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[LadyDarkKitten]

I don't have a lot of money to drop on a cabbing machine. Anyone here use a dremel for cabbing? I just have the little dremel 200, but I've been thinking about getting a bigger dremel for a while now. Aside from that anyone here who currently uses a dremel for cabbing, or maybe you started there, I'd be interested in hearing from you. What kind of wetting system do you use? Do you use that niffty dremel stand or did you build your own? Any pit falls other than taking longer to make a cab? Best brand of diamond bits? Really I'd just like to pick your brain.

[Slabbercabber]

I've used a dremel for carving but I think making a domed cab would be all but impossible.

[Barclay]

I concur, it would be nearly impossible to bet that nice consistent domed surface using the small grinding/polishing surface of a dremel.  You have to use the right tool for the job.

[hummingbirdstones]

I have only done a few cabs with a dremel and they were boulder opal before I bought a flat lap when I was first starting.  I used the diamond bits to form the shape and then used the mini-smoothing discs to sand and the mini Tech-10 polishing pads with diamond compound to polish.  https://hitechdiamond.com/product-category/carving-tools/

It can be done, but it takes longer and is harder to keep uniform.

Now I have a Genie, but I used the All-U-Need flat lap for quite a while before I bought the Genie (used).  I still use the flat lap for certain things.

[mirkaba]

I started with a dremel and flex shaft on opals like Robin. Dipped the stones in water frequently and kept a spray bottle handy. I used a 1/2"x3/4" 180 diamond wheel to shape and diamond sanding discs from Rio to sand. You can hold the flex shaft hand piece in a vice. I use a Foredom now but still have the dremel in an old dremel drill press. I actually made quite a few smaller cabs other than opal this way and the old 180 diamond wheel still cuts great. In the long run you are better off with  6" or 8" inch wheels and should always be on the lookout.