blackstone stealth-spinner system

[canoebears 0]

For the guys out there using this system can

you tell me what stones you are using and overall

how its working for you,thanks.

[aarondevera 0]

Our shop has two prototype Stealths. At first, there were some kinks with the spinners, like dented bearings and uneven concaves. Overall, the machine's great, but it does have it's flaws:

1. The theads on the tabletop may be a little tight when trying to bolt down the contouring bars.

2. The exhaust hole on the crossgrind is a little small, so you'll periodically have to chip ground steel of the tabletop to ensure the jig felt doesn't catch.

3. The exhaust on the spinner heads is shotty. Not only is the port too small, but the exhaust pipe is too long.

If you're not into cleaning the machine THOROUGHLY on at least a weekly basis, then you may want to look for something else. overall, it's a really good machine. The table is fast (as long as you keep the felts clean) and the exhaust runs pretty smoothly, so you won't get that dreaded "fan-chatter" on your finishing passes. The tri-lie jig from Blackstone is the best jig I've used, so no problems there.

Our shop uses white and ruby stones the most. We used to use Blackstone's orange stones, but the grit on those had changed a few months back and we haven't used them since. Personally, I'd use the white stone on the "regular" head, rather than the spinner. The white stones have a great finish and almost never burn, but they do kill the diamonds (both spinner and regular quill) pretty quickly. The ruby stones work pretty great on the spinner heads, and your spinner diamond will last longer.

I personally use the regular quill-diamond heads, rather than the spinner heads. Not because the spinners are poor in performance by any means, but rather I just prefer dressing the stone traditionally.

[canoebears 0]

I do have the stealth as well, just having a helluva

time finding a stone that will work well with the spinner.

Everything you said is bang on same with our machine.

[Ivan 1]

Has anyone of you tried the Black Walnut wheel? Supposed to be premium quality:

http://www.blackstonesport.com/?t=wheels

[alekgrongstad 0]

My shop exclusively uses black walnut. Great life on your dress and almost never burns.. best stones that I have used.