sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
|
Post by sheltie on Aug 2, 2013 10:10:18 GMT -5
I've used both on my 16" saw and I'm curious as to what the differences may be, other than cost. It seems to me that the continuous rim may provide a smoother cut and perhaps be a tad thinner than the sintered, but I wouldn't bet on it. So what are the differences and when should one be used over the other?
|
|
|
Post by Rockoonz on Aug 2, 2013 11:01:18 GMT -5
When you say continuous rim do you mean the blade with the diamond filled slits around the circumference, or are you referring to a 301 style as opposed to a 303? The 301 is sintered but the sintered sections are arranged differently, qiute a bit different from the old style continuous rim with the slits. I'm don't think the old style is made anymore, but I have several I have picked up from estates and with equipment purchases. My 14" and 24" saws have the old style blades, they cut well and wear fairly slowly, but when cutting real hard stuff like Brazil or Montana agate they require fairly frequent sharpening with an abrasive sharpening stick. They leave a nice surface that does not require much sanding to remove saw marks. The 10 inch saw and 18 inch hydraulic saw have 303's and will cut anything. Also, the 18 inch blade has been cutting for about 5 years and has little visible wear, much less than I would expect with the old style blade. The saw marks from the cuts is about the same as the others, I think saw marks come from saw design and condition rather than the blade most of the time. I have no experience so far with a 301, when the blade in the 14" wears out I will possibly get one. There is another type of blade on the market as well, a crimped edge blade with diamonds crimped into the edge with a press. these can be purchased quite thin to minimise waste for expensive rough and are generally less expensive, but they have a shorter life and are better suited to softer materials. I have a new one that will fit the 24" and as soon as the used blade that came with the saw wears out I will try it.
Lee
|
|
|
Post by deb193redux on Aug 2, 2013 11:23:04 GMT -5
I think you want continuous, slotted, segmented distinctions. Sintered is a way of putting diamonds on the blade.
|
|
sheltie
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since January 2012
Posts: 982
|
Post by sheltie on Aug 2, 2013 14:37:03 GMT -5
I have no idea why I wrote sintered when I meant segmented! Brain phart! I currently have the 303 segmented but previously had the 301. Other than having my two previous 301s lose some teeth after a few short months, I liked the cut. But I still don't understand the difference between the two types.
|
|
|
Post by jakesrocks on Aug 2, 2013 15:01:29 GMT -5
I have a 303S on my 16" saw, and will never use anything else. Fast cutting, non binding and super smooth cut.
To my way of thinking, the slotted blade carries more lubricant to the cut, and helps to clean chips and rock snot from the cut.
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Aug 2, 2013 18:04:23 GMT -5
The 303c (continuous) has a continuous sintered rim laser welded to a high carbon steel core. Above 14" they put the continuous rim on in segments leaving small gaps between. The 301 is similar to the 303C except the rim is 20-25% taller and instead of smooth sides it has wedge shaped "notch like" ridges around the rim. They wanted it to look like the old notch rim 301's they made for many years. Turned out the wedges help to cool and clear while cutting. All three have same high carbon steel core. 301's higher rim (more diamond) makes it higher (in some sizes considerably higher) priced. Most people say the 301 will handle harder rock best.
|
|