carleton
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2012
Posts: 277
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Post by carleton on Apr 25, 2012 1:10:35 GMT -5
I received a 3in1 system for my birthday to get me into the hobby. I saw the saw blade and was pretty happy until I realized after assembly it only had a 1" depth, sooo... I grabbed some plexi glass, I went with a 5"x10" piece. I then cut the corners at a 45 degree angle so I could mould a lip to direct the water back into the water basin, Then I used a torch to heat and bend the edges ending with this, if you do the corners well, they will seal water tight. Next I cut the blade slot (I let the blade get a bit too hot leaving an ugly cut) I typically drill a hole at the start/end of a cut to reduce the material from cracking. Next I used some nylon rectangle stock and cut a frame to be "pressure" fit onto the saw unit. The left side rail needed a slight notch to sit over an edge rail that the saw unit has. Next, I pre drilled all the pieces and counter sunk the plexi glass to keep the screws flush with the table, and assembled. It took about 3 micro adjustments by shaving the odd bit of nylon away, but in the end it fits very snug, no vibration sounds and zero play. I engraved and inked some quick layout guide lines. I have about 20 hours on it and it works great. Finally cut some geodes and thunder eggs I had sitting around Carleton
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Apr 25, 2012 7:43:16 GMT -5
wow! that's a some great creativity and looks like it all fits perfect on there. I would warn you to be careful with the motor on the Inland, just because there is all that blade exposed does not necessarily mean that it can handle cutting bigger rocks. Good luck and hope it works great after all that work.
Chuck
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Post by paulshiroma on Apr 25, 2012 8:41:24 GMT -5
Carleton, that's a pretty slick modification. Do you use or have a hood that would fit over the saw to prevent the spray from getting everywhere? (I don't know much about Inland Lapidary equipment).
Congrats on the great birthday present!
Paul
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carleton
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2012
Posts: 277
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Post by carleton on Apr 25, 2012 11:50:16 GMT -5
Thank you Chuck, I agree, and after I watched a "high end" $100 blade fizzle away in about an hour with only the 1" depth exposed, I immediately sourced alternative blades. I had to buy 50, but a great deal. I designed an adapter and had it machined to convert them (explains the bulky arbor set up you can see through the top in the last pic) I am also a big believer in push sticks and have a few custom ones made up for various things I cut. Thanks Paul, Yes, I also made a custom hood with water drip, it uses one of the adapter holes from the unit. It pivots and swivels nicely with adjustable height. However I am still using the prototype and its so ugly I figured I would snap a pic after I make the new one Carleton
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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 Apr 25, 2012 21:59:52 GMT -5
I am so impressed with the work that you did on that saw. Stu
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Post by paulshiroma on Apr 26, 2012 8:49:04 GMT -5
Would love to see pics of the new hood when you have time to get it built!
Paul
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Post by johnjsgems on Apr 26, 2012 8:59:29 GMT -5
What size blades are you using? It will be interesting to see how long the motor lasts. I had a demo model and thought the motor was extremely under powered with the 6.5" blade that came with it. I've heard they work much better with a 6" 303C but cutting height even less then. For trimming slabs you don't need a tall blade but power is a good thing. Long life motors are a plus too.
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carleton
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2012
Posts: 277
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Post by carleton on May 1, 2012 0:45:07 GMT -5
Thank you Stu.
Paul, I will snap a you a pic as soon as I can, I hope to have it on tomorrow.
John, I am using thes same size blades as the factory ones. 6.25" - 6.5" I believe. But the new ones I recieved have "oblique teeth" rather than just the sintered edging. The cuts look like they came off my worn out 600 grit lap, minimal saw marks if any, pretty decent I think.
Your bang on with the motor, I have already done a minor repair on it after only 1.5 months of just lap work, and then completely had to overhaul it 2 weeks later and that was from still only lap work. Its worked awesome since then, but I doubt most people would be as patient as I was with the early issues. I did put serious hours on it being a new toy and all. I must admit I cant compare the power to anything as its the only one I have ever used, but I will keep you posted if anything goes. At the economical price, about $75 a pop I think, when it works its does a good job for me, being that I am just getting into the hobby.
Carleton
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