NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Mar 4, 2012 18:02:35 GMT -5
I got a small trim saw from azrockgeek last fall, and finally got around to fixing it up. The saw's perfect, except it needs a new top. So after checking the price of 1/4" aluminum plate , I decided to go the low buck route. I didn't want to use wood for the top because it would absorb coolant and get funky, so I purchased a plastic cutting board and a plastic conduit elbow to make the new top from. Total cost was under $10. Drilled some holes to mount it Used my dremel like a router to cut the blade slot. This worked like a charm! Split the conduit with my bandsaw for a blade/splash guard, and bent some scrap aluminum I had laying around for the mounting tab. The saw will run up to a 9" blade, so I left room to lengthen the blade slot if I ever decide to mount a larger blade. I just gotta mount up the motor and should be in business. Hope ya like it, Nate
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Post by tandl on Mar 4, 2012 18:24:10 GMT -5
Ilike it
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Mar 4, 2012 20:36:33 GMT -5
That looks great and should last a long time too, good job. Is there any way to add a lip around the outside to stop oil/water from dripping over the edges? Maybe a splash shield up front too if possible. Chuck
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Mar 4, 2012 20:52:03 GMT -5
The splash guard would probably be a real good idea Chuck, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks! I was thinking of routing some grooves around towards the edge of the plastic then to the blade slot to channel the coolant back to the tank. Also drilling some holes in the top so it can drain would probably be good too. I'll have to check out some pix of new ones and see how they look. Nate
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2012 21:01:34 GMT -5
Hi Nate,
The new top looks awesome. ;D I hope you get some good use out of it. I really like the blade guard you made, turned out real nice.
How is the slab saw of yours is going, I have been waiting for some updates. :cheesy:
Tim
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Mar 4, 2012 21:04:11 GMT -5
You read my mind on routing grooves. I was thinking one groove all around near the outside edge then some feeder grooves from that one that would go to holes thru to the reservoir. Chuck
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Mar 4, 2012 21:06:26 GMT -5
you need a few more holes in the top along the sides of the blade in that top to allow your liquid coolant to get back down faster
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 4, 2012 21:06:32 GMT -5
The groove will work if saw is level. You will probably want to make the guard closer to the blade. It will probably splash too much that high up. Unless you can mount a larger blade.
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unclestu
Cave Dweller
WINNER OF THE FIRST RTH KILLER CAB CONTEST UNCLESTU'S AGUA NUEVA AGATE
Member since April 2011
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Post by unclestu on Mar 4, 2012 21:10:44 GMT -5
That looks really good. I like the flat work table with no lip. My saw has a lip I don't know why they did that makes no sense. I have to hold the larger slabs on an angle over the lip to start the cut. I think I will look into fabricating a new top for mine. With no lip and drain holes. Stu
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Mar 4, 2012 21:54:35 GMT -5
One question - How fast should I be running that blade? It's a 6" x .032. Tim, Thanks for the saw, I'm really happy with it and I haven't even cut a rock or slab with it yet. ;D I have been jonesing to get working on the slab saw again, but I have it sorta packed away in the garage. If I pull it out I'm afraid I won't get it put away, and have to park outside again. I'll be dusting off my motorcycle in a few weeks at the most, and then the jeep gets bumped back outside til next fall. Then I can dig out the saw and get 'er done! This build has taken the edge off on wanting to work on the saw for now. I wanna get this thing running before drilling or routing any more holes or grooves, so I can see how much of a mess it really makes. Then I can decide what I exactly need to control it. I'll most likely use water for a coolant, so my main concern will be keeping the motor dry. Nate
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 4, 2012 22:24:02 GMT -5
Blade speed should be available from blade manufacturer. Most lapidary saws run OK at 1725. The BD/MK blades can run up to about 3500. The faster the speed the faster the wear and dulling.
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NDK
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Member since January 2009
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Post by NDK on Mar 4, 2012 23:26:59 GMT -5
Do you happen to know what kind of blade that is by the color? I believe it's original to the blade, because there's a partial label still on it. I can get pix of it tomorrow if that would help.
Thanks! Nate
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2012 23:38:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the idea on the splash guard. I have been looking for something for my slab saw to keep oil off my window. I think you have solved it. Great job. Jim
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TByrd
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Post by TByrd on Mar 5, 2012 0:00:05 GMT -5
Love the splash guard!!!! That is what my hubby will use on ours.
Tammy
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Post by roy on Mar 5, 2012 0:42:39 GMT -5
dang nate you have mad skills
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NDK
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Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Mar 5, 2012 16:36:56 GMT -5
I'm glad y'all like the guard. I hoped it would maybe help someone along the line. The saw is finished. I mounted it temporarily on a piece of plywood with the motor I was working on. Turns out I set it up backwards because the arbor is right hand threaded. I hope the top can just be flipped over to work or I'll have to make a new one. Here's a vid of it running... Thanks for looking everyone! Nate
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 5, 2012 17:29:01 GMT -5
You want the blade turning toward you.
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Mar 5, 2012 18:15:40 GMT -5
Yup, that's why I need to flip it around. Running it like I have it in the video will loosen up the nut on the arbor.
Another option would be to make a frame for it and mount the motor undereath. I have a frame I built to put my tile saw on, I bet I could make that work easy enough.
I think I'll put a guard on the side by the pulley too.
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 5, 2012 19:00:24 GMT -5
Why not mount the motor behind the saw. Then direction would be correct wouldn't it? You may have a problem with the table being lower than the saw pulley also. Your belt and pulley is going to get wet as is. You will need a belt guard over the pulley at least.
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 5, 2012 19:01:20 GMT -5
Sorry, I missed your comment on the guard over the pulley.
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