Thanks a lot for the input so far. I'm really grateful for it all. I definitely have more to consider than I thought. I don't have the machine in my possession yet. I'll get it later today or tomorrow. No doubt, I'll clean it up and play with it a bit to get a better idea what I might do as far as using it or not. I know I have a LOT to learn, but I also know I'll enjoy gaining experience and knowledge along the way.
I've watched quite a few videos on YouTube, and have seen what appears to me as nice cabs, produced with a variety of machines, including homemade ones. I thought I understood that diamond wheels and discs were always better than silicon carbide, if for no other reason, than that they last longer. But wanting to start out without spending a small fortune, I ordered some good quality wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper of various grits from an eBay seller. I believe they have a strong backing and will not tear easily. They haven't arrived yet. I figured I'd attach them to a homemade backing plate, on the homemade flat grinder/polisher I intended to make before I was given the Buehler. Again, I'm sure I have a lot to learn, but that's part of the fun, and I also keep thinking about what someone said - people have been grinding and polishing stones for thousands of years - long before we had fancy (and very expensive) multi-wheel machines designed for the task.
If the Buehler really isn't a good choice, maybe I'll do as suggested and sell it. If I sell it, I'm still not likely to rush right out and spend $1000 or more for a fancy machine for a brand new hobby. I'd be more apt to make my own flat cabber first, play with it for a while to see if I enjoy it enough to invest more heavily in the hobby. I do LOVE learning hands-on skills like this and plan to continue, but time will tell. Even if I keep the Buehler, and or buy something different, I'll likely want to make my own at some point anyway.
The laps are inappropriate for stones. The work surface is too small and the system is not made to accommodate the sough from grinding stone.
Slabbercabber, I'm wondering if you could go into some more detail regarding the quote above. Pardon my ignorance, but when you say the
laps are inappropriate for stones", are we talking about the sanding/grinding disks that are normally used on this machine? If so, couldn't I just use/fashion discs that are more appropriate? Also, the working surface on this machine is 8". Isn't that enough for a hobbyist to at least get working? I appreciate any more detail you could provide about what would be needed to make it worthwhile for my use. No doubt you have more knowledge in this than me, but in my mind, it can turn a surface at an appropriate speed and can supply a water drip, so doesn't it cover the basic needs easily? Again, thanks if you can elaborate.
I appreciate all the responses. Please keep them coming.
Bob