Jasper-hound
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 208
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Post by Jasper-hound on May 26, 2011 0:13:25 GMT -5
I have a 35-year-old Lortone LST-12, and I have been considering taking the plunge to get a new saw -- something like a Covington 16" or Barranca 14". I also have a big 24" for my big jobs, but like having the smaller saw running for smaller pieces--so I was sad when the thing actually stopped being able to cut through any sizeable chunk of hard agate or jasper. The thing is, I dressed the blade, and it did not help. The saw would sieze up and stall about 1/3 through the cut, almost as if the carriage was out of alignment. If I wasn't nearby, it would start to cook the belt, which I had on pretty loose. After studying this forum and others, I decided to see what would happen if I put on a new BD 303 blade with a new belt. The old blade still appears to have a lot of diamond (it is a notched blade) but it had some dishing incidents. Apparently that must have destroyed the blade's tension, from what I have been reading. I am happy to report that my old saw now runs just like new, thanks to the new blade. Cuts sure and smooth as if through butter, and runs quieter too. Seems not only had the old blade lost its tension but also the edge had become rounded. I am going to try hammering the edge of the old blade flat again and also peening a star pattern on the face of the blade to retension the steel, as it would be nice to make it useable again, given the amount of rim remaining.
Anyway, loving the heck out of that new 303 blade. Sliced right through some tough bruneau nodules and some brazilian carnelians this week. No worries. Happy slabbing.
craig a
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Post by roy on May 26, 2011 8:26:10 GMT -5
i have also changed to 303 and am very happy with it as well! post some pics of the cuts you have made?
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Post by Jack, lapidaryrough on May 26, 2011 10:26:54 GMT -5
From a young old timer`s point of view. that started using MK-Blades in 1964, and highland-park 60-64. MK-diamond blades, 1865 real diamond 1963 - 1964 synthetic - to present
i have used Felkers one cut. And i have used Moon glow star diamond blade though they were free.
The only blade i have bought are MK- 297 - 301 - 303 - BD 1000
Pay more for a blade that well out at last all others.
Star Diamond blades are good to use, Not made since about 1990.
I have some old Black diamond blades made by High-land park. in 24" and 9"
I don`t use them much now "Wall hanging`s"
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unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
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Post by unclesoska on May 26, 2011 10:32:32 GMT -5
Jack- the 9" blade you don't use anymore- is there any life left? I have a Highland Park 9" saw and may be interested if you're looking to part with any. Mike.
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Post by jakesrocks on May 26, 2011 10:47:27 GMT -5
Craig, if you decide to get a Covington 16" saw. see if you can get it without the blade and buy the 303S blade for it. You'll be happy if you do. I bought a new Covington 16" a couple years ago, and within a week of using it had fried a belt. The Covington blade is good for soft material, but useless on harder materials. Since switching to the 303S blade, my saw hasn't stalled a single time. Don
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fanatic
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since October 2007
Posts: 233
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Post by fanatic on May 26, 2011 11:22:59 GMT -5
where can I find the 16" 303S? I have a Covington 16" and have not found a place to purchase one
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Post by jakesrocks on May 26, 2011 11:37:55 GMT -5
Try our member John, jsgems. He'll give members a real good price. I ordered all new diamond wheels and my new 16" 303S from him, and saved about $200.00. I love that slotted blade. The slots carry extra oil to the cut, and also carry the mud out of the cut. They're a little bit thicker, so you'll loose a little bit more material, but that's a small price to pay for a blade that doesn't bind, and is much harder to dish. Don
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on May 26, 2011 12:00:06 GMT -5
I love my 10" 303C and was planning on a 303S for my 18" saw when the time comes. Glad to hear it's a good blade.
Chuck
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Post by jakesrocks on May 26, 2011 12:36:33 GMT -5
Chuck, my next blade for my 10" saw will be the 303C.
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Post by johnjsgems on May 26, 2011 14:10:01 GMT -5
All Covington saws above 10" and up to 20" now come standard with the MK301 blade, 24" and above 303S. Last year the MK blades were an extra cost choice. The new style 301 is an even better blade than the really nice 303S but even higher priced.
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Post by johnjsgems on May 26, 2011 14:15:35 GMT -5
By the way, Star Diamond made pretty much all brands of notched rim blades including Highland Park. MK acquired Star Diamond in 1998 and the blade manufacturing was operated under the Barranca Diamond name. A few years ago they got rid of the blade furnace and moved into the MK complex as MK's lapidary division. MK and BD lapidary blades all come out of the same Korean factory and have same part numbers.
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meta99
has rocks in the head
Ohio Flint Ridge flint
Member since October 2010
Posts: 540
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Post by meta99 on May 26, 2011 15:06:59 GMT -5
fanatic:
Ditto what Don said...I just got a 301 from John/jsgems for my 10" as I wanted something very sturdy to hold up to my hard flint. The slots make it a smoother and quieter cut, even on a small saw....and John will talk you through any issues you have with his stuff. Also got the dop handle...I like it a lot!
Sue
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on May 26, 2011 16:56:49 GMT -5
Yep, I'm running a 303 on my Covington 10" and the blade is real fine. The saw though, is still giving me fits *L*.....Mel
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Post by Jack, lapidaryrough on May 26, 2011 17:16:39 GMT -5
Jack- the 9" blade you don't use anymore- is there any life left? I have a Highland Park 9" saw and may be interested if you're looking to part with any. Mike. Sorry antique Blade won`t sell, though life at best 20%. I to have a E-10 cab unit, i use a 8" GemKing on it.
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Post by Jack, lapidaryrough on May 26, 2011 17:19:15 GMT -5
Yep, I'm running a 303 on my Covington 10" and the blade is real fine. The saw though, is still giving me fits *L*.....Mel Mel level a 8 gauge stage coach at it
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,487
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Post by Sabre52 on May 26, 2011 17:31:59 GMT -5
Boy oh boy Jack, don't tempt me. In one four hour cutting session today, I had the power feed cut out twice for no apparent reason and the rock climb the blade and jamb twice despite having their blankety blank hold down thingee that's supposed to stop the rock from climbing the blade as tight as I could make it. It may be an OK rig for folks who only cut a couple of slabs at a time but definitely not made for longer cutting sessions....Mel
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Post by johnjsgems on May 26, 2011 19:53:15 GMT -5
BD/MK does make a 303C (continuous rim) in 9" but it is pretty thick (.060"). List price is $75. I know where you can get them for 30% off.
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Post by MrP on May 26, 2011 21:10:02 GMT -5
Have run a MK 303 for the last 2 years. I cut hundreds of slabs. 6 weeks ago I started running a BD 301. I will take the 301 over the 303 any day..........MrP
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Jasper-hound
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 208
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Post by Jasper-hound on May 27, 2011 1:18:09 GMT -5
Hmm So Mr. P likes notched better ...? My old blade was notched but then again it was I think an old Star Diamond. The new 303 continuous is certainly a step up from that.
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unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
Posts: 2,298
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Post by unclestu on May 27, 2011 8:23:39 GMT -5
Boy oh boy Jack, don't tempt me. In one four hour cutting session today, I had the power feed cut out twice for no apparent reason and the rock climb the blade and jamb twice despite having their blankety blank hold down thingee that's supposed to stop the rock from climbing the blade as tight as I could make it. It may be an OK rig for folks who only cut a couple of slabs at a time but definitely not made for longer cutting sessions....Mel Mel I have to say that I feel so bad for you. Having all of the problems that you are with your Covington. I feel really bad gaining any benefit from your misfortune but I am sure grateful for your posts as I will never buy a Covington saw. Thanks Stu
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