Can I Polish This Rock in 5 MINUTES? Testing the Limits of Richardson's High Speed Sander

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The Richardson's Sander is a great machine to have but has a bit of a learning curve to it for sure. Cross contamination can be an issue when moving so fast between disc without spraying off your rocks. Little bits of silicon carbide break off of the sanding discs and stay on rock and you bring them between stages and transfer them to the other discs. I normally just use a spray bottle and rag on rocks between stages.

[@CacklingChick]

Great info., Jared!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks, Jared!

[@woodman4550]

I would also say that the polisher is too close to the sander. Mine are in separate rooms.

[@electrichellion5946]

@@woodman4550- or she could put a shower cap over the polisher. I use the old flimsy plastic shopping bag or even a slightly modified paper grocery sack to fit over my polishing wheel whenever it’s not being used just to keep day to day activities possibly contaminating the leather buffer.

[@Operocks]

I’ve never heard of this sander before, how cool….and it turned out awesome in such a short amount of time!

[@brightpurpleviking]

Those are STUNNING polished rocks!! WOW!! My grandfather had the most gorgeous polished agates I’ve ever seen. His father found them and polished them back in 1900 or so., and it took quite a bit of effort to get them liquid shiny. Unfortunately my non-rock-loving cousin took them all without permission and sold them when he passed away. Nobody got to have even one to remember him by! They sure were gorgeous though- and maybe someday I can find one or two beautiful pieces to shine up and leave to my own grandchildren 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@KatyDidRocks]

That's very sad about your grandfather's rocks. :( Thanks for watching.

[@electrichellion5946]

So sad to hear of your selfish cousins actions to all the remaining family members and their ability to have personalized prizes done by a great great grandparent using even more primitive tools by today’s standards.

[@spetkovsek57]

Finally, someone else showing how to use a Richardson's high speed sander. Jared got the idea of the Phenolic disc from watching one of my videos. I noticed you didn't wash off the rock between sandings or moving to the buffer. Are you not worried about cross contamination? Also you might want to cover your buffing disc to keep the "rock flour" from contaminating the Cerium polish. You always find such nice rocks on your travels. Keep up the great videos and thank you.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Good tips! Thanks for the suggestions. Cross contamination never occurred to me, since the disks are different. I should probably wipe it off between grits.

[@raystevens687]

Now that is a good rock all those colors are off the charts. Great job Katie.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks so much!

[@johncloar1692]

Thanks for the video They turnout really nice. Thanks Katy!

[@largent45]

Wow Kate! It truly lived up to its hype! Those are fabulous machines for large, flat surfaces! They won't do a cab but will certainly polish your giant Montana moss agates and jaspers and pet woods! Awesome job Kate!❤❤❤🎉

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks so much, Lisa!

[@carolhiler4690]

That stand-up is outstanding!

[@Mike-br8vb]

Good job!! I will invent a holder guide that you put your disc into prior to applying to the velcro. Something with guide pins that the disc sits in and once applied easily pulls away...you know what I'm trying to say! 😂

[@KatyDidRocks]

That's a great idea! LOL, it wouldn't have even been a problem if I hadn't been on the clock.

[@Mike-br8vb]

@KatyDidRocks under pressure, it's a whole different ball game. Great job though!

[@anniegironne8444]

Nice work, I especially like the last agate, wow!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Thanks a lot!

[@fionabeale3245]

I’m here early tonight so I don’t miss the start ❤

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yay!

[@janehelbert7551]

That's a pretty shine!

[@CacklingChick]

What an awesome tool and I love how quickly its polishes! LESS than 5 minutes AND cat-approved! 🪨😺

[@Mike-br8vb]

If you can, I'll be impressed!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Well, more time is probably preferred - but it can be done!

[@406findings]

Thats a cool machine and i really want to do big face polishing like that so i gotta look into getting one, thanks for sharing 👍

[@KatyDidRocks]

Travis, I do highly recommend. :)

[@janehelbert7551]

The agate is my favorite one!

[@tulazaz]

I love your shelf piece. I have some projects to finish before I finally get to try out my new hi-tech 10”. I have a few pieces of petrified wood found in VA and NY. I’m curious to know if they’re as pretty inside as yours. Hope so. 🤞

[@KatyDidRocks]

Nice! I hope you have great luck!

[@dylanfleming1614]

That's a cool machine. For a faster sand paper Discs.. At least on a normal orbital sander I bend mine in half like a Taco, and then you just center up the middle and unfold it.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Dylan, that's good advice. This machine spins at a ridiculous rate, apparently much faster than the disks are rated for. Thanks!

[@patriciamckean4186]

When using my shop vacuum I always make sure it has a dust bag installed inside to decrease dust exhaust. I don't have a richardsons but my shop gets dusty. Slowly my shop is taking shape. 😊 I need to perfect my set up.

[@KatyDidRocks]

That's a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion. 😊

[@greenguy1408]

Hey nice vid! I've been drooling over this buffer do you still like it? Any advice on tricks to use it? I'll probably be picking on up in the future xD

[@KatyDidRocks]

It is an excellent buffer. I would definitely not try to do it in 5, as I think it would have been better if I'd taken just a little more time. :)

[@cory546]

That's really good for 5 minutes work

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yeah, it's a pretty awesome tool. :)

[@cory546]

@KatyDidRocks yes definitely

[@fionabeale3245]

I would love to spend a day with you you have so much to teach ❤

[@KatyDidRocks]

Fiona, I am really more of a student as far as lapidary goes - but I sure like learning it!

[@KathyStuart-oc3ke]

Oh, I need me one o' them!

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yeah, it's a pretty awesome tool. :)

[@jefftrag1956]

The way to do it is do 20 rocks at a time. Only have to change each grit one time for 20 rocks.

[@KatyDidRocks]

Yep, true story - but that would have interfered with my five-minute timer. :D

[@princessadventures1285]

Late night entertainment

[@LouinVB]

Not quite the gloss you get from a cabbing machine.

[@KatyDidRocks]

I must say, I probably didn't really do it justice, because I was trying to do it fast.