nomad
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2011
Posts: 17
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Post by nomad on Feb 28, 2011 6:18:55 GMT -5
Hi All,
Due to my love of rocks, and a dire need for a life change, I decided to take up lapidary as both a hobby and a fledgling business. I'm just about to purchase my initial kit, and I'd greatly appreciate some thoughts and guidance from those of you who have been at this for a while.
I have a CabKing 6V3 with trim saw attachment, but I need a trim saw with a vice and/or one or more slab saws. My current thinking is to buy a Lortone 10-C for small stuff, and an BD24 or BD30 for bigger material.
My concern is that these bigger slab saws will be overkill for a lot of the rough I get, and that the 10-C will be too small, so my question is as follows; if you were starting out, and you wanted to buy wholesale rough to slab and sell, what would be your ideal workshop configuration?
Thanks, Damon.
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Post by deb193redux on Feb 28, 2011 8:56:34 GMT -5
you can do ok with 18", only display slabs need to be real large. mostly really large saws cut rough into blocks that can go on 18" saws.
but, you should look for heavy weight continuous duty. fast/adjustable feed, agresive blade, plumbing to help change oil, tight well designed vise and carriage. some low price 18" are only hobby quality.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Feb 28, 2011 10:33:59 GMT -5
Damon: I agree with Daniel, but also think you should look at used saws.
The BD saws are professional quality, as are used Highland Park saws. A 10" saw will allow you to do rocks nearly fist sized. I have an 18" saw and it handles all of my larger rough; I haven't felt the desire for a larger saw.
I think making money on rough is pretty tough unless you can get it really cheap. People who slab for a fee charge $1/square inch to make up for wear and tear on the blade and saw.
Chuck
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stefan
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2005
Posts: 14,095
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Post by stefan on Feb 28, 2011 10:48:01 GMT -5
Having a really big saw is great for those few hunks of HUGE rough. But lets be honest here. How many of us have seen rough that was so large and valuable as to warrent a 24" or 30" saw? Few and far between is my guess. An 18" saw is gonna work for Most of the larger stuff you need to do. If your purchasing rough wholesale and reselling it slabbed, your not going to need slabs that are that big anyway. Most slabs are bought as either collector pieces or for cabbing and not many people have the tools to face polish large slabs anyway. Cabbers are not concerned with slab size either. THey look for particular areas on the slab that will make interesting cabs. Heck I've seen some slabs hacked all apart and a ton of the material wasted just to get to that one particular area or pattern. Oh and welcome to the board! Hope you stick around and keep us posted on your new (ad)venture!
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Post by Rockoonz on Feb 28, 2011 17:35:03 GMT -5
I have a hydraulic 18 inch saw and an older HP 14 inch that I usually keep a thin 12 inch blade on to minimise kerf loss. On the rare occasion that I have a rock too big for the 18 I pay to have it cut in half on a larger saw, much more cost effective. BTW the most I have ever paid was $.40 cents a linear inch of cut. If I ever get a larger saw it will be a drag saw. If cutting rocks is going to be a big part of your business you better be mechanically inclined, a properly set up saw can give you hours and hours of problem free operation, but they do occasionally need maintennance and repair, very costly to hire out. The best and cheapest way to learn is by starting out with used equipment, especially saws.
Lee
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nomad
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2011
Posts: 17
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Post by nomad on Feb 28, 2011 19:26:43 GMT -5
Thanks for all the advice so far.
The consensus seems to be in favour of starting with an 18" saw. As to second hand, isn't that likely just to be buying anothers problems? I understand these things can get pretty banged up over time... I'm happy to look though; where's a good place to find used equipment online?
My largest concern with the 18" saws was the comparatively small vice opening of 8" on the HP18; I already have rough at 10"... What about getting an HP24 (17" vice) but using a 20" continuous rim blade in it? I could always get a 14" saw to go alongside for smaller stuff to save on blades I guess.
I'm actually moving to the States (I'm an Aussie) to train as a jeweler / goldsmith, but lapidary is more of a hobby in that I'm looking to cut stones for my own work longer term. I was just thinking that if I'm set up with all this kit I may as well buy rough and sell excess slabs on the side while I'm looking for the pieces I want to keep.
I don't know about how profitable a business line that will be, but I've certainly seen slabs go for huge amounts whilst I've been purchasing (and I've spent a packet lately!); I've seen 3.5" x 2.5" slabs of jasper going for over $60! I'm guessing at the end of the day the profitability comes down to how good your suppliers are.
I'll be happy to let anyone who's interested know how things progress, and thanks for the welcome.
Cheers, Damon.
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Post by rockrookie on Feb 28, 2011 19:38:46 GMT -5
welcomre to RTH , Damon !! --paul
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nomad
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2011
Posts: 17
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Post by nomad on Feb 28, 2011 19:44:41 GMT -5
Oh... and just as an addition to my previous post, it goes without saying that if anyone has any exceptional material that they think would be jewelry grade, then of course I'd be delighted to hear from you separately. I'm a bit of a soft touch though, so be nice... Cheers, Damon.
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marinedad
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since December 2010
Posts: 813
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Post by marinedad on Mar 2, 2011 18:57:14 GMT -5
hi damon, where in wis. are you? i have a friend selling all his rock except for the biggest. he also has a used 16" saw for sale. pm me if you want more info.
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 2, 2011 22:39:07 GMT -5
I've seen very few jasper slabs in that price range. Some Tiffany or Pietersite, but very few jaspers. Possibly a dino bone.
Most slabs sell for a couple of bucks, maybe in the $7-$12 range if nicer material.
You do not really slab with the larger saws. You block, and then move blocks to 18" or smaller.
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nomad
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2011
Posts: 17
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Post by nomad on Mar 3, 2011 8:56:05 GMT -5
Yes, I've figured as much. Thanks everyone for the thoughts.
I've ended up with a BD18 with a 20" 301 blade and a little Lortone 10-C for smaller stuff. My cabber has a 6" trim saw attachment too, but I want to save that for softer stuff that needs water as a coolant and doesn't play well with other stones, like turquoise.
Can't wait to get back and get on with it now!
Cheers, Damon.
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Mar 3, 2011 12:49:16 GMT -5
Welcome Damon
jack Yorkshire uk
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nomad
off to a rocking start
Member since February 2011
Posts: 17
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Post by nomad on Mar 3, 2011 22:19:31 GMT -5
G'day Jack, thanks. Have a pint and a pud for me! I miss English pubs...
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Post by Jack ( Yorkshire) on Mar 4, 2011 4:45:48 GMT -5
No problem
I miss the open areas of Australia and the soft beef burgers we had 18 months ago can still taste them Yum Yum.
Ever thought of a Vibe for small quanities and cheap fast polishing ?
I have a Lot"O" vibe its amazing at how much grit and time it saves
I put in Pre cuts and they come out perfect worth a thought or two !
Jack yorkshire UK
I like my Yorkshire Puds also !
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