New, to me, machine - need advice

[Blessedby6]

I bought this machine for $75.  It seems to run really well.  I know it needs new water hoses, but from there, I just don't know where to start.  Hopefully you guys can tell something from the pictures.  What do i need to make sure and look for?  Id like to, at some point, add diamond wheels in place of the butt joint sanding wheel, or is that a good idea.  The two wheels under the hood seem to be made more of a grit, instead of the diamond wheels I'm used to seeing. 

Help!   

I think I scored for he price i paid though.   

[light house jack]

This Highland Park machine is a classic and built like a tank. If you spend some time cleaning and restoring it, you should have a machine which will last a very long time.  If you are not familiar with cutting cabochons, I suggest checking with a local rock club and look for a class or help from a member. This way, you will have a better understanding as to which wheels do what in what order. Good luck.

[jakesrocks]

Yup, a real oldie but goodie there. With a little cleaning & maintenance that thing will outlast you.

Those 2 wheels under the hood are old silicon carbide grinding wheels.

I'd replace the "butt jointed wheel", more commonly known as a bump wheel with a diamond wheel. Also, the 2 wheels under the hood. There should be room for 3 diamond wheels under the hood.

Save the flat discs on the ends. Replace the rubber pad on both with new rubber. Put a sanding disc on one, and a leather buffing disc on the other.

You're going to want a hood where the bump wheel is located. If possible try to find an original Highland Park hood. They aren't easy to find. Most Highland Park lovers tend to hoard those parts, but from time to time they do show up on ebay.

What is the model number on that machine ? I have an original Highland Park catalog & can post a pic of what your machine would have looked like new.

[lithicbeads]

A water tank is as simple as a 5 gallon bucket with  a valve mounted near the bottom.Standard aquarium tubing and valves are normally used. You have silicon carbide wheels which must be dressed very carefully and which must be spun dry for at least 5 minutes after the water is shut off so they do not break  whem you start the machine up again. Get diamond wheels and a copy of the classic John Sinkankas book which covers virtually all lapidary endeavors. It is a little dated but still the best book by far.

[Blessedby6]

Yup, a real oldie but goodie there. With a little cleaning & maintenance that thing will outlast you.

Those 2 wheels under the hood are old silicon carbide grinding wheels.

I'd replace the "butt jointed wheel", more commonly known as a bump wheel with a diamond wheel. Also, the 2 wheels under the hood. There should be room for 3 diamond wheels under the hood.

Save the flat discs on the ends. Replace the rubber pad on both with new rubber. Put a sanding disc on one, and a leather buffing disc on the other.

You're going to want a hood where the bump wheel is located. If possible try to find an original Highland Park hood. They aren't easy to find. Most Highland Park lovers tend to hoard those parts, but from time to time they do show up on ebay.

What is the model number on that machine ? I have an original Highland Park catalog & can post a pic of what your machine would have looked like new.

 

Wonderful information, thank you!  I've been looking through some of the posts and reading different refurbishing stories and seen a lot of posts on these machines.  I've learned a lot!

I'll attach a picture of the model and serial number

[jakesrocks]

Here's your machine brand new in 1969. Note the price at that time.

[Blessedby6]

 . Wow, thanks so much!