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Post by MyNewHobby on May 10, 2009 14:20:33 GMT -5
Okay ... how long if for any of you (probably not) did it take to get past the fear factor of using saws?
I tried again today to cut up a couple of small things, checked the water every 1-2 slices to add more, and started cutting from behind.
Cutting from behind is (thank goodness) dry(er) that from the front.
The last piece I cut in half, or should say tried to got a lot of sparking. Could it be content within that particular rock/stone? Pulling it in (toward me) too quickly? Not quickly enough?
Woof .... I hate needing training wheels ...
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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 May 10, 2009 14:44:54 GMT -5
It could be the type of stone. What are you cutting?
Let the saw do the work by pushing (pulling) just enough to keep progress going. It takes a little getting used to, but with practice comes skill.
Never give up...Never say die! ;D
Dr Joe
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Post by Michael John on May 10, 2009 17:02:29 GMT -5
Hehehe I ALMOST feel like telling you to go ram your hand into the blade just so that you can get over the fear ... but don't LOL. Take everyone's word for it ... it won't hurt you.
Some rocks spark more than others due to their content. As long as your water level is fine and you're not feeding the rock too fast, there's no need to worry about the sparks. They won't hurt you either.
Stop worrying. You're doing fine. The more rocks you cut, the better and more comfortable you'll get. Once you accidentally ram your hand into the blade, don't get hurt, and subsequently feel like Super Girl, you'll be much better LOL.
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karock
has rocks in the head
Member since November 2007
Posts: 667
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Post by karock on May 10, 2009 18:48:57 GMT -5
The sparks can be from the material. When I was working with Tiger Eye, unbelievable sparks, it has alot of iron in it. Other material can have some really hard stuff, and when you change your grip on the stone, lots of sparks. It also depends on your water flow. Don't worry about it, there are lots of blades out there and when your addicted, who cares about the cost? ;D
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 693
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Post by docharber on May 10, 2009 20:15:34 GMT -5
Flint and some other materials contain pyrite which creates showers of sparks. Samefor sphalerite and other sulfides. For the most part though, I've found that lots of sparking when I'm being VERY careful not to push too hard means a work out blade. Be careful tocut straight and keep the kerf in line. I was really upset about blade life until others fessed up they had the same experience, and mayvbe it wasn't just me. But, I found myself pushing harder the more cutting I did. A very fast rotating tile saw will wear out faster than an oil cooled lapidary blade, too. One reason is just that the lapidary blades also contain more diamond and are often sintered, while tile blades are plated with a nickel matrix in which the diamonds are embedded. Wonder how they do that?? Anyway, the diamond is in a thinner coating on the edge and sides of the plate.
Mark H.
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10thumbs
spending too much on rocks
I want to be reincarnated as a dog.
Member since March 2009
Posts: 480
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Post by 10thumbs on May 11, 2009 8:25:34 GMT -5
Are you cutting outside like I am? I sit the hose right next to the WF. Our hose has one of those pistol attachments on it. As soon as the blade stops spraying I use my free hand to spray the table clean and add more water. Before I used the hose method I was using a watering can. There is no harm if having too water as it just runs out the bottom (again, cutting outside).
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kjohn0102
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since April 2006
Posts: 774
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Post by kjohn0102 on May 11, 2009 12:49:42 GMT -5
Just keep on cutting-you're doing fine! Ditto all of the above-let the saw do the work. Sparks can be a clue that you're putting too much pressure on the rock-just ease up. Your blade will last longer that way too! I stand behind my WF and pull the rock toward me. I had the table off for a long time, and just recently put it back on-way easier with the table on for sure!
kj
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on May 11, 2009 13:35:29 GMT -5
Lakers are very hard and will spark. I'm not sure if that's due to the iron oxide in the rock, which also gives them their red color. Just go slowly.
As for the fear factor, I had my 10 year old daughter cutting geodes with me the other day. I had her put her finger right on the blade while it was running so that she would get over her own fear. That did the trick.
Chuck
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Post by Bejewelme on May 11, 2009 13:39:01 GMT -5
Julie: When I saw it is like the 4th of July, mainly from rushing it through and being clueless !!! When the stone hits the side of the blade it sparks, a lot!!! I found if I take my time and let the saw do the work I don't get near as many sparks! I still can't cut backwards though, so I still get soaked! :nono: Don't be afraid of the wheel, I have brushed against it many times, it doesn't cut, I think my cab machine cuts more when I get my knuckle against the edge of the wheel. Frankly I still hating using the saw, I think it is smelly and dirty, but when I can't con Tony into doing it for me , I have at it!!! ;D Good luck!!
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Post by cpdad on May 12, 2009 20:56:03 GMT -5
julie....sparks are super normal....specially with agates...if you are seeing them during the daytime....as others said....just back off of the force of pressure a little....patience ;D....you should see very little ...if none with jaspers....during the daytime.
if you want.....cut some agates at night on the porch ;D.....you will see sparks from beginning to end.....even when being easy ;D....sparks are happening all the time....its actually pretty cool.....you just dont see most of them during the daytime ;D....kev.
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