SJPatrick
starting to spend too much on rocks
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2 1/2 years into rock hounding and I'm still a newbie!
Member since September 2013
Posts: 124
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Post by SJPatrick on Nov 19, 2013 21:32:02 GMT -5
Howdy. I'm a relative newbie with my first newbie question. I'll try to keep this thread short and skip my background, but it can be found at link . I'm interested in buying a used 18" slab saw. I've read many posts on this forum on the subject of evaluating used slab saws. I've read about checking for blade condition, life remaining, and wobble, and about checking bearings, and smooth operation of the carriage. Now suppose the saw I'm interested in is operational and the seller of the saw is willing to cut a test rock, say something hard like agate. And suppose the saw sounds normal (I've heard a few in operation), and the cut is completed in the expected time and the resulting slab surfaces are free of saw marks. Would that eliminate the need to do the above checks, except for maybe estimating the life remaining in the blade? I hope this isn't too stupid a question. Thanks for your help!
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Post by catmandewe on Nov 19, 2013 21:50:44 GMT -5
Running the saw is always a plus. The checks can be done in a matter of minutes. Check for slop in the carriage also.
Good luck with it, you will love it..............Tony
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2013 22:52:55 GMT -5
yeah, what Tony said. More is better. No reason to shortcut.
Look for leaks too. Around all openings in the case and also underneath.
The only issue I encountered with my new/used saw was the electrical cord gave out in short order. Easy for some. Death for others. I made it work. Never cut corners with used stuff.
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SJPatrick
starting to spend too much on rocks
![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star_teal.png)
2 1/2 years into rock hounding and I'm still a newbie!
Member since September 2013
Posts: 124
|
Post by SJPatrick on Nov 21, 2013 21:36:11 GMT -5
Thanks Tony and Scott for your inputs. I'll add those things to check to my list and do them when I inspect saws I'm interested in.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2013 22:34:51 GMT -5
please post pics of your success. We love pictures! hehe it's our payment for the help... ![8-)](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/smiley/cool.png)
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Nov 21, 2013 22:42:23 GMT -5
I've got an 18" Great Western. It's no HP, but it's a fine hobby saw. When I bought, I didn't know any better, and the guy I bought it from had sealed the inside of the sump with roofing tar. Worked fine until the oil started to dissolve the tar. I've put a new bottom in and sealed with oil resistant gasket cement, but I still have at least one minor leak. Oh well, I still would have bought it.
I'd check out the vise, too, to make sure it's sound. Blade motors are easily replaced.
Good luck!
Chuck
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