gerard
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2011
Posts: 218
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Post by gerard on Aug 15, 2011 19:50:31 GMT -5
I am looking for a slab saw (10" up to 20") and am wondering if any of you all are willing to give your 2 cents as to the pros and cons of new versus used. Models to avoid models to look for etc. and any other info about the process. If you have a saw for sale please send the specs and asking price - I am in Wyoming so will likely need it shipped, but may consider picking one up if the distance is not too far or on my way. Thanks in advance - since I know you all are always quite helpful.
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Post by Rockoonz on Aug 17, 2011 5:48:11 GMT -5
I would buy a used saw. The important thing to look for is something robust, pretty much impossible to find in new saws. The vice carriage should be suspended onto heavy structural steel rails with bearings, square rails are better. the blade arbor should be of super heavy construction and able to be adjusted to correctly line up with carriage travel.
Highland Park and Frantom made a decent saw, and older Lortones 16" and larger are OK. A hydraulic feed is a plus if you are willing to go through the learning curve involved. If you understand how to make equipment better the old saws are the best due to the heavy duty construction.
I am probably going to sell my 16 inch Nelson, but shipping to Wyoming would not be cheap.
Lee
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gerard
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2011
Posts: 218
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Post by gerard on Aug 17, 2011 10:14:34 GMT -5
Thanks for the input. After much deliberation I have decided to take a chance on this older 18" Covington I found on Ebay. cgi.ebay.com/220821572392 - shipping cost was reasonable- Hoping it is not a mistake to buy a sight unseen saw, but thought for my money I am getting twice the cutting ability, and I am handy if it needs tweeking. I will post when i get it and let you know how it cuts. Any advice on 18" blades?
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Post by jakesrocks on Aug 17, 2011 10:39:53 GMT -5
Gerard, at least Covington is still in business, and you'll be able to get spare parts if needed. That's an older Covington 18". Built much sturdier than their new saws. Don
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Post by Rockoonz on Aug 17, 2011 16:13:12 GMT -5
Looks like a nice saw, older Covington saws are pretty good. Barranca 303c is the blade to use. I think John has them (JS gems)
Lee
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oldgrouchy
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since August 2006
Posts: 240
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Post by oldgrouchy on Aug 25, 2011 15:59:44 GMT -5
I have the same saw and it is a TANK!! It has cut thousands of pounds of slabs and will continue to do so for many years in the future. Mine has the electrial box on the front instead of the back, but that is not a big deal. Good luck with yours!!
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gerard
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2011
Posts: 218
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Post by gerard on Aug 25, 2011 17:57:44 GMT -5
Well I got it in last night, overall it is in pretty good condition. I filled the tank with water to make sure there were no oil leaks as it is going inside my garage. I slabbed up some turquoise and some seraphanite while i had water in it. The slabs came off quite equal with parrell sides - that is good, the feed belt is on SLOOOOOW feed so I am expermenting with belty placement for the correct speed. The feed mechanism is a bit quirky and I called covington for replacement parts which should do the trick. I only had a 14" blade, so I yust ordered a new 301 barranca blade coming. (cost almost as much as the saw) Any suggestion on how fast I should feed with that blade would be appreciated. Do I want to use vet grade mineral oil? light or heavy? No vet supply locally to get it, I found some vet grade lite mineral oil for $17 a gal free shipping over $90. (https://www.calvetsupply.com) I also found some for $10.50 a gal but shipping was equal to the price of the oil.
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Post by catmandewe on Aug 25, 2011 19:52:08 GMT -5
You will like that saw, I had one for a while before someone came along and bought it, it was a really good saw. If you ever head this way let me know and I can get some oil for you for a much better price but the cost of shipping it is just too prohibitive.
Tony
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 25, 2011 20:33:44 GMT -5
The best speed is SLOW. Barranca runs all their saws at 3/16" per minute. You get very smooth cuts and your blade will love you. I can't understand why anyone would want to cut faster. I seem to have plenty to do while my HP is humming slowly away. I put my belt on the slowest feed pulley when I bought the saw about 13 years ago and that is where it has remained.
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gerard
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2011
Posts: 218
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Post by gerard on Aug 26, 2011 10:52:33 GMT -5
Tony, where are you located?
Also speed - someone told me that the 301 blade works best at 25% faster feed rate any truth to that?
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 26, 2011 12:46:45 GMT -5
You can turn the blade faster than the old speed charts for 303 or 301 blades. The faster the feed rate the faster you will dull the blade, the more frequent you will have to dress it. Unless you are running a production shop and have to produce the maximum slabs per hour be kind to your blade and feed slow. Unless you buy replacement blades from me.
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Post by catmandewe on Aug 26, 2011 13:47:37 GMT -5
LOL- Good one John!
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Post by Rockoonz on Aug 26, 2011 17:41:34 GMT -5
The blade speed guide for Barranca or MK blades is here www.barrancadiamond.com/lap/tec_speed.htmlI always run my feed rates at the slowest speed possible on the saw, and often modify them to make it even slower. 5 minutes per inch is the fastest in my opinion and with 20 inches or larger should even be slower. Lee
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gerard
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since April 2011
Posts: 218
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Post by gerard on Aug 26, 2011 18:00:20 GMT -5
Lee much appreciate that link
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Post by johnjsgems on Aug 27, 2011 10:02:43 GMT -5
The BD chart shows the 301 speed based on the old style 301. The current 301 runs same speeds as the 303.
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