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Post by Jugglerguy on Aug 21, 2012 13:47:30 GMT -5
DrummondIlslandRocks (Chuck) recently set me up with a cool little trim saw. It came without a motor, blade, or belt, and I finally gathered together all the parts and put them together. I just made my first cuts. I cut a Petoskey stone, pudding stone (for Chuck), gowganda tillite, unakite, and a rock from a copper mine pile. The saw worked like a charm and didn't throw much water at all. After reading about the mess tile saws make, I thought I'd have to use this outside, but I think I can use it in my basement with minimal mess.
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Minnesota Daniel
freely admits to licking rocks
A COUPLE LAKERS
Member since August 2011
Posts: 891
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Post by Minnesota Daniel on Aug 21, 2012 15:06:46 GMT -5
I'm jealous.
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Aug 21, 2012 15:19:08 GMT -5
You're in business!
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Aug 21, 2012 15:42:25 GMT -5
Looks great Rob, Glad it all worked out and you are up and cutting. Good job on the mechanical end of it. You are spoiled with a nice 303C blade on your first saw. Dont force it too much and try to start your cuts perpendicular to the rock.
chuck
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Post by Jugglerguy on Aug 21, 2012 16:22:35 GMT -5
I've been taking it really slow. I hadn't thought about starting perpendicular to the rock. Is that so the blade doesn't bend to the side? Thanks for the tip. Thanks for finding the cool saw for me!
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shermlock
has rocks in the head
Member since August 2011
Posts: 612
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Post by shermlock on Aug 21, 2012 19:44:43 GMT -5
Is that a craftsman saw? Scott
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Post by Jugglerguy on Aug 21, 2012 20:09:03 GMT -5
No, it's a GemLap. According to Chuck, it's from the 1960's and was made in Ferndale, MI. I looked for a history of the company on the internet, but I couldn't find much.
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Aug 21, 2012 22:46:14 GMT -5
yeah thats so the blade dont deflect and stress. you can start perpendicular then as soon as the blade bites into the rock you make a quick turn in the direction you need to cut.
I have the same trim saw and (2) 8" flat lap grinders from Gemlap and all of the equipment is cast aluminum bodies. Mine actually have metal plates rivited on them that say "Brads Rock Shop" in Ferndale, mi. I have not found any information about it but a guy in our rock club said he shopped there in the 60's.
Chuck
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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Aug 22, 2012 10:25:44 GMT -5
This is how I was taught to use the trim saw at our club to save on wear and tear on there blades. Not sure if this is the best advice but this is how I have been doing it. I did this example for a slab but the same concept is true when slicing rough rocks too. sorry about the large images, they are from my cad program at work. Chuck
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Daddio
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since May 2012
Posts: 94
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Post by Daddio on Aug 22, 2012 14:09:09 GMT -5
I guess you can ditch the shower shoes for something with more protection. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by frane on Aug 26, 2012 9:45:58 GMT -5
Welcome to the fun! Love your copper one! Make sure you wear a mask and eye protection! Fran
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mossyrockhound
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2011
Posts: 1,314
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Post by mossyrockhound on Aug 26, 2012 18:05:41 GMT -5
You're off to a good start. I like the idea of an aluminum saw to minimize corrosion when using water for your coolant.
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