rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 13, 2024 11:38:30 GMT -5
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Post by stardiamond on Jun 14, 2024 13:29:40 GMT -5
I have a 10 inch and a 14 inch (still in the box) HP Hightone slab saws. I also bought the drop saw (still in the crate) which I plan to set up. The advantages of the drop saw over the slab saw are much faster cutting (according to HP) and a simpler design. I've had nothing but problems with the feed and clutch on my saws. Nothing could be simpler than a weight controlling the cut speed.
The saw will work with water or oil. Mine is set up for oil with a pump that lubricates the blade rather than having it dip into the oil reservoir. I also have an 8 inch trim saw that uses water. Blades last much longer cutting with oil. I go through a lot of trim saw blades.
I buy mineral oil that is used as a horse laxative from a veterinary supply. It isn't that messy or hard to clean off.
The reason I have two saws in crates is that I have a lifetime supply of slabs and preforms to work on. The reason I bought the saws is that I have some rocks that need a bigger saw that don't duplicate what I already have.
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khara
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2022
Posts: 1,979
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Post by khara on Jun 14, 2024 15:45:39 GMT -5
The saw you linked is darn near identical to the old one I just refurbished. I’m happy with it so far but haven’t used it long term. I’m basically just happy to have the capability to cut.👍👍 I am using oil in mine. The blade can be kept up and out of water though. I would hope they put a nice thick coat of paint but I wonder about leaving the pan full of water long term, whether it would begin to wear and then rust. Or you could drain it after every use. Where will you be using your saw? These open saws will spray your coolant up and sideways. Whether oil or water it will make a mess. I noticed HP has a similarly priced completely enclosed slab saw. Personally if I were to spend that much money I’d get the enclosed one but I do all my work indoors and need to keep it clean and the floor slip free.
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Post by stardiamond on Jun 14, 2024 16:48:20 GMT -5
Mine is enclosed but doesn't have a cover. My work area is outside. HP said that the advantage a slab saw has over a drop saw is automatic shut off. My saw will be located next to my cabbing equipment and if mist is not an issue, I can cab while slabbing. If not, they will need to be done separately. My only experience with a drop saw is when my wife wanted a large agate nodule cut in half to expose the middle and it took forever using a Lortone drop saw. The kerf of mine is larger than my previous 14 inch slab saw so there is more waste. The first thing I am going to slab is a ten pound piece of Mookaite so I can tolerate the waste.
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rocknrob
has rocks in the head
If Costco only sold slabs in bulk...
Member since May 2024
Posts: 611
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Post by rocknrob on Jun 14, 2024 18:20:57 GMT -5
Mine is enclosed but doesn't have a cover. My work area is outside. HP said that the advantage a slab saw has over a drop saw is automatic shut off. My saw will be located next to my cabbing equipment and if mist is not an issue, I can cab while slabbing. If not, they will need to be done separately. My only experience with a drop saw is when my wife wanted a large agate nodule cut in half to expose the middle and it took forever using a Lortone drop saw. The kerf of mine is larger than my previous 14 inch slab saw so there is more waste. The first thing I am going to slab is a ten pound piece of Mookaite so I can tolerate the waste. I've already made one wooden cart for my flat lap/trim saw workstation. I figure making another one for the drop saw wouldn't be too much of a leap as I have a bunch of scrap wood that needs a home. That way I can get large coasters for it from Harbor Freight and cart the saw outside for when I use it. If it's good enough for tile workers, it's good enough for me  . I am looking forward to when it comes though, I've got loads of petrified wood I won at an auction that would make some really cool coasters  |
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. I am looking forward to when it comes though, I've got loads of petrified wood I won at an auction that would make some really cool coasters 
