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Post by tkrueger3 on Jul 17, 2010 22:50:20 GMT -5
I'm sure it's been discussed before, but I haven't found it, so I'll ask it here. About how often do you change out your slab saw oil? Especially the bigger saws that might tend to be running a lot. I've slabbed about 4 rocks with this one (18" Royal), and the oil already looks nasty.
Thing is, I have no clue how to determine if I need to change it, or if that's the way it'll look forever. The saw is cutting nicely, so I'm sure it's still lubricating and cooling well.
All advice is most welcome and appreciated!
Tom
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Post by catmandewe on Jul 17, 2010 23:34:00 GMT -5
Not yet
When it starts looking like pudding you have waited a little too long.
Tony
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Post by johnjsgems on Jul 17, 2010 23:39:40 GMT -5
Any jasper will discolor the oil. It will get thicker in time. You can always filter the oil through brown paper bags and reuse it. If your saw has a sump/splash system you can watch for sludge build up.
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darrad
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,636
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Post by darrad on Jul 18, 2010 8:32:30 GMT -5
It's not time yet after only about 4 rocks. I let the sludge build up when settled to 3/8-1/2 inch in the bottom before I change it. Mine is a 16" weight feed. It really slows the feed when the oil needs changed. I do filter it and reclaim most of it. If it's a power feed you can probably wait longer.
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,456
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Post by Sabre52 on Jul 18, 2010 14:05:12 GMT -5
I'm terrible lazy! Change mine when it starts to look like chocolate pudding....Mel
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Gem'n I
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2008
Posts: 980
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Post by Gem'n I on Jul 18, 2010 14:55:32 GMT -5
I also have a 18" Royal and cut away for quite a while before I change oil....I used to have a circulator that dropped the oil into a 5 gallon bucket where it settled out so I never changed oil...but since I went to mineral oil with a low viscosity, I couldn't get it to work...now I look at the slabs and when I can't see a pattern anymore I know it is time to change oil...YUK!!...Larry
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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 Jul 18, 2010 20:41:04 GMT -5
WOW...I wouldn't want to be any of ya'll cars ;D Dr Joe .
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,456
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Post by Sabre52 on Jul 18, 2010 21:42:59 GMT -5
Dude! I put my truck out in the rain to get washed down at least twice a year. My favorite horse though, ooh he gets done up all pretty and shiny *L*....Mel
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jcinpc
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2009
Posts: 722
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Post by jcinpc on Jul 18, 2010 23:19:31 GMT -5
haha, I never change oil, thats because I use water. Mine is a 16 inch HP I use some rust inhibitor and drain it after about a week of cutting. I have run this saw solid for 24 hours at a time . No blade problems, nothing but solid cutting, no smells or staining of the rock either
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rockhound97058
freely admits to licking rocks
Thundereggs - Oregons Official State Rock!
Member since January 2006
Posts: 760
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Post by rockhound97058 on Jul 18, 2010 23:37:09 GMT -5
LOL you guys chance oil in the saws? Heck I run mine until I add more ;D - HA... No actually I do change mine when it gets pretty bad, almost stops moving... I cut all the time for customers and don't have the time to always change oil. One thing I love about the new Frantom I got is the shelf. It allows sludge to build up for easy scraping and keeps the oil sump cleaner.
Just to clarify though.. my truck gets great attention! 3000 miles we change it out LOL. Gotta keep the ole toyota running good to go get rocks!
Headed to Prineville again tomorrow for another dig at my opal claim. As many trips as I take to Prineville I should just move there.
Jason
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