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Post by tntmom on Feb 20, 2011 18:03:47 GMT -5
Decided to buy a wet tile saw later today or tomorrow. I want to use it to roughly preform slabbettes and will finish them up with my dremel. I'm hoping I can get twice as many cabs done this way. I am curious which size blade would be better suited for this? I was looking at the 4" QEP but am now thinking that the 7" Skill 3540 might be better because it also does bevels. I don't know anything about tile saws so I welcome any advice! This is the one I am thinking about going out to get later: webapps.easy2.com/cm2/flash/generic_index.asp?page_id=36032374&vid_refer=58611&buyhide=1Thanks ~ Krystee
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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 Feb 20, 2011 20:48:05 GMT -5
7"
The 7' will do everything the 4" will do and more.
Check arbor size for aftermarket/lapidary blades.
Dr Joe
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Post by tntmom on Feb 20, 2011 21:11:13 GMT -5
UPDATE:
I posted this question too soon. Patrick came home tonight with my saw (he sure knows how to make a rock girl smile!)!!! It is the Skil one. I only had about a 1/2 hour of daylight left after we put it together but YAY! It did what I thought it would do. I got two rough preforms cut out in a few minutes versus a couple of hours with my dremel! I can now finish them up with the dremel or prep them for the vibe. I'm so excited!!!
Still wouldn't mind cutting advice but I've got my first saw now!
~Krystee
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Post by tntmom on Feb 20, 2011 21:16:59 GMT -5
Thanks Dr. Joe!
I haven't thought of blade replacement, good idea. Just out of curiousity, how long do the blades last?
~Krystee
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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 Feb 21, 2011 7:55:22 GMT -5
And the definitive answer is...It depends on what your cutting and how hard you use it. ;D Never push the stone, Let the blade do the work, Use plenty of water, And it could last you years on small jobs. That being said, you will probably kill your first blade being over anxious and impatient. Then again patience was never one of my virtues (and I've got the old blades to prove it). Here's a carving video series that you can apply to a saw (to help wear the blade faster ;D)... Have fun...and don't neglect the bearer of such fine gifts . Dr Joe .
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Feb 21, 2011 20:31:58 GMT -5
I have both a 7" and a 4". Both have good and bad points. The biggest problem witht the 7" is the lack of good thin lapidary blades. The 4" is pretty much limited to trimming slabs or very small rough. Both have their uses. Have fun with your new saw. Oh and I get about 10 to 15 hours of cutting on a husky brand 7" blade
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Post by tntmom on Feb 21, 2011 21:27:35 GMT -5
Thanks ~ need to bookmark replacement blades for this, thinking I will probably need them quite often as I learn efficiency with this saw!
Last night I did the two preforms exactly opposite of what Dr. Joe recommended this morning. Oops! I pushed the stone, got impatient and even made the wheel spark! My bad. Today I took my time and let the wheel do the work. It is still cutting so hopefully I didn't ruin the blade. And.... I am still just as excited as I was last night. This saw is so cool, albeit noisy, but lovin' the new door that just opened up! ;D
~Krystee
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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 Feb 22, 2011 12:49:56 GMT -5
tntmom, ear plugs! ear buds are a second choice, but I don't like to suggest listening to music for newbies or people who loose concentration easily . Dr Joe .
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Feb 23, 2011 20:48:47 GMT -5
I always use earplugs and safty glasses. I was cutting obsidian a while back and some of it hit my face. I really didn't think anything of it until a saw blood dripping on my apron. If I hadn't been wearing safty glasses and got one of those slivers in my eye- well let's just say it wouldn't have been fun. Oh and one or two sparks won't ruiin a blade. Just ake your time and you will be amazed at what these little saws can do.
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