|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Dec 26, 2009 17:07:42 GMT -5
I am looking at 7" tile saws and see there are several to choose from. Workforce, Northern has one, MK, QEP, Husky. Can't spend too much on one and was wondering if anyone could tell me about any of these brands. Or does anyone have a used one they could sell me? Should also mention that I have never used one before! Donnie
|
|
|
Post by deb193redux on Dec 26, 2009 17:33:55 GMT -5
The appeal of the old WorkForce was its strong motor, solid construction, and better than the average tile blade. Now it is the same as QEP. Still looks OK, but not the same machine.
Be careful about Northern; they sometimes sell a metric one. You will never find blades with 13mm arbor holes.
The two basic designs are solid top with open side/tank - or closed side/tank with a split top. The latter may be less messy but will need the water changed more often. The open tank can have a hose and continuous flow.
Whatever you buy it is the 2nd blade that will determine the usefulness. ... any your style/touch. Some folks use cheap blades and a heavy style and get as little as 4 hours on a blade. Others use a very light touch and have been using the original blade for most of a year.
Good luck
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Dec 26, 2009 18:01:17 GMT -5
Thank you very much for your input. There is someone local that has a MK 101 used for sale $350. That's more than I can spend but someone else might be interested!
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Dec 26, 2009 21:08:08 GMT -5
The MK101 is a 10" commercial duty tile saw with a 1 1/2 hp motor. You really can't compare it with the 7" Work Force. It is also sold as a BD2014 with a blade more suited for lapidary. List price is $1105 and I assume the MK101 would be a little less due to less expensive blade. $350 is not unreasonable if saw is in good shape. Either model has an available rock vise.
|
|
spokanetim
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2009
Posts: 656
|
Post by spokanetim on Dec 27, 2009 10:18:34 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Dec 27, 2009 10:33:28 GMT -5
Barranca will have their MK170 with $76 Porcelain blade on sale Jan-March for about $170. It's a very powerful saw also.
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Dec 27, 2009 12:24:09 GMT -5
Thanks, guys! I'll check them both out. Hoping prices will go down with after Christmas sales or end of years sales.
|
|
|
Post by deb193redux on Dec 27, 2009 14:11:01 GMT -5
You wont beat those prices just mentioned. Not in that grade/calss of saw and blade. Those are sale prices.
If you need a budget conscious low-end entry, get the QEP or WF, or even one that Harbor Freight has non and then for 59$ (Just be careful it is not the one with 1" arbor because you can only buy their blades.)
Cut some rocks. Get a feel for it. Likely trash the blade. When you buy the replacement blade, you can get a Husky or Hot Dog, for good performance - or get a better MK blade if you only will trim slabs, or get a cheaper blade if you are chunking up rough and making slabbetts with a bit of a heavy hand.
I bought a tile saw at HarborFreight (the one with 1" arbor) on sale for $59 (regular $79) and a bunch of their $10 blades. It was for my sister's kids. I knew they would have a very heavy hand, needed the thick blade to avoid dinging it, and were going to be impatient. I would not buy it for myself.
Figure $60 to $100 to get into a new saw, and then figure $15 to $40 for the 1st blade replacement.
FYI, I would get the Husky onsale for $109. I was looking at it seriously, but I had a 10" Beacon-Star that I figured I could put a used motor and a blade and a belt for about the same price. I went for refurbing my 10", but that Husky was attractive.
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Dec 27, 2009 15:08:17 GMT -5
Thank you very much, that was very helpful. If the Husky is the better saw I would rather start out spending a few dollars more, maybe even go ahead a get a better blade at the same time. First & last time I ever used a power saw was in high school, but I do have a knack for such things so I am really looking forward to it!
|
|
|
Post by Rockoonz on Dec 27, 2009 23:02:57 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Dec 28, 2009 9:56:57 GMT -5
Thanks, Lee. I'll check it out! Donnie
|
|
|
Post by 150FromFundy on Dec 28, 2009 18:00:02 GMT -5
I've used the Husky for almost a year now and am on about my 20th blade. At about 300 slices per blade, that's about 6,000 slices. The aluminium top is starting to show its wear from abrasion, but this is a really tough little saw.
Darryl.
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Dec 28, 2009 18:29:30 GMT -5
Thanks, Darryl. Checking on the used one locally, haven't heard back yet. Hoping I can trade something for it! Donnie
|
|
carloscinco
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2008
Posts: 1,639
|
Post by carloscinco on Dec 28, 2009 19:56:46 GMT -5
I bought a work force about a year ago after joining this forum and have no experience with another brand. I buy the cheap blades at Greens Garage on ebay at 3 blades for about 20 bucks. I get about 6 hours per blade. I cut with the edge and shape with the sides. I'm guilty of being heavy handed at times. I don't expect split a gnat into two equal parts with this so I'm pretty happy with this saw.
|
|
|
Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Dec 29, 2009 0:01:40 GMT -5
Thanks carloscinco! What do you mean you cut with the edge & shape with the sides? Donnie
|
|
|
Post by deb193redux on Dec 29, 2009 12:00:21 GMT -5
With a thicker blade (e.g., .050 @ 7" or .085 @ 10") you can take the stone, hold it at an angle, and press/drag it along the 7MM or so of slintered diamond on the side of the blade. This is a poor man's grinder. You will not manage to actually dome anything, but you can easily round over edges and save a lot of tumbler time as well as gaurantee a more pleasing shape.
|
|