hope
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2008
Posts: 477
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Post by hope on Nov 26, 2008 19:53:26 GMT -5
Hi Everyone,
Has anyone had experience with saws/oil in cold temperature climates?
I live in the mountains of WV and just pushed about 16 inches of snow out of my driveway today. It will come a time when I can't use my saw much because it is in an unheated building. I have already had a few of those days.
I know that the oil should not freeze, but is there a limit? Can I leave it in and just use the saw maybe once a week for a few hours, or should I just call it quits at some point and drain the whole thing and clean it up until Spring?
If I drain it, should I store the oil inside where there are higher temps?
Any ideas?
Hope
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 26, 2008 20:04:09 GMT -5
If you are using a light viscosity oil you may not have a problem. I would turn it on and check the drip/spray rate. It will warm up when you start cutting. As far as storing, no worry. The only affect is the oil may be thicker in extreme cold. Make sure it is moving and you should be fine.
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Post by catmandewe on Nov 26, 2008 23:19:10 GMT -5
I cut all winter, it actually seems to keep the saws cooler, but you will have to clean the oil more often as when it gets thick it will sludge up faster. I watch to see how much is accumulating on the window at the top, if I can't see oil splashing around I clean the oil.
Tony
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hope
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2008
Posts: 477
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Post by hope on Nov 27, 2008 12:48:56 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. I presently am using rockoil from Covington but would like to find something local due to high shipping costs.
I live in a rural area and have not been able to find anything I can use yet.
Hope
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Post by fishenman on Nov 27, 2008 15:40:44 GMT -5
A good local source would be a tack and feed store. Mineral oil is used for horses and you can usually find gallon jugs at a store that caters to horses.
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Post by catmandewe on Nov 27, 2008 20:48:22 GMT -5
I get technical grade mineral oil from a local oil wholesaler for 4.85 per gallon, technical grade is the same as food grade except it is not packaged in a clean room, they use it here to spray on dirt roads to keep the dust down. You can also get it from most feed stores, they use it as a laxative for horses, but that usually gets it up past 10 bucks a gallon because it is processed cleaner so it can be used as a consumptive oil.
Tony
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hope
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2008
Posts: 477
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Post by hope on Dec 7, 2008 22:58:48 GMT -5
Thanks again for the info. I have found the consumption grade oil at Tractor Supply for $12.50 per gallon. I am still looking for a wholesaler for the non food grade in my area.
Thanks, Hope
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mirkaba
spending too much on rocks
Member since August 2006
Posts: 321
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Post by mirkaba on Dec 8, 2008 12:45:44 GMT -5
Hi....It was 8 degrees this morning when I fired up the saw. It seems to cut good when it is cold. Never ran it below zero though! Our rock club buys mineral oil in bulk and it is distributed to the members on a bring your own bucket basis. A lot of my rock goes back into the clubs activities.............Bob
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Wolfden
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since November 2007
Posts: 1,368
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Post by Wolfden on Dec 8, 2008 17:07:33 GMT -5
you maybe able to use an automotive oil heater , the dipstick kind . I have also been thinking about what to use as my 18" saw is in my unheated garage lol I'd love to get it in my basement but it is just to big an heavy for me to move without help.
We are in the single digits temps, it was 3 degrees last night and only got up to 13 by mid day
Dennis
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Post by catmandewe on Dec 9, 2008 0:50:05 GMT -5
I went and bought some more oil today, the price went from 4.65 the last time I bought about 6 weeks ago to 6.30 per gallon. The guy said he heard it was gonna go up again. Hope not!!
Tony
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UtahRockHound
spending too much on rocks
Sometimes your the Windshield, sometimes your the Rock.
Member since May 2008
Posts: 301
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Post by UtahRockHound on Dec 14, 2008 3:44:56 GMT -5
Never tried it, but there are several products that keep water just above freezing without getting hot enough to ignite oil. Doggy Water dishes, Fishtank heaters, Horse/Cattle trough heaters. Cattle and Horse trough heaters are overkill as they are made to heat 500 to a 1000 galon tank, but it would warm it up quick.
I would think the fishtank heater would work, but it is slow to heat, but you can leave it on and use little energy, and control the heat better. This would keep water from freezing between uses.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Dec 14, 2008 10:12:14 GMT -5
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hope
spending too much on rocks
Member since May 2008
Posts: 477
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Post by hope on Jan 17, 2009 23:10:34 GMT -5
I have been cutting some slabs but not this week. the temp here has been below zero of a nite and in the teens during the day.
I am ready for Spring to come.
Hope
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fisherman510
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2008
Posts: 113
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Post by fisherman510 on Jan 18, 2009 7:22:12 GMT -5
I got my new 16" covington saw last week. I operate a feed store so priced mineral oil with my animal health supplier. $13.00 a gallon. John at jsgems told me that any good quality low viscoisty high flash point oil should work. So on Saturday I a hunting. Found 5 gal of AW32 hydralic fluid at O'Reily's for $40.00. It seems to work fine. It's a 10 to 12 weight oil with a flashpoint of about 300. I contacted my oil supplier this week and got a second bucket for $27.00
Bob
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