ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Dec 13, 2016 10:48:42 GMT -5
I am looking for some suggestions on a good trim saw. I have a small collection of slabs and I want to start cutting out some shapes and trying my hand at making some cabs on my Ameritool. I have a HF 7" tile saw, but the thing is very noisy and throws water everywhere. Fine during the summer outside. Not so good in my basement (which holds a constant 55 degrees).
Is this a time when finding an older used machine would be better? I wouldn't be slabbing anything, just using it to pre-shape my slabs.
Any help would be appreciated.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Dec 13, 2016 11:21:21 GMT -5
I have a reg trim saw and although it runs slower, it still sprays a decent amount of water if I have it a little too full. Using hot water and long rubber gloves helps some.
Depending on your abilities, making a cover for the tile saw may be a good option. Many have used clear plastic tubs with the sides cut out a bit for your hands to go through.
Ziggy's husband built a nice one she just posted recently I think in the home made section.
Good luck.
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,652
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Post by Tommy on Dec 13, 2016 11:39:37 GMT -5
For trimming slabs and the occasional small nodule I love my Rigid 7" tile saw from HomeyD. Fully self contained, easy blade changes, doesn't sling a lot of water around, and it's portable - when it's dirty I just take it out in the yard and spray it off with the hose.
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Post by pghram on Dec 13, 2016 14:43:41 GMT -5
I'll second the tile saw, easy-peazy & fast.
Peace,
Rich
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Dec 13, 2016 15:24:21 GMT -5
I guess I'll just bust out the raincoat and rubber gloves and use my tile saw. I was looking online at some dedicated trim saws and was shocked at their prices.
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Post by Garage Rocker on Dec 13, 2016 15:35:56 GMT -5
ChicagoDave, I feel your pain. I have the same tile saw and it definitely throws buckets of water. Do you use the reservoir only, or clamp a hose in there also? I put the nozzle on mist and drop it down in there, so I can make a real mess. Trying to figure out a system to run it in the garage this winter, but may just let the water flow and rent out rink time and skates.
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ziggy
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2016
Posts: 483
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Post by ziggy on Dec 13, 2016 15:49:05 GMT -5
I guess I'll just bust out the raincoat and rubber gloves and use my tile saw. I was looking online at some dedicated trim saws and was shocked at their prices. The prices on everything are shocking in this hobby. That's why we personally build everything home made from saw covers to cabbing machines to buffing wheels. We build whatever we don't absolutely have to buy. The cabbing machine is a prime example. We built the arbor, water system and trays for one for under a hundred dollars then spent $300.00 on some wheels. It would have cost us $1600.00 for one we bought like it. Got a really nice brand new cabbing machine at 1/4 the cost. Along those same lines of thinking we re furbished our second hand, hand me down 8" trim saw and even improved on it by adding a rock clamp so it doubles as a small slab saw and a lexan cover to cut down on the soakings. It works like a charm even at its ripe old age. I would look for a used one on ebay or Craigs list..
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Dec 13, 2016 16:14:27 GMT -5
Garage Rocker, I usually just kept filling up the plastic bin. I also saw where someone placed the whole tile saw in a larger plastic container to hold even more water. I like the hose idea. I usually turn the saw around and pull the rocks towards me so the spray goes away from me. I saw a picture where someone put a shower curtain on the opposite wall and directed it into a larger tub. Maybe some clever plastic work can keep most of the water moving in one general direction. Maybe I'm just meant to be a tumbler
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Post by Garage Rocker on Dec 13, 2016 16:34:21 GMT -5
Garage Rocker , I usually just kept filling up the plastic bin. I also saw where someone placed the whole tile saw in a larger plastic container to hold even more water. I like the hose idea. I usually turn the saw around and pull the rocks towards me so the spray goes away from me. I saw a picture where someone put a shower curtain on the opposite wall and directed it into a larger tub. Maybe some clever plastic work can keep most of the water moving in one general direction. Maybe I'm just meant to be a tumbler Definitely have to stand behind it, and probably best as a Summer sport. I saw the shower curtain setup also, may have to try that. Here's the work station in greener times. The hose helped efficiency, no need to worry about water level dropping either. Not trimming slabs though, purely rough cuts for tumbles.
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ChicagoDave
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2016
Posts: 720
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Post by ChicagoDave on Dec 13, 2016 16:46:28 GMT -5
That's the picture that made me buy the HF saw! And wish I had a bigger backyard! I think my entire lot would fit on the grass.
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Post by HankRocks on Dec 13, 2016 17:03:46 GMT -5
Power Saw and Beer? Sounds like a safety moment to me!!
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Post by Garage Rocker on Dec 13, 2016 17:55:10 GMT -5
Power Saw and Beer? Sounds like a safety moment to me!! Stage prop.
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Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,652
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Post by Tommy on Dec 14, 2016 13:23:02 GMT -5
My very first trim saw was one of those in the picture with the slide in tray of water that slides in awkwardly getting it under the blade. That damn thing threw water in every direction - I used to have to suit up and hang plastic around it haha. My new Rigid doesn't throw water anything like that lol. It throws a little straight at my chest when I lift the guard to see where I'm cutting better - but it's nothing my apron can't handle.
That being said I learned something here - turn it around and cut towards me. What a concept - I can't believe I never thought of that haha.
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