tropidale
starting to shine!
Member since October 2016
Posts: 46
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Post by tropidale on Dec 7, 2017 0:17:08 GMT -5
I am thinking of moving to a smaller true lapidary trim saw hoping for a more precise, quieter and less drenching experience than my tile saw and noticed something in my shopping.
It appears that most trim saws are set up for right-handed people with the larger portion of the table to the right. Yes? I hold the slab with my left hand typically and it doesn't look like there is a lot of room to do that on the smaller saws.
Any lefties out there with experience with the smaller saws? Is it as tight a space as it looks? I have pretty small hands but would still like enough table space to maneuver a 5-6 inch slab. I can do some things right handed but sawing feels much better controlled with my left.
I have read several comments about pulling the slab through the blade from the back to avoid the bath. That would actually put the larger side on my left where I would prefer it. But would that be doable with a trim saw style? Haven't tried it yet on my tile saw.
It isn't easy being a lefty in a right-handed world!
Recommendations?
Thanks,
Dale
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Post by Pat on Dec 7, 2017 0:41:29 GMT -5
Place a splash guard between you and the saw blade to stay dry. I just stuck an upright slab on the edge. Works well.
Don't know about left hand anything.
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Post by rmf on Dec 7, 2017 5:38:03 GMT -5
tropidale, I am left handed and for years I have used a Lortone saw. The one I use is the discontinued Hi-ball which was identical to the FS6 (also discontinued) they just had different pulley systems. They now appear to have dropped the 6" trim saws in favor of a 8" trim saw. FS8 Stainless Basic The basic unit without blade, motor, vise or hood. Can be fitted with any 8” blade (w/ 5/8” arbor hole). Requires 1/3 hp motor. Shipping weight 18 lbs. #056-292 This has a big table and and equally big tank down below. I prefer the big tank for oil since I am lazy and do not like to clean it out often. BTW you can put an 6" blade on this saw. they also have a more complete model FS8-C Stainless Steel Package Now available in stainless steel, this 8” saw is perfect for those desiring the capacity of a larger saw in an easy-to-clean design. We made the work table larger and kept the removable coolant pan. Includes vise, hood, 1/3 hp motor, and equipped with an 8” diamond blade with 5/8” arbor hole. Requires 41/2 quarts of cutting oil. Ships in three boxes. Package Dimensions: (1) 30” x 23” x 14” 44 lbs, (1) 18” x 16” x 6” 4 lbs., (1) 14” x 11” x 12” 19 lbs. Total Shipping weight 67 lbs. #056-293 This has the motor, a clear plastic hood with arm holes and a vise. (IMHO the vise is not worth anything) The clear plastic cover gets messy and makes it hard to see with oil and rock bits so I prefer just the splash screen in fromt. If I am doing a lot of trimming I still get covered to my elbows or higher with oil spray. BTW I need a new motor for my saw it is limping along but I have had it for 25 or 30 years and so far all I have replaced is blades but the motor will be coming up. Also for full disclosure we are Lortone dealers.
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minerken
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2013
Posts: 466
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Post by minerken on Dec 7, 2017 14:29:30 GMT -5
the rock rascal is wider on the left but the table is smaller than the lortone over all
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tropidale
starting to shine!
Member since October 2016
Posts: 46
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Post by tropidale on Dec 7, 2017 18:19:39 GMT -5
Thanks, everybody. I think I am going to try the pull technique on my tile saw this weekend. If that works well, then maybe I will be happy to have a new "righty" trim saw. Of course now, I am trying to decide if I prioritize the trim saw or a new 150-600 mm lens I have had my eye on. I'm torn. Too many costly hobbies...
Thanks again.
Dale
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