rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,330
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Post by rocknewb101 on Sept 19, 2023 9:59:31 GMT -5
I've been looking at bigger saws and did find one that was 6-8" lapidary saw for only $385 - shipped from India I discovered for a small fee of $300. Still too much for me to tackle now, but hubs said why don't we make one? Who me? I have zero mechanical know-how - but hubby sure does. I've looked through here and see the one link with specs to different home-made equipment (which I'll share with him), but I wonder if someone has made their own that they might be willing to share how they did it and what they used? Anything specific we need to know before taking this on? Forgive me if this is a no-no question I'm not sure if folks hold tight to their creations...but if someone is willing to share, I'd appreciate it. We don't need anything fancy, just something that'll cut rocks bigger than 2". Also feel free to tell me that this is a bad idea too - I don't want to end up with a 10" blade in my forehead if there's some reason why we shouldn't tackle this. Thanks everyone!
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Post by Starguy on Sept 19, 2023 11:47:17 GMT -5
Are you thinking about hand pushing the rocks? Rock saws are pretty simple. Little things like staying dry will challenge you guys a little. Have you looked at the trim saw attachment for the CabKing? The table for the trim saw is plastic but the base is solid. At least you would be using the motor and bearings you already have. Mine came with an excellent blade. Realistically, slabbing a 3” agate nodule is about the max on an 8” blade. I use mine to cut up a lot of 1-2” nodules for the tumblers but it’s best as a trim saw.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Sept 20, 2023 10:23:13 GMT -5
Well I don't know how much help this will be, but I built my 16" slab saw. Here's the build thread, Photobucket sh!t on all my pictures so they're gone. It wasn't too difficult to build. I would recommend if you built the tub with plywood like I did to test for leaks with water. Mine leaks and being it's filled with oil I'll probably never be able to seal it. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/47612/slab-finished-video-page-7
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,330
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Post by rocknewb101 on Sept 20, 2023 12:47:25 GMT -5
Are you thinking about hand pushing the rocks? Rock saws are pretty simple. Little things like staying dry will challenge you guys a little. Have you looked at the trim saw attachment for the CabKing? The table for the trim saw is plastic but the base is solid. At least you would be using the motor and bearings you already have. Mine came with an excellent blade. Realistically, slabbing a 3” agate nodule is about the max on an 8” blade. I use mine to cut up a lot of 1-2” nodules for the tumblers but it’s best as a trim saw. Thanks! Yes - it would be handpushing. I had considered the cabking saw, but it was still smaller than I was hoping for. We were successful in winning the auction that was posted on another thread - dillonf shared it - only $475 for a drop saw. Needs a new pump, but that's not a big deal. We go pick it up this Sunday
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rocknewb101
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since October 2022
Posts: 1,330
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Post by rocknewb101 on Sept 20, 2023 12:49:19 GMT -5
Well I don't know how much help this will be, but I built my 16" slab saw. Here's the build thread, Photobucket sh!t on all my pictures so they're gone. It wasn't too difficult to build. I would recommend if you built the tub with plywood like I did to test for leaks with water. Mine leaks and being it's filled with oil I'll probably never be able to seal it. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/47612/slab-finished-video-page-7Thank you for sharing this!! Literally 2 mins after I posted this thread, dillonf shared a rock saw for sale 2 hrs south of me - hubby bid on it and we got a 14" drop saw for $475. Super duper stoked. Needs a couple things replaced, but nothing major.
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Post by jasoninsd on Sept 20, 2023 18:02:23 GMT -5
Well I don't know how much help this will be, but I built my 16" slab saw. Here's the build thread, Photobucket sh!t on all my pictures so they're gone. It wasn't too difficult to build. I would recommend if you built the tub with plywood like I did to test for leaks with water. Mine leaks and being it's filled with oil I'll probably never be able to seal it. forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/47612/slab-finished-video-page-7Thank you for sharing this!! Literally 2 mins after I posted this thread, dillonf shared a rock saw for sale 2 hrs south of me - hubby bid on it and we got a 14" drop saw for $475. Super duper stoked. Needs a couple things replaced, but nothing major. Congrats Peta!! I saw Dillon's link and checked that out. Good for you guys!!
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Sept 20, 2023 18:38:38 GMT -5
That's fantastic! More time for cutting 👍
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gunsil
spending too much on rocks
Member since January 2023
Posts: 325
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Post by gunsil on Sept 20, 2023 19:11:34 GMT -5
Congrats on a bigger saw! You folks are really getting geared up!
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