thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
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Post by thomtap on Jan 2, 2008 8:35:12 GMT -5
I just bought a 7" wet cut tile saw. I've used it to cut one piece of garnet, and I have trimmed one agate preform that is about 1/4" thick. Now the saw seems to be cutting slower already! The blade is a cheap one I'm sure, it came with the saw... but it feels smooth to the touch now where it was rough. Is this normal? How long should such a saw last on agate normally?
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Post by Titania on Jan 2, 2008 9:58:51 GMT -5
That may very well be a silicon carbide blade. If so, it won't last long at all cutting hard agate. A good diamond blade is what you'll be wanting.  |
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thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
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Post by thomtap on Jan 2, 2008 12:31:04 GMT -5
The blade is a QEP 7" continuous rim wet diamond blade. It just might not be a very good quality blade... I don't know. It still cuts, but not quite as well as it did. It just seems that a good blade should last quite a while...
Thom Tapp
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Post by Titania on Jan 2, 2008 13:46:01 GMT -5
If you look at QEP's website, they have 4 grades of blade. The ones Lowes sells, and I believe what come with the saws are the standards. If you look at the list of what a Standard blade will cut, it's all softer stuff...marble, ceramic and slate. To cut hard stuff you really want the upper end blades that will cut Grade 5 porcelain. The lesser quality blades will work, but they won't last very long.
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thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
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Post by thomtap on Jan 2, 2008 18:28:25 GMT -5
Thanks for the info! I'll be looking for some good blades!
Thom
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AGATEGRRRL
spending too much on rocks
AGATEGRRRL
Member since October 2007
Posts: 466
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Post by AGATEGRRRL on Jan 3, 2008 11:04:29 GMT -5
Also, if a diamond blade gets overheated it will become glazed & not cut well. They need to be cleaned with a carborundum stone to re-expose the diamond. Just make a few cuts in the carborundum to clean the blade.
Patti
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Jan 3, 2008 11:48:55 GMT -5
Hi
Hi Thom
I thought Garnet was one of the hardest rocks along with Agates !!!!! try cutting something a bit softer till you get the knack ? .
With good blades they recomend cutting a brick or a old grinding wheel just a couple of inches to bare back the dimond again after it goes dull .
I dont know if this would work on these cheaper discs
Any help ?
Jack
Yorkshire UK
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thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
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Post by thomtap on Jan 3, 2008 13:24:06 GMT -5
Thanks! I'll give it a try.
Thom
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Post by BuiltonRock on Jan 4, 2008 17:15:50 GMT -5
Alot of us use the MK 225 hotdog blades. They run 30 to 40 bucksfor the 7", but thay have a thin kerf and cut like crazy!
john
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Post by cina on Jan 6, 2008 19:57:56 GMT -5
I have run my WF blade for over a year now almost everyday and it is just now slowing down but not much  |
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thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
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Post by thomtap on Jan 8, 2008 7:58:40 GMT -5
What is a "WF" saw?
Thom
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Post by Titania on Jan 8, 2008 8:45:55 GMT -5
A "WF" saw is board shorthand for a "Workforce" saw. It's a brand that Home Depot sells, and the small one is a very popular little trim saw around here. When you see WF saw, people are referring to the $100-ish small workforce saw. |
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thomtap
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since December 2007
Posts: 237
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Post by thomtap on Jan 9, 2008 13:11:29 GMT -5
Thanks.
Thom
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