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Post by Roller on Feb 24, 2010 22:24:04 GMT -5
I was looking at getting a workforce tile saw to start off with and went to home depot .Seems they replaced the workforce with the qep ...Does anyone know if its any good or should i keep looking for a workforce!!!!!
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Post by deb193redux on Feb 24, 2010 22:59:00 GMT -5
no more workforce
new model is different. closed tank instead of open. smaller slit in table (good thing).
don't know if the blade is as good as the one that came on the WF, but it will do for a 1st blade. Your 2nd blade should be .040 thick. Recommend the HotDog 225.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Feb 24, 2010 23:02:46 GMT -5
QEP also manufactured the original WorkForce saw and blades. My understanding is that it is still good for what it does, but the blades may not be as good now. You could use the original blades to grind. Home Depot sells replacement QEP blades on line, so they may be the same blade.
Sears sells essentially the same model.
It's a good start for the money invested.
Chuck
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Post by Roller on Feb 24, 2010 23:06:44 GMT -5
good enough for me ... Thanks guys and excited now ... will work on a blade next ...Greg
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Post by 150FromFundy on Feb 25, 2010 10:45:54 GMT -5
I don't think you can beat the Qep replacement blades on a cost-per-slice basis. For $17.95 (here in Canada) I can make 300 to 400 slices. On average, a little over 5 cents per slce.
Many lapidary shops expect a few dollars per square inch of slice for the service. Not quite right!
Unless "rock loss" from slicing with a marginally thicker blade is an issue, there is no need to buy more expensive blades in the 7" size.
Darryl.
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docharber
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2008
Posts: 716
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Post by docharber on Feb 26, 2010 1:09:32 GMT -5
I have ordered replacement blades for my original work force and they WERE NOT the same. Not really very good at all, as a matter of fact. Thats about when I went to the Hot Dog, which ws being sold at a promotional price. And you're right, the Sears 7" saw is identical to the new Work Force.
mark H.
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Post by Roller on Feb 26, 2010 12:12:32 GMT -5
Well I do not have any experience cutting but for my first few practice runs . I was having a hard time cutting . I mean it will cut but seems way too long to cut compared to some videos I have watched ... The grinding was excellent and very easy .. I noticed at Home Depot that they had replacements which were of two kinds ..one was the tile cutting one which was 20$ and then there was one made for stone which was 50 $ ...Does anyone have any info on this ?? I am looking probably at the hotdog in the future maybe..
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Post by deb193redux on Feb 26, 2010 13:05:22 GMT -5
Some "tile" blades work OK on agate and jasper. Tile is softer, so the spec for these baldes has less diamond - among other differences.
Are you talking about practice runs on a newly purchased QEP? What are you cutting, slabs or chunks?
I love the HotDog, although I love it more when it is on sale.
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Feb 26, 2010 13:25:18 GMT -5
Can I use the same info for my 7" Husky?
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Feb 26, 2010 13:29:22 GMT -5
Too bad I don't have a 10" saw! Home Depot has a MK-225 Hotdog on sale for $19.88!
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Post by deb193redux on Feb 26, 2010 15:51:59 GMT -5
The normal discount price of $29.99 is good compared to elsewhere, but at $19.98, I just had to order a few of those against future need. I did say I loved it even more when it was on sale.
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Post by NatureNut on Feb 26, 2010 16:23:03 GMT -5
Wow, really? That's a darn good price.
Hey Darryl, that surcharge is to cover their cost of electricity to run the saw too. The wear and tear of carrying everything, the energy it takes to pick up the rock...
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Post by Donnie's Rocky Treasures on Feb 26, 2010 17:47:48 GMT -5
Glad to see someone could take advantage of the sale! Don't suppose I could use a 10" blade on a 7" saw could I? Wishful thinking!!!!! Will be keeping my eyes open for the same sale on a 7" blade!
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Post by Roller on Mar 1, 2010 1:31:37 GMT -5
deb193redux yes newly purchased ..and yes chunks of pet wood rough ..I was just getting a feel for the cutting and grinding .. I also did some quartzite and flint and those actually seemed to cut alot easier .. I wouldnt mind making my own slab and then a preform ,,but I think I will buy some slabs first to practice on and get better ..
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 1, 2010 11:04:18 GMT -5
The best way to get a feel for the cutting speed is with slabs, or with chnks that have a flat bottom.
Cut speed is real sensitive to side pressure on the blade, and an uneven bottom or unsteady hand will create enough friction to slow things down a lot. Also, some pet wood is really hard.
Enjoy.
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