vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Feb 24, 2014 19:07:54 GMT -5
hi, i am lucky to have access to an MK-101 for cutting the bigger stuff but i would like to buy a 7" wet tile saw for cutting/trimming specimens at home (particularly agates). i have a $50 Amazon gift certificate so i should be able to purchase one for next to nothing out of pocket. from what i've read the QEP Master Cut, MK and Harbor Freight/Chicago Pneumatic seem to be recommended on the rockhound forums. i am leaning towards the QEP or MK but i wanted to ask if one has an advantage over the other?
and, since alot of the threads i've stumbled across that recommend these are at least a year or two old i was wondering if any of the newer 7" saws have proven to be any better/more reliable, ect. such as the Skil, Ryobi, ect?
thanks in advance for any info.
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ajrknapper
off to a rocking start
Member since December 2013
Posts: 16
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Post by ajrknapper on Feb 24, 2014 21:37:49 GMT -5
I have had a Qep for years trimmed countless slab with it left it out in the weather for long periods of time it still work great got it at home depot for 60 some dollars.
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aimeesrockworks
spending too much on rocks
I really do look like my avatar... it kinda freaks me out.
Member since December 2010
Posts: 458
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Post by aimeesrockworks on Feb 24, 2014 22:26:44 GMT -5
I've been using a Skil 7-in Wet Slide Tile Saw (Lowes, $89) and have had really good luck... and I'm impatient and cut river rocks with it. I just swapped the blade out, not because I really needed to, but because I wanted to try a thinner blade. Currently using a QEP 7" blade and still having good luck. What a mess though. Ick. (Face shield, ear protection, apron, jeans I plan on washing that day, old REI jacket I've had for 20+ years that I don't care about anymore... CHECK! Time to saw rocks baby.) Wonder what the neighbors think??
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vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Feb 24, 2014 23:21:42 GMT -5
thanks, i appreciate the replies.
the QEP is looking like a nice deal. since the newer model came out the previous version is going for pretty cheap now.
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,608
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Post by Mark K on Feb 25, 2014 18:51:37 GMT -5
Just remember that a lot of people are real cheapskates. They will overlook the huge downsides of cheapo crap tools because it is better to them to work harder than have good tools and work smarter.
Sometimes buying a tool that costs twice as much as a cheapo will get you ten times as much quality.
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Post by deb193redux on Feb 25, 2014 20:16:20 GMT -5
as long as the saw is not junk, it is the 1st replacement blade you buy that counts
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Minnesota Daniel
freely admits to licking rocks
A COUPLE LAKERS
Member since August 2011
Posts: 891
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Post by Minnesota Daniel on Feb 25, 2014 22:33:48 GMT -5
Just remember that a lot of people are real cheapskates. They will overlook the huge downsides of cheapo crap tools because it is better to them to work harder than have good tools and work smarter. Sometimes buying a tool that costs twice as much as a cheapo will get you ten times as much quality. Instead of implying that I and others like me that use tile saws are "real cheapskates", why don't you tell us where we can buy a good saw that costs twice as much as an $80 tile saw, but is ten times the quality. I'll get a good saw as soon as I can afford it, and I expect to pay at least five times as much as a cheap tile saw costs. I'd rather work harder than smarter you say? Smarter is not insulting others by suggesting you know better how to spend their money.
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vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Feb 26, 2014 0:22:29 GMT -5
i'll also add that i am new to lapidary (less than a year in) so i figured this would be a good way to trim at home. i have access to a good friends workshop which has an MK-101, a large professional flat lap, buffing wheels, faceting tools. if i could afford the professional lapidary equipment myself i would be all over it but you gotta start somewhere and a "cheapo" tile saw seems to be a decent way to start cutting at home on a budget.
on a side note.. i could definitely do without being called cheap by a pretentious rockhound.
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Mark K
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 2,608
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Post by Mark K on Feb 26, 2014 8:59:17 GMT -5
You are an idiot.
I never said you were cheap. I said that some people will buy cheapo crap instead of something good. No where did I say that tiles saws are cheapo. My first saw was a tile saw and I still have it and it work pretty darned good because I bought a decent one, not a cheapo pile of crap. Now I have much better saws, but the tile saw works well for small stuff that I can't soak in oil.
Also, if you read that into my post, you clearly either are a cheapo and don't like being called out or you are just an asshole who has to bitch about stuff. Either way, shove it up your ass Daniel. If you are too stupid to see the light, you can kiss my ass. You too Vugs.
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grayfingers
Cave Dweller
Member since November 2007
Posts: 4,575
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Post by grayfingers on Feb 26, 2014 9:22:24 GMT -5
Well, I got no dog in this fight. I will say that it seems to me that some may be reading more into foxtail's comment than was there. Actually, there is such a thing as false economy, and sometimes one is ahead to purchase a higher quality tool.
In my case, I have never owned a spendy tile saw. I have two Workforce saws bought back in 2007/2008. (I paid $88.00 for the first one and $65 for the second when they were closing them out.) As long as the machine spins the blade, it is a good saw. Both of mine are still humming right along, and I use them for slicing, grinding and cabbing.
I have spent much more on blades in the past five years.
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Post by iant on Feb 26, 2014 10:31:26 GMT -5
I got a nice tile saw and bought a pair of upgraded blades to use on it. Lapidary equipment is thin on the ground on the UK, so I didn't have much choice and I can't help as far as recommending any particular brand available to you.
I got togged up like Aimee described and had an excellent afternoon cutting up my agates. Still to share the pictures! Good luck with and hope you get a saw which serves you well!
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Feb 26, 2014 11:07:03 GMT -5
One thing to be sure to check is the arbor size. Some of the less expensive tile saws use an odd arbor size and it's hard to find blades that fit.
Chuck
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Post by mohs on Feb 26, 2014 11:13:37 GMT -5
good point Chuck!
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The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
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Post by The Dad_Ohs on Feb 26, 2014 15:55:07 GMT -5
I can understand Fox's comment on the buy a better saw, although I read it and immediately saw, no pun intended, where it could be taken wrong, but as the saying goes...." better to be quiet and thought a fool...."
then Daniel & vug, comment and as I read I think to myself, so much for that....
Then Fox, You reply and all I can think is ... "wow, what a pile a caprolite this is!!"... "why not just explain what you are trying to say?"
If their comments were off mark and after reading it, and I can truly see that it was, "a good tile saw is always preferable over a cheap one" especially when you factor in things like unusual arbor sizes that you cannot get a decent blade replacement for, underpowered motors, and things like that, Then you final reply was absolutely horrendous and not only should you apologize to them and remove them comment that was obviously made in the heat of the moment, but you need to apologize within this section to all who read it and are able to see you at your least!! If you think you have no need to retract your statement about the type of people who made the comments, then, that too, is an indication of your character, and is also your right. Just remember we are all judged by what we do, not just by those we do it too, but by all who witness it.
But then again, I lucked out and was able to get a 10 inch lortone trim saw for free in a great deal I will never see the likes of again, and as such I only read these threads to offer advise if I have knowledge in that area.... and the only reason I comment here is to offer the above advice... other than that, all I can say is 'What a waste of a potentially good thread!!'
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barclay
has rocks in the head
Lowly Padawan of rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 510
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Post by barclay on Feb 27, 2014 1:02:35 GMT -5
Overall I have been happy with my cheap Harbor Freight 10" brick saw. It is noisy as hell and sprays water everywhere but I abuse the heck out of it and it just keeps working. The only major mechanical issue I have with it is the plastic water tray is starting to get brittle from sitting outside for a few years. I paid $189 for it with a great coupon so for the money I am happy. The blade that came with it stank so I recommend getting a good blade for whatever saw you get.
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vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Feb 27, 2014 13:45:51 GMT -5
hey all, i appreciate the input. as far as a small 6" lapidary trim saw vs a 7" tile saw i really dont see what makes the lapidary saw that much better to justify the difference in price assuming you buy a tile saw with an arbor size thats compatible with the lapidary blades. feel free to educate me.
in my buddies workshop he has a 10" MK Diamond MK-101 saw that we use for slabs and bigger stuff. its a great saw for that in my opinion and hey, he also just retiled his house so its dual purpose.
in most hobbies there always seems to be a diy or cheaper alternative to the big name equipment and often times the cheaper alternative proves to be a decent alternative as well. there seems to be evidence online that the tile saws are doing a good/comparable job and are pretty reliable to boot.
bottom line is i just dont have the budget to put together a top of the line workshop so im trying to ask questions and do some research to find out what the best alternatives might be.
thanks for the input so far and also thanks to the helpful members who have taken time to message me info and links to diy alternatives.
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Post by deb193redux on Feb 27, 2014 17:33:26 GMT -5
IMO, messaging info instead of adding it to the thread runs against the spirit of the board.
I like tile saws. Got one first, and still keep one next to my 3-4 lapidary saws. They are fast and efficient, albeit wet. Rig a good water shield and go to town.
I like the 7", and actually do not like the 10". I don't like the overhead design. So I also don't like the 12" GyRoc overhead drop saw/preformer.
In a tile saw, bigger motor (i.e., 3/4 instead of 1/2) is better, a standard arbor (don;t even get me started on a 13mm HF mistake I made), and no record of defective switches or burnout motors. I suppose the QEP plastic body is better than metal powdercoat that is vulnerable to rust.
But even a cheap HF saw with a good blade will do most folks just fine. (BTW, HF does not sell any good blades if you are talking hard rock.)
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,471
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Post by Sabre52 on Feb 27, 2014 17:56:32 GMT -5
I like my old Workforce. I've had it for about 8 years. It was cheap and I use blades that only cost about $10 each and last a fairly long time. Like most tile saws, it makes a fairly rough cut with no vice but is very cool for trimming or cutting up small slabettes for the tumbler or little geodes for the kiddies.....Mel
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vugs
starting to spend too much on rocks
Rockbiter
Member since February 2014
Posts: 225
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Post by vugs on Feb 27, 2014 18:21:04 GMT -5
i believe the members that messaged me privately did so due to the temporary derailing of the thread by foxtail. Mel.. i went ahead and ordered a QEP. regarding getting clean cuts without a vice.. since i didnt pay much for the saw (roughly $10 out of pocket thanks to a gift certificate) i plan to either drill some holes in it to adapt a Lortone 10" vice or diy something like this by member Banjocreek. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/8935what do you guys think? ideally i would like to figure out a way to use a slab grabber on the Banjocreek design instead of the vice clamp. adapting a slab grabber like this one would be nice i think, but the down side is it looks like you will lose a small bit of clearance due to the rock not sitting flush on top of the table. www.rnbrockshop.com/slab2.jpg
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,471
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Post by Sabre52 on Feb 27, 2014 19:48:26 GMT -5
Only problems I can see with attaching a vice to a tile saw are the cross feed and the blades. One needs to be able to have parallel cuts so there has to be some way to move the vice across the bed of the saw towards the blade in measurable intervals for successive parallel cuts. The other thing is, most cheaper tile saw blades like I use for trimming etc, make a cut with a very rough surface. This can of course be cured by going to a true lapidary trim saw blade. These will give smooth cuts if you vice your rock but of course, cost more and are more delicate.....Mel
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