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Post by NatureNut on Apr 18, 2010 8:22:24 GMT -5
Hi Everyone,
We'll be hitting the road soon going full time in our RV. I'm taking some slabs with me and some precut cabs to work on my Ameritool, but and I've been mulling over a saw issue. I would like to be able to cut slabs and small rocks on the road, and of course storage is an issue, gotta keep things compact. Also want to be able to pull into a Home Depot and pick up a new blade when needed. Ease of set up and storage and the mess it makes is also a consideration since I'll be using it mainly at our campsites.
I'm considering a small 4" wet tile saw from Home Depot, but am wondering if I should go the trim saw route. Does anyone have any suggestions on which way to go and on any particular makes and models??
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Post by NatureNut on Apr 18, 2010 9:30:59 GMT -5
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Apr 18, 2010 12:01:35 GMT -5
I know size is a consideration, but are these saws that much smaller than the 7"? I would think the larger cutting depth would outweigh the size difference. I took the table top off my WF saw, and it removed quite a few inches from the length and width. Just a thought.
Nate
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drjo
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Post by drjo on Apr 18, 2010 14:17:18 GMT -5
Size wise these are your other choices www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/search_results2.php?catID=847 , not cheap, but these are serious saws. And the larger Rock Rascal's motor can be separated for easier storage. Just remember these things are noisy, so camp at the edge of the park so you don't disturb the others (or get asked to leave ) Dr Joe .
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 19, 2010 9:49:43 GMT -5
The MK saw is what I use as a trim saw. The 4.5" blade is no good for rock cutting but is a nice tile blade. The same saw is available as a lapidary saw with both the 4.5" tile blade and a 303C 4" x .020" lapidary blade for a few dollars more. Total cutting height is about 7/8" with the 4" blade. Terrific trim saw. If you want to slab small rocks consider the Ameritool 4" saw. It will take a 5" blade and has about a 2" cutting height with the 5" blade. You won't find lapidary blades at Home Depot but hit the road with two blades and you should not be shopping for blades for a long time.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Apr 19, 2010 11:25:50 GMT -5
I was going to mention the noise, too. My WF is loud enough that I wear ear muffs. I wouldn't want to hear it if I were trying to get away from it all...
Just a thought.
Chuck
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 19, 2010 11:30:16 GMT -5
The MK saw with 5500 rpm motor is really loud also. You may have trouble in camp grounds with any tile saw.
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Post by NatureNut on Apr 19, 2010 18:03:00 GMT -5
Yep, the noise is a big concern too. Was thinking that if I get to know the management (which usually happens), I could ask if I could set my saw up in a maintenance area for a few cuts. I could pack my small tile saw and some slabs in a backpack and hoof it over there. Another reason why I want a saw that uses water instead of oil. Seriously, I would think that people going to a campground for peace and quiet would not appreciate me and my saw. John, I was wondering if I had to switch out the blade. Thanks ! Thanks everyone. Your comments tell me I'm not crazy. Anyone else have any thoughts, please voice them. I'm still gonna continue to think this through...
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Apr 19, 2010 20:28:53 GMT -5
Jo, something else to consider now that you and the others mentioned noise levels. I have used a diamond cutting disk in my cordless dremel to cut out a few cabs from a slab. It's a very low noise level. In fact I've done it in the kitchen and only caught heat about the mess, not the noise. It may give you the fix you need to get cabbing at times when digging the saw out isn't an option.
Nate
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Post by NatureNut on Apr 19, 2010 21:20:28 GMT -5
I'm right with ya, Nate. Got a cutting disk, diamond grinding bits, Nova burrs and felt tips for my dremel to handle what I can't other ways (concave curves cause I have a flat lap). Was just thinking that may be the way I go... Thanks!
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drjo
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Post by drjo on Apr 20, 2010 6:21:54 GMT -5
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Post by NatureNut on Apr 20, 2010 8:37:04 GMT -5
Dr Jo, that gets me thinking... I'll probably need to rig a water drip system or cut in a pan of water with my flexshaft...
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
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Post by drjo on Apr 20, 2010 17:32:53 GMT -5
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NDK
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Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Apr 20, 2010 20:23:42 GMT -5
Oh, you mean like Wizard's design, drjo? LOL!!!
I like the dremel saw attachment. Would save a lot of messy splattering.
Nate
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Apr 21, 2010 9:27:04 GMT -5
Yea, right!... his design. I negated the savaged, empty flux bottle (a lot of those aound) (which he could have done if he would have used a 2ltr bottle ) You do realize your the first person to utter that name in 5 days... Shame on you!! Dr Joe .
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Post by Bejewelme on Apr 22, 2010 7:29:44 GMT -5
JO: www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3733that is the first saw I got and I still love this one best, $60, easy to clean, I would stock up on some good blades, but I have been thrilled with this saw, it is not as noisy as the workforce and does a great job cutting slabs, and small rocks. Amber
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Post by NatureNut on Apr 29, 2010 7:07:12 GMT -5
Thanks Amber. This was the first saw I used and blew the motor in a couple of months. Decided not to get another one of these because of the reviews, but I'm sure it'll do the job for ya.
Checked out the Dremel mini-saw, DrJo, unfortunately won't fit my model flexshaft. The reviews on this handy little gizmo did say it was built well (maybe too well?) and when the plastic cover gets dirty, it's hard to see where the blade is cutting. One guy cut a piece out of the front of the guard so he could see where he was cutting and said that helped. No reviews on anyone using it to cut rock so if somebody tries it, you gotta post feedback for us!
I did get some diamond cut off wheels though and think that is the way I'll go, mess flying and all. Decided to cut my preshapes before I hit the road to minimize the cutting I'll need to do. Have enough to keep me busy for some time and some backup in storage. The problem will be when I pick up a rock that I'll want to open up right away to see what is inside... Oh well... If I get into a pickle, I'll probably pick up the MK that John at JSGems was talking about and offer all my neighbors at the campgrounds a free pair of earmuffs. (kidding...) Jo
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