot of things with the Wizard. We have one and use it a couple times a day for underside honing, repolishing slabs, and such. We used to polish sinks before the cnc but not anymore. It is a good compliment to a stone shop but definitely not a replacement for and tools. It is too difficult to get pieces perfectly level so the top line doesn't walk in and out, especially with warped material like most slabs are.

scampbell · 06-29-2005, 11:52 AM

A radial arm machine in a shop is a life saver and money maker. I don't have to worry about cutting around head scratches or dings in the slab, which only increases waste. We just throw them up on the radial arm and reface them in about 20min. I also come in handy with remanant pcs in the yard that have been moved around several times and have scatches and dings to show for it. These pcs are no longer 'crap' and we can get our money's worth out of them.
All of the fabricators in our shop can top polish by hand, howerver I can train a guy with not exp (i.e. less$$$) to run the radial arm and achieve better than factory shine - money saved agian!!

Darren Dillman · 06-30-2005, 12:24 AM

As you probably know we are new to the biz. I have talked to the guys at Park at length on the phone and they sent me a start-up booklet that has been very educational. Everyone new to the biz should give them a call to get this even if they are not ready for any large machinery.

As for the wizard, I want one and will no doubt get one down the road. A bridge saw is first on my list, of coarse. And the shop who used to do our granite work, before we decided to take the plunge to fabricate ourselves, has one that they seldom use. So I will be talking with him when I'm ready to buy to see if he wants to sell it.

While I'm rambling on here, I have a question that I will also post in the forum.

After a bridge saw, what pieces of machinery should be next on my list and in what order.

Thank you,

07-05-2005, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darren Dillman

And the shop who used to do our granite work, before we decided to take the plunge to fabricate ourselves, has one that they seldom use.

Do you know why they aren't using it? CNC? Other method? We don't have one and can't see a need for it for the money. If a cheap used one was available, maybe another story.

Guy

Darren Dillman · 07-06-2005, 01:09 AM

Guy,

They do not have a CNC. I'm am not sure why they don't use it much. Which makes me wonder if I eed one myself. The next time I am down there I'll ask him why it is not used and let you know. We are focusing on granite only right now so when we get any marble work we have them do it and add 20% or so.

Darren

Marble

MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS

This standard includes general information on the characteristics
and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems
associated with the material.

INTRODUCTION

Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite
(CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of
limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic
processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone
with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite
porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high
polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and
sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially
polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects
of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed,
is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is
readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the
actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the
acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds
react differently with marble and produce various by-products,
which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability
of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine
the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration.

Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the
other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid
attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the
brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red,
yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition.

TYPICAL USES

Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for
outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture
it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative
features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is
used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of
exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the
feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not
the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage
to which marble is susceptible.

07-06-2005, 04:16 AM

That's exactly what I was getting at. I think this is one of those tools that sells well, but works only ok. From what I have heard is that if you use it for sink cutouts and radius work, the time you take to get your piece dead on level, you could have it about done by hand...and still have the purchase cash in hand. If you need to do major face polishing, that is where they have an advantage over hand work.

We looked into it at first, but we opted for a hydrolic unit from Braxton. (the Antarax unit) This is a unit that uses a finger bit to follow a bearing wheel to cut. It's not easy to push thru the stone, but it is nearly monkey proof. Takes some of the skill set needed to do sink cutouts and radius work to a minimum.

Guy