onewomanarmy
has rocks in the head
Carpe Silicis!
Member since January 2007
Posts: 645
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Post by onewomanarmy on May 14, 2009 10:11:23 GMT -5
I've been getting increasingly frustrated with my Workforce saw - not the saw itself - just it's size. Little guy is just...too little. I'm trying to figure out what my options are at this point. What's the next logical step? As far as true lapidary saws, I think I'm going to have to go with something used because I can't afford a new one. I thought maybe this is the kind of thing that needs to be picked up (vs shipped) so I've watched craigslist but there just doesn't seem to be anything rock related that comes up around here. So, I guess my questions are: 1) Ideally, what's the next step as far as a saw goes? is 10" enough of a step up? (probably irrelevant but in case I have options ) 2) any suggestions on where to watch for used saws? do I need to stick to finding something locally? will shipping kill me on something like this? 3) would something like this www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100506912&N=10000003+90401+526421 or this - www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=116582-1255-83200&lpage=none be worth anything in rock cutting? I don't think I've ever seen anyone mention using something like this though so makes me think maybe not a good option. Any advice would be very much appreciated!
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Post by mohs on May 14, 2009 10:33:40 GMT -5
I'm wondering the same questions I keep searching pawn shops they have lots of tile saws 10" for $200.00-- seem to be the going price not sure its the best way to but when I find one for $120.00 it couldn't be a bad deal
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on May 14, 2009 12:40:17 GMT -5
Well, here's my :2cents:
I have a WF and a 10" lapidary saw. So far, I'm able to cut most of the rocks that I haul home with the 10" saw. YMMV
A tile saw is going to be louder, messier, and chew up a lot more of your rock than a lapidary saw. A used lapidary saw will also be cheaper. I paid about $250 for mine (with autofeed).
You can save money by not having the motor shipped and picking one up locally.
Hope this helps, Chuck
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 693
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Post by docharber on May 14, 2009 20:46:54 GMT -5
You may be surprised to learn you can get a 10" Covington saw and bladfe from Joh nn at JSGems for about $800 plus shipping new. Not sure what your budget is, but I have bbeen shopping for a larger saw too and this may be the best option for me. You can cut rocks up to 3.5" with a 10" saw. I've been checking out Craig's list, too and for weevery piece of lapidary equipent listed, there are about 10 wanted to buys. If you cvan get there, Curt has a 14" saw for sale, local pickup, that I just can't get to Texas to pick up. It's $550.00 and in good shape he tells me. He would know, too. you can cut about anything with that. And what Chuck said about tile saws is true- they're also harder on blades.
Mark H.
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Post by mohs on May 14, 2009 22:05:48 GMT -5
That’s really good advice about having it shipped without the motor
I want to correct my pawnshop prices
7” tiles saws are $200.00 10” saws are usually double that
so it’s the speed of tile saw that chews up the rock? No one as been able to manufacture a blade to remedy that?
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Post by Woodyrock on May 15, 2009 1:32:54 GMT -5
The best place to look for a used lapidary saw is your local rock club. Even if one is not advertised for sale, an inquiry may turn up one. My two cents worth. Woody
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on May 15, 2009 6:39:36 GMT -5
Good point Woody.
Ed: it's the speed, the thickness of the blade, and the kerf design. You can throw a lapidary blade on there, but they run twice as fast as mfr. recommended speed (and twice what is recommended for cutting rock). You would quickly go through blades.
Chuck
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onewomanarmy
has rocks in the head
Carpe Silicis!
Member since January 2007
Posts: 645
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Post by onewomanarmy on May 15, 2009 10:20:59 GMT -5
Good idea Woody - I've been meaning to try to hook up with them for a long time now - just can't get my schedule coordinated well enough. Wonder if they might have something. I'm not sure what I'm going to do - sounds like the larger tile saws aren't ideal for rocks - and it certainly would be nice to have autofeed (maybe eliminate some user error? ) so I'm thinking that's not the best route to go. Think I'm going to keep watching for something used and maybe trying to figure out if driving to Texas is in my near future...
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Post by mohs on May 15, 2009 10:36:47 GMT -5
if I get around to it and for the hands on experiment i might rent 10" tile saw this weekend to see how it performs
for what little rocks I've found and to get an idea if it worth pursuing --both my rock hunting & cutting skills--- this may be an inexpensive learning quick fix
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onewomanarmy
has rocks in the head
Carpe Silicis!
Member since January 2007
Posts: 645
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Post by onewomanarmy on May 15, 2009 10:45:15 GMT -5
I'll be interested to hear how that goes, deeptime. I guess what it would come down to with a 10" tile saw - is it worth the cost in rocks for the savings in saw? Sounds like part of the problem with the tile saw is the speed - wonder if there is any way to slow that down at all? I'd guess not - otherwise the more motor-wise minds on here would have already done it!
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Post by mohs on May 15, 2009 10:49:42 GMT -5
i just called a a rental place $50.00 for 24 hours another project,,, o boy
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onewomanarmy
has rocks in the head
Carpe Silicis!
Member since January 2007
Posts: 645
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Post by onewomanarmy on May 15, 2009 14:43:11 GMT -5
lol - 24 hours straight of cuttin' and shapin' - you should be in fine shape by Monday.
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Post by mohs on May 15, 2009 16:05:01 GMT -5
I just put one on hold I should pick it up @ 6:30 a.m. Saturday I'm looking forward to it
I have that thunder egg in the geode post, some killer granite I got from stone shop and lots of river rocks
full report will be forthcoming...
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daveaohio
off to a rocking start
Member since April 2009
Posts: 8
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Post by daveaohio on May 15, 2009 20:52:14 GMT -5
I don't know if they have police auctions or just regular auctions where you are but that's another idea. I've checked out ebay but the bigger saws kill you with shipping unless you find a local sale. Good Luck
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Post by mohs on May 16, 2009 13:02:19 GMT -5
Here’s the set-up & here’s the problems First I’m by myself Never have used one of these saws The set-up went alright But another set of hand & ideas would have been help-full If you have little experience… The other problem is that I’m on 25 foot extension cord And kept blowing the breaker When cutting deep into a rock About the ¾ through UGGGHHH! Long walk for tired legs and I don’t Want to burn the house down rocking Unusual for me ;D Otherwise it working well Belt driven, 1.5 hp 1725 rpm’ motor? I wondering what the blade speed is? It’s a Target blade, fine diamond and is rated for hard dense material Jus like me (cept I’m also cuddly- but we’ll keep that secret amongst ourselves ) Here the large rocks that kept blowing the breaker about 3/4 thru slab pics to follow
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