ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Aug 18, 2016 8:31:30 GMT -5
So, I guess this is how the hobby gets you. I saw the beautiful mahogany obsidian Tommy was selling and had to have some. Of course, these are fist sized pieces. I was wondering if someone could help steer me towards a tile saw that would allow me to just make some slab cuts, with the intention of busting those slabs into individual pieces (I saw a post from jamesp, but he has a much larger saw). I see the following 2 saws at Harbor Freight. The 10" would run about $224 with the 20% off coupon. It seems I would be able to cut larger pieces with this. I also see that this can be fitted with a rock vise (I believe). This looks like a MK101 knockoff and I've seen plenty of reviews here where it worked for others. Just haven't been able to see many reviews on the HF version. I'm thinking I could also use this to rough cut some previously bought tumble material where it looks like a little trim is necessary. Thanks! 10" saw
7" saw
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Post by Jugglerguy on Aug 18, 2016 8:56:46 GMT -5
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Post by orrum on Aug 18, 2016 9:17:55 GMT -5
X2 Rob! Or PM Tony/Catmandew to see what he could hook u up with.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Aug 18, 2016 9:50:17 GMT -5
If you're willing to spend $200, you should be able to find a used lapidary trim saw for less than that. I've never used a tile saw, but I hear that they are very wet and have to be use outside. You just need to be patient and keep watching Craig's list or EBay.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Aug 18, 2016 10:29:54 GMT -5
I tend to stay away from CL and Ebay after having issues with both of them, but I will keep an eye out around here for used equipment. I've seen so many posts on here suggesting a trim saw and just as many with people saying a tile saw is good enough.
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Post by Garage Rocker on Aug 18, 2016 11:17:03 GMT -5
Dave, I have the 7" Harbor Freight tile saw and have been happy with it so far. It does have size limitations that are going to 'force' me to get a larger saw for what I want to do eventually, but it has certainly been money well spent and I'd do it again. Under $70 out the door, minus a blade, and it has given me plenty of enjoyment.
The water spray hasn't been a problem, in the summer heat it's actually refreshing. If it's raining, I set up in the garage and throw water and rock snot into the driveway. I do everything hand held and can cut rocks about fist sized with some patience and good rolling technique. However, I find larger agate nodules around here that are going to take a larger saw. I also have purchased rocks and pet wood pieces that I can't cut right now. All those pieces get thrown into a storage bin for later use. I'm debating whether to go for another baby step with the 10" saw you mentioned above or bite the bullet and do it right with a proper slab saw. Entry level though, you won't beat that little tile saw for value.
I was going to refer you to Walt for his video of the 10" saw, but I see that he has already beat me to it.
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richardh
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 391
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Post by richardh on Aug 18, 2016 11:23:40 GMT -5
I tend to stay away from CL and Ebay after having issues with both of them, but I will keep an eye out around here for used equipment. I've seen so many posts on here suggesting a trim saw and just as many with people saying a tile saw is good enough. I have been using a tile saw and what I am seeing is that when I cut it is a pretty wide cut throwing away a lot of material. I recently wore out the blade that came with my saw and got a new thinner blade for around $25 and wow my experience is much better. The blade makes a big difference. Having said that I would guess a trim saw will be even better. As was mentioned earlier the tile saw makes a pretty big mess.
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Post by greig on Aug 18, 2016 13:48:11 GMT -5
I use a Home Depot 7" tile saw. It has a limitation on the height of rock that can be run through because of the fixed arm in the way. As stated, a good blade can make a huge difference. I made a mistake and custom ordered one that had groves. It could cut stone like butter, but at the end of the cut, the groves would chip and break the stone. So my experience is a smooth "diamond" blade is the way to go. I have quite a bit of large stone that I cannot cut with this machine.
One thought is look for "toys for boys" auctions in your area. I have seen saws sold for next to nothing, as long as there is not a few others with the same desire. Normally, there are quite a few saws for sale. I will be shopping for a larger saw this fall at auction.
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richardh
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 391
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Post by richardh on Aug 18, 2016 16:11:08 GMT -5
I removed the arm on my tile saw as it was also getting in my way. It was just two screws and made it much easier to use.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Aug 19, 2016 11:17:40 GMT -5
Thank you for all the replies. I think I'm going to start with the 7" saw just to get a feel for slicing things up to make tumbles. If it seems like something I want to continue doing, I can look for something a bit more specialized and larger.
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doublet83
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2016
Posts: 118
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Post by doublet83 on Aug 19, 2016 18:42:37 GMT -5
How does the 10 inch HF tile saw for $215 compare to 10 inch lapidary saws, which run around $1000? What are you getting for all that extra money?
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,466
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Post by Sabre52 on Aug 19, 2016 20:41:49 GMT -5
I use a little Workforce too. Blades are cheap but it does get you wet so I use it in my driveway. I use cheap blades. Only cost about $10 and last a long time doing this kind of work. You can roll the rocks and can actually cut a pretty nice sized piece but the cuts tend too be very rough with the tile type diamond blade. OK for tumbles though and I've even used some for cabbing....Mel
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Aug 19, 2016 21:06:52 GMT -5
How does the 10 inch HF tile saw for $215 compare to 10 inch lapidary saws, which run around $1000? What are you getting for all that extra money? Lapidary saws are built to last 40-50 years cutting rocks on a regular basis. Not sure tile saws will take the same kind of daily abuse. All of my saws were built in the 70's and all still work flawlessly. Lapidary saws also use standard components that can be easily purchased when repairs and maintenance are required. In my opinion a $200 20 year old lapidary saw is a better investment then a brand new $200 tile saw. I have purchased 4 or 5 ten inch true slab saws used for between $100 and $300. Don't let any of that stop you. If I tile saw is what it takes to get in the game go for it. Start cutting some rocks and then post some pictures for us Chuck
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Post by manofglass on Aug 19, 2016 22:21:19 GMT -5
Rpms on my saw is 3440
Walt
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doublet83
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2016
Posts: 118
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Post by doublet83 on Aug 19, 2016 23:55:59 GMT -5
How does the 10 inch HF tile saw for $215 compare to 10 inch lapidary saws, which run around $1000? What are you getting for all that extra money? Lapidary saws are built to last 40-50 years cutting rocks on a regular basis. Not sure tile saws will take the same kind of daily abuse. All of my saws were built in the 70's and all still work flawlessly. Lapidary saws also use standard components that can be easily purchased when repairs and maintenance are required. In my opinion a $200 20 year old lapidary saw is a better investment then a brand new $200 tile saw. I have purchased 4 or 5 ten inch true slab saws used for between $100 and $300. Don't let any of that stop you. If I tile saw is what it takes to get in the game go for it. Start cutting some rocks and then post some pictures for us Chuck Thanks Chuck. I bought the 7inch tile saw from Home Depot. It is great bang for the buck, and I would recommend it to other beginners. However, you can only cut small rocks with it, so I've been thinking about something bigger.
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