grayfingers
Cave Dweller
Member since November 2007
Posts: 4,575
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Post by grayfingers on Apr 4, 2012 18:53:17 GMT -5
There has been an Lortone 18" Lapidary Slab Saw for sale near me, the guy has marked it down from $1,100 I have not seen it. Still a lot of money. . .
Fairly New Blade Works Great $750 or best offer
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Post by catmandewe on Apr 4, 2012 19:14:36 GMT -5
Some are good, some have little quirks. If it is really clean and good and straight then that price is not too bad. I usually sell those for around 1200 but I go through it and put in new bearings and check everything out first. So it all really depends on the condition of the saw. One of the problems with some of the Lortones is there is 2 screws that hold the vise down tight on the carriage, if these get loose and egg out you will have a very hard time keeping things straight. Not all of them have these two screws so check that out.
Good luck with it.................Tony
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rockhound97058
freely admits to licking rocks
Thundereggs - Oregons Official State Rock!
Member since January 2006
Posts: 760
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Post by rockhound97058 on Apr 4, 2012 19:23:52 GMT -5
I'd offer the guy $500.00 bucks. Of course each person you talk to has their own opions... so don't take this post to heart. I personally do not like Lortone saws. Every one I've had has had problems of somesort. Another thing with Lortone is they have a very small vise compared to other brands of saws. On the other hand though if it's in good shape and cuts clean and straight then it is a good deal for someone.
My personal choice is to find either an "old" highland park or an old Frantom saw. They don't surface very often though and usually hold a fair value to them.
On another note - anyone have any experience the new "copied" highland park equipment they are now selling? So far I have heard several horror stories about the quality. Guess that's what happens when you cheap out and have things built in China
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Post by deb193redux on Apr 4, 2012 20:59:35 GMT -5
unless the bearings are bad, I would buy it ... no question
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Apr 4, 2012 22:04:02 GMT -5
One of the things I like about Lortone products is that many of the parts they use are standard industry type parts meaning you can get some of the replacement parts like bearings, fasteners, and powerfeed motors from Industrial Supply Companies. Some manufacturers use odd size fasteners, custom threaded parts, and custom bearings that aren't readily available from industrial supply companies so you have to purchase replacement parts form the saw manufacturer. A few weeks ago I bought a pair of replacement bearings for a Lortone 18" saw locally for around $100.00 for the pair. They were identical to the originals. When you do have to order parts from Lortone they are reasonably priced and give good customer service. When you go view the saw, if there are any problems most will be obvious when you test run it. One thing though that might not be obvious is the condition of the arbor. Check the tension on the belt. If the tension is very tight there is a good chance you will have to replace at least one pillar block bearing and maybe the arbor. When a saw is run with too much tension on the belt it tends to wear the arbor and the bearing nearest the pulley. I think a replacement arbor for a 18" Lortone is around $75.00 but you may want to double check with Lortone before you go see the saw.
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rockhound97058
freely admits to licking rocks
Thundereggs - Oregons Official State Rock!
Member since January 2006
Posts: 760
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Post by rockhound97058 on Apr 5, 2012 0:39:46 GMT -5
Quilriver - I recently posted about a Lortone 14" saw I got... The speed is way to fast on these. My buddy called lortone and for a slower speed feed motor they wanted $64.50. One of my new catalogs I get has a very close motor to these and want $18.99 for them.
Also you should see how the feed motor is built on these brand new saws. Once you take off the aluminum cover the feed motor is floating inside. They have a sheet of aluminum screwed to the motor which touches the inside of the outer aluminum housing to keep the motor from turning. It works, but I feel for the new price of $1600.00 for these saws they might have actually bolted the motor down lol.
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grayfingers
Cave Dweller
Member since November 2007
Posts: 4,575
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Post by grayfingers on Apr 5, 2012 9:49:23 GMT -5
Thanks all, for sharing your experience and knowledge! I really appreciate it. Now I will know what to look for/at.
Check the 2 vise carriage screws, Check the bearings. Check belt tension. Check age/ feed motor.
Thanks Again!
Bill
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Apr 5, 2012 17:51:59 GMT -5
I bought a 14" Lortone Panther early last summer. Ordered a new Raytech Black Blazer blade when I ordered the saw and installed it on the saw the day the saw arrived. Ran the saw about 40-60 hours per week all summer and fall. The only issue I have with Lortone's set up is the stock MK303 blade that comes with it. In my opinion the Panther's 19" per hour feed rate requires a more aggressive blade, like the MK301 or the Raytech Black Blazer (especially the pre-S. Korean made ones if you an find an old-stock one). Also with the fast feed rate you must use a good quality cutting oil when cutting the harder rocks. But just in case I ever do need to replace another power feed motor would you like to share with us where we can get one for $18.99. It would be much appreciated!
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Post by Rockoonz on Apr 6, 2012 1:10:47 GMT -5
The Lortone 18 inch saws have little in common with the smatter Lortone saws. Our local club has one in their lap shop and it works great after years of hard service.
Lee
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