[Jewelry making - Article 00317] - [Orchid] Buying a polishing machine

[Louisa A Jones]

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Hello,

    I'm new to Orchid and have been enjoying all the recent posts - what
    a nice group and what a wealth of information.  I'm a beginning
    silversmith and am enjoying it immensely.  I have been making beaded
    jewelry for several years and turned to silversmithing because I
    wanted to make my own findings - and I'm hooked with a passion. 

    I've been assembling a studio, a few tools at a time and am now in
    need of a polishing motor.  I haven't a clue about what to buy - and
    as I haven't won the lottery price is a factor.  I have catalogs
    from Rio Grande, Otto Frei and Gesswein and the more I read them the
    more questions I have.  I hope some of you will indulge me with your
    advice. 

    I like the 1/6 horsepower Foredom Bench Motor  - the price is right
    -and the variable speed and double spindles are appealing - because
    I wouldn't have to change wheels as often as with a single spindle. 
    But I wonder if the Compact Bench top dust collector models (Both
    Rio and Otto Frei offer a similar model) would be a better choice as
    it has a 1/2 hp and is about the same price.  It's a single spindle 
    - but has replaceable filters which aren't free!  Although the
    Foredom doesn't seem to have any dust collection at all - just
    hoods.  

    So what do you all advise in this price range?  I make small pieces,
    mostly pendants and earrings , rings - although I might be tempted
    to try cuff bracelets at some point.  I'm not a full-time jewelry
    maker (yet) still keeping my day job for the present!   Also I
    noticed that there are differences in spindles - some are tapered
    and some are straight.  What's the difference,
    advantage/disadvantage?  What kind should I get and why - or is it
    that they are for different applications and the straight spindle
    doesn't apply for a polisher - I did warn you that I don't have a
    clue! 

    Advance thanks for any and all advice. 

Louisa

Louisa Jones
Summer Kitchen Studio
www.summerkitchenstudio.com

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