carleton
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2012
Posts: 277
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Post by carleton on Oct 16, 2012 16:09:27 GMT -5
Just curious if anyone uses a glide style saw. Would obviously need some custom vice work. But I was wondering if these are of any use. Carleton
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 16, 2012 17:26:49 GMT -5
Large scale saws similar to that are used every day to cut marble counter tops, square up grave markers, etc. Don't know how much that one costs, but you could probably get a good sized slab saw for the cost of that machine + the cost of converting it to wet cutting.
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Post by deb193redux on Oct 16, 2012 17:31:38 GMT -5
I would say use is minimal. it is intended for flat slabs of countertop - not rounded rough stones.
the only difference between this (overhead, saw moves) and the usual 10" tile saw (overhead, work moves) is what moves.
both have an unfortunate angle of blade and work. having the work meet the blade at the equator is best. (although this is less important if you cut all the way through)
you have already noted the vise issues.
you also have to worry about the clearance between the work and the motor. with blades that stick up from the table, the clamp and/or work to the right of the blade can be higher than the blade, which give more options.
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Post by johnjsgems on Oct 17, 2012 9:50:10 GMT -5
MK/BD calls them "rail saws" and I agree, not very much use for lapidary work. The MK101 tile saw with correct lapidary blade and available vise would be a better choice for maybe 1/2 the cost.
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carleton
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2012
Posts: 277
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Post by carleton on Oct 18, 2012 17:04:39 GMT -5
Thanks Everyone, I think I was just having a bad saw day, lol. Went sourcing and saw some overkill solutions. There was an automated unit that that made me chuckle with solutions I still need to see how automated, but it looks interesting, 26" blade. I will be having them do some custom changes if it were to happen. So I gather that the set back on large rough would be the angles? Cutting a squared up end prior to using a "rail" saw would be advised I am guessing? This would be a more rasonable option maybe? Would this be similar to the enclosed units? Carleton
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Post by jakesrocks on Oct 18, 2012 18:02:19 GMT -5
You must remember, the larger the blade, the thicker the blade kerf. If you're cutting valuable material, you're going to waste a lot of material with each cut. Also, you're going to figure out some sort of cross feed vise, or else you'll have to move and reclamp for every cut. Wasted time and uneven cuts.
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Post by deb193redux on Oct 18, 2012 22:46:50 GMT -5
none of these overhead saws is going to beat the tried and true slab saw
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carleton
spending too much on rocks
Member since April 2012
Posts: 277
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Post by carleton on Oct 19, 2012 1:10:06 GMT -5
Good points Jake, ty. We mostly deal with labradorites and we get the odd piece that has been cut in the field (I assume) and judging by the damage, how crumbly, cleaved, and almost pulpy the cut face is I was concerned how aggressive you can be when cutting it.
I should have said, "is the last saw closer to what the enclosed slab saws are?"
I have decent manufacturing and engineering experience and would be more than willing to make a slab saw, but I certainly lack experience in "slab saws" lol. Not sure if that last saw would covert well.
Aside from that route, do you have any suggestions for ready to go units? Any popular suggestions?
Thanks again for the input.
Carleton
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