rock1
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2023
Posts: 2
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Post by rock1 on Feb 7, 2023 15:41:34 GMT -5
We are looking to purchase a 6" lapidary trim saw. We want to cut open some rocks and probably do more down the road. We are looking at the Rock Rascal, Covington, and Highland Park. The Rock Rascal is the best price but I don't want to purchase something that isn't good just to save money. It isn't something we will be using a lot, just for fun and curiosity at this time. Any suggestions? Thank you.
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realrockhound
Cave Dweller 
Chucking leaverite at tweekers
Member since June 2020
Posts: 4,483
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Post by realrockhound on Feb 7, 2023 16:15:25 GMT -5
If your just looking to cut rocks open, no slabs, masonry chop saws or tile saws in a 10-14inch blade would probably be a better and cheaper option.
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Feb 7, 2023 19:02:19 GMT -5
For trimming smaller slabs I have a Rock Rascal model "J" that I have had since the early 1980s. I've had both the basic model and the factory mounted motor models of both the Rock Rascal model "J" and model "T". For both I prefer them without the factory mounted motor because the factory motors are mounted too close to the saw. And the saw and motor are both mounted on a sheet steel base. The short belt and the sheet steel base transfer too much vibration to the trim saw.
I mounted my rock Rascal model "J" on a piece of 3/4" countertop laminate and with a 36" belt. These saws use a 1725rpm continuous duty, general purpose motor which is one of the most common fractional motors. It's fairly easy to find used motors this size and new ones aren't very expensive either. So if you decide to go with the Rock Rascal you can save some money and get better performance by getting the basic model without motor or base and then finding a used motor.
Also if it's helpful to your decision the Rock Rascal model "J" uses a water pump bearing with a left-hand threaded arbor that if ever needs to be replaced is easier to just order from Johnson Brothers than trying to find elsewhere. The Rock Rascal model "T" uses roller bearings that are easy to find at most any good industrial machine supplier.
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vance71975
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since September 2022
Posts: 760
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Post by vance71975 on Feb 8, 2023 17:06:14 GMT -5
I would personally buy the biggest auto-feed saw that you can afford. There is a reason I say this, you might only want to cut a few small ones open right now, BUT you could also find something awesome out rockhounding that you want to either slab, or cut down to tumble sized chunks. Starting with the biggest saw you can afford opens a ton of possibilities later without having to upgrade your equipment later, and you can cut small rocks in half on a big auto-feed saw but its a LOT harder to cut a big rock later on a small trim saw. Just my .02 cents.
That said, I would go with the Covington Auto-feed 10 inch trim saw out of the three models you listed. Auto-feed is always the way to go if you can simply to avoid the risk of trying to rush and damaging the saw if you do it by hand.
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