leisa
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2015
Posts: 22 
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Post by leisa on Dec 3, 2023 10:51:31 GMT -5
I have a 7in wet tile saw from Harbor Freight. Started with that a few years ago since I had never cut rocks before. But, the rocks I have (mostly from rock shops or the beach) are too big to cut. (Also had my brother break the rocks with a hammer and chisel, but was trying to have more control over the outcome). I've used MK Diamond blades but need a new blade. That brand seems to be out of stock wherever I look. I looked at getting a bigger wet saw, but was surprised at the price. I also need a wet saw that is portable, since I have to go outside to cut the rocks. I have Lortone 6 lb rotary barrels. Any suggestions re:other options - either for a bigger wet saw or a different brand of blade I could try? Thanks for your help.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,188
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Post by rockbrain on Dec 3, 2023 11:17:06 GMT -5
I've been happy with this blade but I do use it mostly for trimming. If you decide to purchase it, or another from Amazon make sure you go through the Amazon affiliate link here. Up towards the top of the page you should see some text with a yellow link in the middle of it. It says rock tumbling supplies but I think it works for everything. Just click on that to go to Amazon and the forum gets a little kickback for everything you purchase. For a larger saw, I would keep an eye out in places like Craigslist for something used. I picked up an MK 10" that way for about 1/4 of the price of a new one. Came with several new blades too. Welcome to the addiction. I started off with a 7" Black and Decker open box from Lowes to trim beach rocks. I now have 2-7" and the 10" plus a 24" Royal home built and a 16" Highland Park. |
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Post by vegasjames on Dec 3, 2023 13:51:34 GMT -5
A 7 inch saw is only rally good for cutting reforms from slabs.
For cutting softer rocks I use a 10 inch tile saw, which gives me maybe 4 inches of depth of cut since the arbor in the center prevents deeper cuts. If the rock is thicker I can rotate the rock, but the cut will not be very even.
Water is not a very good lubricant for the blades, so the blades will not last as long cutting with water. Therefore, to cut most my harder rocks I use our clubs oil slab saws.
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christianswest
having dreams about rocks
Member since June 2023
Posts: 68
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Post by christianswest on Dec 3, 2023 16:28:28 GMT -5
I have a 7in wet tile saw from Harbor Freight. Started with that a few years ago since I had never cut rocks before. But, the rocks I have (mostly from rock shops or the beach) are too big to cut. (Also had my brother break the rocks with a hammer and chisel, but was trying to have more control over the outcome). I've used MK Diamond blades but need a new blade. That brand seems to be out of stock wherever I look. I looked at getting a bigger wet saw, but was surprised at the price. I also need a wet saw that is portable, since I have to go outside to cut the rocks. I have Lortone 6 lb rotary barrels. Any suggestions re:other options - either for a bigger wet saw or a different brand of blade I could try? Thanks for your help. Don’t forget Marketplace. I bought a MK 101 10” saw for $100 off Marketplace. I needed to replace a switch and a water pump for less than $30 and I had what retails for $1350. Be patient and keep your eye on the ads and I’m sure you’ll find an affordable deal! |
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Post by jasoninsd on Dec 3, 2023 19:45:00 GMT -5
I have a 7in wet tile saw from Harbor Freight. Started with that a few years ago since I had never cut rocks before. But, the rocks I have (mostly from rock shops or the beach) are too big to cut. (Also had my brother break the rocks with a hammer and chisel, but was trying to have more control over the outcome). I've used MK Diamond blades but need a new blade. That brand seems to be out of stock wherever I look. I looked at getting a bigger wet saw, but was surprised at the price. I also need a wet saw that is portable, since I have to go outside to cut the rocks. I have Lortone 6 lb rotary barrels. Any suggestions re:other options - either for a bigger wet saw or a different brand of blade I could try? Thanks for your help. I use a DeWalt XP4 on my 7" wet tile saw... I also have a 10" wet tile saw I got from Harbor Freight. It seems to suit me okay for slabbing...or cutting down larger rough. I use a DeWalt XP4 blade on that as well... |
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 3, 2023 20:01:48 GMT -5
I have a 7in wet tile saw from Harbor Freight. Started with that a few years ago since I had never cut rocks before. But, the rocks I have (mostly from rock shops or the beach) are too big to cut. (Also had my brother break the rocks with a hammer and chisel, but was trying to have more control over the outcome). I've used MK Diamond blades but need a new blade. That brand seems to be out of stock wherever I look. I looked at getting a bigger wet saw, but was surprised at the price. I also need a wet saw that is portable, since I have to go outside to cut the rocks. I have Lortone 6 lb rotary barrels. Any suggestions re:other options - either for a bigger wet saw or a different brand of blade I could try? Thanks for your help. I use a DeWalt XP4 on my 7" wet tile saw... I also have a 10" wet tile saw I got from Harbor Freight. It seems to suit me okay for slabbing...or cutting down larger rough. I use a DeWalt XP4 blade on that as well... That's the blade I use on my 7" as well. |
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Rockhobbit
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2021
Posts: 138
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Post by Rockhobbit on Dec 3, 2023 20:33:22 GMT -5
I have used a 7" tile saw from Home Depot for 20 years! I learned how to turn the rock so I can cut larger rocks. Have always use water. Never had any issues! Easy clean up!
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leisa
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2015
Posts: 22
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Post by leisa on Dec 5, 2023 6:06:55 GMT -5
Thanks for the information.
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,113
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Post by stefan on Dec 8, 2023 16:42:09 GMT -5
I too have the Home Depot Work Force 7" tile saw. I used the blade that came with it (Work FOrce Brand I think) THey were closing them out at one point and I grabbed 5 of them. Still have 3 left as they are a decent blade (but thick) I also have a HotDog (MK) that work very well as well. I tried a couple different HF blades, but they didn't last more than 25 cuts. I have a couple Chinese off brand blades that are decent enough (especially at like 12 bucks) and they give a very thin smooth cut. I don't use the tile saw as much for slabettes anymore as I have a 14" slab saw now, but for 17 years I cut anything and everything with that 7inch. Once you get familiar with patience and "rolling" the rock you can cut 3 to 4 inch thick rocks. In all my cutting I only dinged 1 blade (very early on in my career). I actually just straighten out that blade and salvaged another 100 cuts from it.
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hplcman
spending too much on rocks
Looking forward to my Friday Night Barrel Clean out!
Member since August 2022
Posts: 495
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Post by hplcman on Apr 8, 2024 16:20:58 GMT -5
I'm looking to get that cheap $70 7-inch wet tile saw from Harbor Freight, just to trim up some rocks before tumbling. It seems like it would be fine for that purpose. I'll maybe save up for the 10-inch tile saw later ($300) if I discover I have a need for it.
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Post by parfive on Apr 8, 2024 21:52:47 GMT -5
hplcman No doubt the most worthwhile seventy bucks you’ll spend in this hobby. There’s a few hundred on RTH that started with a cheap tile saw or picked one up cause they’re versatile. You’ll soon learn the side of the blade is a decent grinder, and you wouldn’t treat a good lapidary saw that way.
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