deedolce
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2006
Posts: 1,828
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Post by deedolce on Oct 26, 2007 19:41:35 GMT -5
I have a workforce, that I LOVE for trimming slabs. I mostly buy slabs. But now I'm expecting to come back from Arizona Burro Creek with lots of rough! Is there an equivalent as far as ease (water, use/abuse) to the Workforce for a saw for slabbing what I'm likely to come back with? One that doesn't soak me in oil (I bought a used 10" old saw, and used it twice, it was such a mess!! No lid, although I rigged a shield)
I'm considering selling it and saving pennies for one that self feeds, has a lid, where I can set it up, let it slab, come back when it's done and let it just sit there until next time like the huge Lortones that my old rock club had! But doesn't cost an arm and a leg...
Am I dreaming?
Any and all thoughts welcome!! What size, what kind, make, etc...
Thanks!
Dee
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stonesnbones
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2007
Posts: 255
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Post by stonesnbones on Oct 26, 2007 19:55:54 GMT -5
Generally there is no such thing as a cheap saw,unless you stumble upon one at an estate sale or such.I believe Lorotone has (they did have) a 12 inch that self fed.
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on Oct 26, 2007 20:41:10 GMT -5
"First" and "Best" probably aren't going to happen simultaneously while "inexpensive" is an operative constraint.
And be careful what you wish for, I was once thinking just like you are, then I bought a Lortone LS18, nearly broke my back moving it and haven't even gotten around to starting to take it apart and fix it up.
But there is hope for people like you and I, mine came on Craig's list for only $50, I figure the $5-600 it will cost to get it back in good running order will still make it a bargain- (a blade alone looks like its going to be in the $300-400 range) so they are out there, you just need to check the right ads at the right time.
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Post by johnjsgems on Oct 26, 2007 22:05:47 GMT -5
Dee, Here are some tips on using the 10" saw you already have. Used properly I think you will like it better.
First, most lapidary saws use a "splash lubrication system". That means the blade runs through the coolant in the sump and picks up and splashes on the rock. You should fill the sump to cover about 1/4" of the blade. When the blade turns you should see a drip of coolant from the blade guard (assuming you have a blade guard over the blade). Overfilling causes the blade to throw the excess everywhere. Second, most 10" saws will cut a maximum height of 3.5". Anymore and you will be taking an oil bath. Third, you can use water or water soluble coolants in a metal body saw but you would be better off if you drain it when you are finished and allow it to dry. I was told when I started that if I was going to have only one saw buy a 10" as it could be used to slab (to 3.5") and to trim. I'd use the 10" saw with oil for agates, etc. and the workforce with water for more sensitive stones. Then keep your eyes and ears open for a good used slab saw in the 14" to 18" range. I have an old 10" saw I keep ready with oil and a 4" and 6" water saw I use for cutting Turquoise and trimming. The old oil saw is always ready to go if I need to cut an agate or open a geode. The water saws have to be filled , drained and cleaned afterwards.
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Post by parfive on Oct 26, 2007 22:06:48 GMT -5
Dee - That 10" saw you have, does it have an auto-feed (even a weight on a chain) or do you have to push the rock through?
If it's got a feed, the cheapest solution would be to pay a sheet metal guy/shop to build a hood for it.
Rich
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deedolce
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2006
Posts: 1,828
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Post by deedolce on Oct 26, 2007 23:12:01 GMT -5
Great advise so far! I'm KNOW I filled it up way too much with oil that caused my oil bath! Thanks, John. I'm willing to give it another try... parfive, it came with parts for an autofeed, but there was no way it looked like it works with this saw, the guy I got it from also got it used, and I think somehow it got in the same box, but doesn't work with that saw. It looks like it used to have some kind, cause it has a place for a guide rod. ?? Only 3.5"? I guess I thought it was 1/2 the blade size, but I forgot about the arbor too. Darn. I bought it on ebay. I guess with larger rocks that people want to slab and are limited< you just bust them up? I'll have to look for smaller rocks out there in the desert...
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Post by Bikerrandy on Oct 27, 2007 5:30:52 GMT -5
I use a 16 inch Covington, it took me a good while to save up the cash ($1776 total with shipping) but it's worth every penny. I cut up some purple jasper last night with it. It has the auto-feed, I built my own stand for it using a tool cart from my old shop.
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snowdog
fully equipped rock polisher
RIP David Fildes, aka: snowdog
Member since January 2005
Posts: 1,527
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Post by snowdog on Oct 27, 2007 8:47:07 GMT -5
Dee, -- can you put a couple pics of that saw here ? and the parts you have ---- I may have enough parts to make it a self feed if you need something different ----------- or else bring it with you to the rock trip -- between all of us we could prob fix something up ------- or if you're "real" serious about getting one I could bring a couple and you could take one home with you --- I'm just running out of room in the trailer so don't want to just haul things both ways ( taking up "rock" room coming home ! ;D )
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deedolce
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2006
Posts: 1,828
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Post by deedolce on Oct 27, 2007 9:03:42 GMT -5
Hi Snowdog! True! I'm serious, but haven't saved pennies yet! I could bring my saw and see what you guys think! Bring all those parts too...Here's a pic: and the 'parts' for the auto feed:
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Post by parfive on Oct 27, 2007 11:27:12 GMT -5
Dee - Tie a piece of string (temporary) to the vise (where it slides on the rod) Run it over the pulley and pull down. You've got auto-feed!!! ;D Maybe Snowdog can help you out with the electric motor feed, but for now, you've already got the weight on a cable version. Keep your eyes open for a plexiglass lid that can fit over the saw. Try one of those stores that sell containers/storage bins/closet stuff etc. Rich
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Post by johnjsgems on Oct 27, 2007 12:08:18 GMT -5
Dee, What you have is called a gravity feed. Standard in the "old days" and still used on some current saws. Attach a wire, cable or cord to the vise and run it over the pulley. Attach a coffee can or other container. Fill with sand. The more sand the faster the feed. Covington sells a saw with the same feed and supply a fish scale to weigh the container to adjust the feed. I'd say use no more weight than necessary to pull the rock SLOWLY through the blade. This system works better than some autofeeds. The cheaper versions feed at a single rate which ruins a lot of blades. The better ones have an adjustable clutch to regulate the feed. You can also just clamp the rock and apply a steady pressure to hand feed.
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Oct 27, 2007 15:13:25 GMT -5
I a 10" HP just like it on ebay 190163798345. I agree it can be messy. I used a shoe box size plastic storage container upside down and trimmed to fit. The gravity feed can be nice. It flies through soft stone. I used a 10 lb piece of lead for the weight.
Now if I could get the buyer to return my email and pony up the dough to pay for it I would be happy. I knew I was in trouble when I saw him bidding and he only had a feedback of (1) one. Aaarrrgghhh!
I was counting on the money to use to sign up for shows next year... I hate eBay sometimes....
Rick
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deedolce
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2006
Posts: 1,828
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Post by deedolce on Oct 27, 2007 19:38:23 GMT -5
Cool, thanks! Therefore, I'll leave the saw at home, and leave more room for rocks!! I love RTH~ Dee
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