rockinronda
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2023
Posts: 301
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Post by rockinronda on Mar 20, 2024 20:43:46 GMT -5
I can’t say I’ve seen/heard of one mentioned at all. In what applications would it be essential and in what niches is it superfluous?
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ThomasT
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2022
Posts: 631
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Post by ThomasT on Mar 21, 2024 18:38:41 GMT -5
We have a Diamond Tech band saw... works as designed.
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rockinronda
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2023
Posts: 301
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Post by rockinronda on Mar 21, 2024 19:03:00 GMT -5
I can’t think of anything it’s essential to do that, like, a cpl fundamental machines couldn’t do. I have the opportunity to buy one but need to decide does it actually benefit the situation. Another machine to maintain, taken up real estate in my garage, etc. That’s why I’m asking. What/any tasks is it absolutely essential for? Or is it not absolutely essential for anything but adds convenience or what have you.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,217
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Post by rockbrain on Mar 21, 2024 19:52:42 GMT -5
It's not essential for anything but can save a lot of material on slabs. I'm constantly cutting through good areas on a slab when I use a trim saw. With a band saw that doesn't happen.
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Post by chris1956 on Mar 21, 2024 20:38:20 GMT -5
It's not essential for anything but can save a lot of material on slabs. I'm constantly cutting through good areas on a slab when I use a trim saw. With a band saw that doesn't happen. Am I right in remembering that you have a Taurus 3 ring saw or is my memory failing me again?  Just trying to keep track of who likes what in this arena. |
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Post by vegasjames on Mar 21, 2024 22:06:10 GMT -5
I got one years ago on a trade, but never set it up.
The advantages I see are that they cut thinner than a blade, and because you can cut curves unlike a trim saw, there is a lot less waste.
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Post by liveoak on Mar 22, 2024 6:32:44 GMT -5
I wouldn't trade my bandsaw for anything. As rockbrain pointed out, if you're a cabber, it certainly saves material when trimming.
Patty
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ThomasT
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2022
Posts: 631
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Post by ThomasT on Mar 22, 2024 7:30:37 GMT -5
It is very useful for inlays in tile and making fitted grips. I believe most use it for glass work. I don't believe it is considered essential for cabbing and such.
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wpotterw
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2016
Posts: 450 
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Post by wpotterw on Mar 22, 2024 9:59:35 GMT -5
I wouldn't trade my bandsaw for anything. As rockbrain pointed out, if you're a cabber, it certainly saves material when trimming.
Patty
What brand? |
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Post by liveoak on Mar 22, 2024 10:13:05 GMT -5
Thanks for asking Bill,
My band saw is a conversion we did on a 9" Craftsman woodworking saw.
There are a number of brands similar to this saw.
We chose it as it uses a standard 62" X 1/8" size diamond blade.
It certainly is not the ideal purpose made saw, but it's mostly plastic & aluminum & so I haven't had any rust problems, but I have had to change the bearings. (good thing they are cheap).
To use a saw like this it takes a little bit of engineering to rig up water cooling, etc
Patty
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Post by Rockoonz on Mar 22, 2024 15:00:38 GMT -5
I would like to try turning a die profile filer or scroll saw into a wet machine using diamond wire pieces as blades.
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Post by liveoak on Mar 23, 2024 6:30:52 GMT -5
I would like to try turning a die profile filer or scroll saw into a wet machine using diamond wire pieces as blades. I think a die filer or scroll saw could work, but any I've seen are cast iron machines, not plastic & aluminum, so rusting would be an issue. Also, I'm thinking the amount of diamond on a small blade like that wouldn't last long.
I have a scroll saw I use for pierced metal work & I'm thinking about the action of the blade wants to continuously lift the piece off the table as the blade travels, it might be difficult to keep the rock/slab flat on the table at all times.
I'll stick with my band saw.
The die filer, if you had one you didn't care about, could file edges & details nicely OTOH.
Hope you'll post it if you get one together.
Patty
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,217
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Post by rockbrain on Mar 23, 2024 9:06:38 GMT -5
It's not essential for anything but can save a lot of material on slabs. I'm constantly cutting through good areas on a slab when I use a trim saw. With a band saw that doesn't happen. Am I right in remembering that you have a Taurus 3 ring saw or is my memory failing me again? Just trying to keep track of who likes what in this arena. I have a Taurus for glass. I've used it once for rocks but it was way to light of duty for my taste and the blades are expensive. I took Patty's advice from another thread and set up a regular bandsaw. I got a cheap wood saw, I think it was $179. Added a plastic pan and pump underneath and a diamond blade for Ebay. Works great! |
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rockinronda
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2023
Posts: 301
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Post by rockinronda on Mar 23, 2024 11:08:26 GMT -5
I think you said you want to make hearts? It would be good for inside cuts like a heart's cleavage, so when you back out of the cut, the cut you made is straight. On a trim saw, if the table isn't level with the axle, the circular blade will cut deeper into the bottom of the slab. But you can avoid that by holding the slab at an angle perpendicular to the circular blade. And the band saw lets you cut curves, so the leftover fringes of the slab will be more whole after cutting out the preform with less or potentially just one cut. Could get more cabs out of a slab. Yes I do! I wanna put heart rocks on loved ones graves made from rocks with appropriate meanings to their life/personality. I’m all down in the rabbit hole looking at how to also put a word or something on them. I have no interest in slabbing or cabbing really as jewelry is not the end game for me. I just wanna make pretty rocks prettier (if possible). |
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rockinronda
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2023
Posts: 301
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Post by rockinronda on Mar 23, 2024 14:35:54 GMT -5
Honestly I haven’t looked into how to make hearts yet but I do know I never considered a band saw in the process.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,217
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Post by rockbrain on Mar 24, 2024 9:04:25 GMT -5
For flat refrigerator magnet hearts I use the bandsaw. For domed cabochon hearts I do not although I think it would work fine for that.
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ThomasT
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2022
Posts: 631
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Post by ThomasT on Mar 24, 2024 20:42:23 GMT -5
@hefty What a trip... "embedding a radio chip in the rock that can hold data".
You may be correct.
But, to the point, a rock bandsaw can be useful.
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rockinronda
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2023
Posts: 301
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Post by rockinronda on Mar 25, 2024 14:12:43 GMT -5
Another idea is embedding a radio chip in the rock that can hold data. When someone moves their phone close to the rock, it could spit the data out. I'm considering chipping a bunch of cabs for display at shows. Then the tech kids can scan the cabs to read more about the ones that catch their interest. Maybe also change the impression of what rocks are and could be. THAT👆 is extremely cool and just the type of techie stuff that really gets my goat! 🥰 however as the loved one’s graves are in Philly area, I’m worried abt how long my rocks remain in place! Let alone rocks 3.0 in Dolby Surround Sound! I have watched the Michigan Rocks video and some others on laser engraving. I would like really deep clean letters tho and the machines that can do that I’m seeing are fiber lasers and they’re pretty pricey. The word’s just an afterthought. It would be nice but it doesn’t void my project if I can’t get that part to work. Yet… |
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Maybe you can post some pictures here