jmyers
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2007
Posts: 20
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Post by jmyers on May 15, 2008 12:40:21 GMT -5
I have noticed several references to using a trim saw on tumbling rough. I am still in the neophyte stage of tumbling, but already looking for better ways to get a finished product. Can someone give me an idea of how to use a trim saw, and maybe a model or two?
Thanks,
Jeff
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on May 15, 2008 13:00:58 GMT -5
A proper "designed-for-the-purpose" lapidary trim saw is usually a small blade (4" or 6", although sometimes as much as 10" dia) which is intended for the purpose of "trimming" slabs into shapes for cabochons.
What most of us here in the low budget RTH world use instead is a low-cost 7" tile saw (just search for the word "workforce" and you'll see what I mean) which is intended for the purpose of "trimming" tile pieces- like for bathroom or kitchen remodeling, but does OK with most stones as well.
All diamond blade saws work essentially as very thin grinders, where the edge of the blade has embedded diamond particles which scratch away the material being "cut" as they spin against it.
By carefully trimming away nasty bits or slicing through pits, you can transform rough that might never finish up tumbling into material that has half a chance of coming out nice, a saw this size is also really handy for cutting smaller geodes and seeing what's inside all kinds of stuff.
After the first tumbler, I would suggest a 7" tile saw should be every rockhounds next "big ticket" item- (shouldn't cost more than $80 or so- brand new even) if only so you can slice- rather than smack nicer rough with a hammer to make pieces that fit in the tumbler
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jmyers
off to a rocking start
Member since October 2007
Posts: 20
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Post by jmyers on May 15, 2008 13:33:12 GMT -5
Excellent explanation! Thank you. I assume though that the blades for tile will be too "soft" for harder stone? Will diamond blades be available at HD as well?
Jeff
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rallyrocks
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2005
Posts: 1,507
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Post by rallyrocks on May 15, 2008 13:48:04 GMT -5
The blades for tile are usually pretty good, remember tile is baked ceramic, and glazes are fused silica (glass) so its often essentially as hard as most stones, and yes Home Depot usually carry a selection of diamond blades, more cost sometimes buys you thinner kerf, but isn't always worth it, again- searching the archives here will turn up a whole bunch of opinions...
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Post by parfive on May 15, 2008 14:35:51 GMT -5
Jeff - The WorkForce saw is the perfect tool for cleaning up tumbling rough.
It's pretty obvious what pits and vugs and cavities are never gonna tumble out.
Either grind 'em out with the saw blade, or cut the rock in half right through 'em.
The blade that comes with the WorkForce is relatively thick, compared to a lapidary saw,
and it'll take the abuse of being used as a grinder.
WorkForce THD550 Tile Saw at Home Depot - 88 bucks - you can't go wrong!
Rich
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