Mike Menzie
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since October 2012
Posts: 96
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Post by Mike Menzie on Sept 5, 2014 4:59:21 GMT -5
Ok. Been tinkering with the idea for a long while. Looked on here a bit. Put it off...
But I just moved back to Oregon. Starting to get settled in, and my mother and I could use a 16" or larger saw. So -
I don't know how to weld. I can bolt on some stuff, but everything else will have to be wood construction, or heat shaped and epoxied plexiglas, or something like that. A lot of people have told me not to build out of wood. Warning ya now that I'm not going to be smart enough to listen to that advice. Heh. I can't weld and we need a slab saw, so it's getting built and wood is what I know best.
Ideas or advice? Styles? Drop saw vs standard weight feed? I'm thinking 16" or maybe 18". What do ya'll think?
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unclesoska
freely admits to licking rocks
All those jade boulders tossed in search of gold!
Member since February 2011
Posts: 934
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Post by unclesoska on Sept 5, 2014 8:52:22 GMT -5
If you haven't already checked Craigs list, it might be worth a look. I've seen a good few used slab saws on there, some in need of refurbishing, but some are really cheap. I've also noticed a few homebuilt saws of wood, they looked pretty beat up but you maybe could salvage an arbor and vise/carriage for your project. Try a search in Portland for lapidary and Good luck with your project!
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,562
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Post by jamesp on Sept 5, 2014 9:03:46 GMT -5
Wood and saw lub is a bad mix. If you are going to have a screw driven power feed for a viced carriage you probably need to do a good bit of welding. A drop saw mounted over a steel tub may be doable. I am a welder, but do hybrid metal/wood and plastic stuff. I would be challenged building a rock saw using much wood. A used saw that is in bad need of repair would be my choice. The members are always buying sweet deals.
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Post by roy on Sept 5, 2014 9:17:48 GMT -5
i have a 24 forsale
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,711
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Post by Fossilman on Sept 5, 2014 9:56:35 GMT -5
Mine is homemade and built with plywood......It did leak on the seams,but I finally sealed it off,with minimal leakage now...Likes to leak around the hinges now,but not bad... If you can,have someone build you a box with steel,it would be worth the cost and effort...Or as said,but a good used one,they are out there and ready to fire up and cut!!! Thumbs up..............Good luck
PS: Roy is a great guy to deal with too......... What part of Oregon are you at??? Dallas here..
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stephent
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2014
Posts: 213
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Post by stephent on Sept 5, 2014 10:01:06 GMT -5
linkIt's been done a bit.. And somewhere in the home made equip posts is a drop saw that's easy to make.. open frame. Probably a definite wet suit wearing requirement.. I haven't found it though.
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deserthound
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 390
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Post by deserthound on Sept 5, 2014 11:33:20 GMT -5
i have the plans for the 18" drop saw published in rock and gem mag. looks fairly simple.
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The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
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Post by The Dad_Ohs on Sept 5, 2014 18:39:30 GMT -5
If you build a saw out of wood, make sure to seal it well and I remember seeing somewhere that someone used marine grade varnish or paint on the inside to seal it and it worked. but every so often it will have to be cleaned and repainted to keep it leak free. I would think once a year to do full maintenance on it. Also a really good epoxy on all edges before screwing them together to help with the seal. there are some out there that are oil proof. Your other option is if you know anyone that works on boats... have them build you a box out of aluminum, then just add the parts you need, drill and bolt on pieces and you'll be ready in no time!!
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Post by nowyo on Sept 5, 2014 22:12:08 GMT -5
I know where you're coming from. I've been looking for a saw in the 14-16 inch range for about a year. Everything I found was either beat up and too much money or too far away to make sense. I was putting together a parts list and stuff to build my own when I found an 18 inch Highland Park two miles from home. Turns out the saw originally belonged to Pete XXXX's dad. Well, Pete XXXX died 5 years ago, I'm guessing the saw probably hasn't been used hardly at all in about 30 years. The people in the house now kind of knew what it was worth but mostly wanted it out of their cellar. Without being able to weld and maybe some minor machining, I don't think I'd tackle building one. Or I might, I've done dumber things. I'm with the others, keep watching Craigslist and stuff.
Russ
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Post by snowdog on Sept 5, 2014 23:13:38 GMT -5
There use to be a company in texas that made a kit to use in a wood box that you built yourself--- don't know if they still do that but they worked pretty good ! had one from an estate that I bought 5-6 years ago --took the box apart and sold the kit on ebbby --they had coated the inside with some sort of expoxy but the plywood was rotted on the outside so it was prob at least 20 years old or more and the vise & arbor was still in good shape ----------maybe look up lapidary saw kits
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Mike Menzie
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since October 2012
Posts: 96
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Post by Mike Menzie on Sept 6, 2014 0:08:15 GMT -5
Like I said, you can give the "don't build strictly out of wood" advice, but I'm not gonna listen ;-) I can't weld, don't know anyone up here yet so don't know anyone that does, and I'm poor. So no go on the used $600 to $700 and up saws.
I build stuff all the time anyway, so no biggy there. Projects are fun. Definite good idea on the marine paint. I've seen that before. I even thought about lining the inside of the box with plexi or PVC. I can heat shape, cut, flatten and do whatever with PVC.
I'll try to find the homebuilt wood one on here. Don't think I've seen it.
Thanks for all the input guys! -Mike
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Sept 6, 2014 1:53:51 GMT -5
I think a gravity feed wooden saw could be made to be functional as long as the right materials are used and all the wood surfaces are sealed properly with an oil resistant protective coating. I remember reading something years ago about building a homemade saw with the reservoir being made of a plywood box coated on the inside of the box with fiberglass and epoxy. Or if you can get the joints tight and sealed fairly well then a couple of coats of Glyptal 1201 Red Enamel Insulating Paint, which is a very good oil resistant paint, should do the trick One part that would probably be worth buying new though would be the threaded arbor with a machine turned flange. I think Lortone sells the one for their 18" saw for around $75. The pillow block bearings can be bought at any good industrial supply house. An over & Under type rock clamp like the Lortone Panther uses would be easy enough to make. The trickiest part IMO would be the vise carriage and feed track. But the track could probably be done with heavy steel rods mounted into drilled nylon stock brackets bolted into the front and rear insides of the saw. Might have to get someone to weld you the vise carriage though. If you enjoy dong these kinds of projects then great! But in all honesty by the time you buy the materials and components you may spend nearly as much or more as you can find a good fixer-upper saw for. For example not too long ago I found a 45 year old Frantom 14" bench top saw at a school surplus auction for $95 plus a 15% buyers premium. It just needed a good cleaning, a bench to mount it on, a motor, a pulley, a belt, and the small plexiglass port window in the top needed replacing. But the blade and the inside was in very good condition. Also about five or six years ago I bought a ready to use 10" Raytech slab saw with powerfeed at an estate sale for $50. So the deals are out there if you will be persistent in looking for them you can find them. But whatever you decide to do best wishes! Larry C.
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Mike Menzie
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since October 2012
Posts: 96
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Post by Mike Menzie on Sept 6, 2014 10:34:20 GMT -5
Oh, I hear of others buying inexpensive slab saws ;-) I just never see them. Heck, my friends tell me about the ones they paid $40 for at an estate sale - and then try to sell me the same saw for $800 because "that's the going price" ;-) I've been keeping my eye out for 4 years now. No luck yet. But I'll keep looking don't worry. I live in Lyons, by the way, to whoever asked. Sorry I forgot to answer that.
As far as building the saw, you're right about the arbor and things like that. Those I'll have to purchase. But I should be able to find used ones of those on other kinds of machines. I've stumbled across some nice pillowblock bearings already. I think the rod idea for the weight feed track is a good one. I have a homebuilt 10" that uses a similar idea.
Thanks again for the ideas, people. -Mike
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deserthound
spending too much on rocks
Member since December 2013
Posts: 390
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Post by deserthound on Sept 6, 2014 10:46:03 GMT -5
Oh, I hear of others buying inexpensive slab saws ;-) I just never see them. Heck, my friends tell me about the ones they paid $40 for at an estate sale - and then try to sell me the same saw for $800 because "that's the going price" ;-) I've been keeping my eye out for 4 years now. No luck yet. But I'll keep looking don't worry. I live in Lyons, by the way, to whoever asked. Sorry I forgot to answer that. As far as building the saw, you're right about the arbor and things like that. Those I'll have to purchase. But I should be able to find used ones of those on other kinds of machines. I've stumbled across some nice pillowblock bearings already. I think the rod idea for the weight feed track is a good one. I have a homebuilt 10" that uses a similar idea. Thanks again for the ideas, people. -Mike Not real good friends you got there..good luck with your wooden slab saw, looks like you have alot of new friends on here who are willing to help and not even charge you..well maybe a pic or two when your done..take care
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,562
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Post by jamesp on Sept 6, 2014 10:58:43 GMT -5
Bushings in hydro plants and nuc subs use wood from lignum vitae tree. Teak and bamboo does not play. Bamboo flooring material may be good for carriage parts. It is stable and super strong. Stuborn can be good.
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Sept 6, 2014 13:10:59 GMT -5
I don't know if you've been watching Craigslist lately or not but there are a few inexpensive saws listed near western Oregon: There is a 28 day old listing on Craigslist in Albany, Oregon for two very old project saws. The phone number (541-928-1210) is listed for Best Buyers LLC which is shown as being a Lapiary/Gun/Jewlery/Pawn Shop. They are asking $400 for both saws. With the listing being almost a month old, if these have not been sold yet the owner is probably ready to deal. You might be able to get him to sell you just one of the saws for $100 or so. Or since this is a pawn shop you may even be able to trade him something for one. corvallis.craigslist.org/fod/4611083902.htmlAlso there is seven day old listing in Ilwaco ,WA for a 14" drop saw w/ extra blade for $350. portland.craigslist.org/nco/for/4644370371.htmlAnd an 18 day old listing for a 14" Hillquist saw in Central, Or. Asking $450 OBO. bend.craigslist.org/grd/4627020248.htmlWhich they had listed two days earlier for $400. bend.craigslist.org/tls/4623769103.htmlLarry C.
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Mike Menzie
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since October 2012
Posts: 96
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Post by Mike Menzie on Sept 6, 2014 16:51:22 GMT -5
Oh, WOW! Yeah...don't think I could afford it, but could you imagine a whole saw made out of exotic hardwoords? Whooee!
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,562
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Post by jamesp on Sept 6, 2014 18:34:18 GMT -5
Oh, WOW! Yeah...don't think I could afford it, but could you imagine a whole saw made out of exotic hardwoords? Whooee! A box of the bamboo flooring is not that expensive, and it has a lot of flooring in it. A good cabinet maker can do a lot w/wood.
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Mike Menzie
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since October 2012
Posts: 96
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Post by Mike Menzie on Sept 6, 2014 20:53:54 GMT -5
Absolutely. I will look into that flooring, for sure.
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Mike Menzie
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since October 2012
Posts: 96
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Post by Mike Menzie on Sept 6, 2014 20:58:18 GMT -5
I don't know if you've been watching Craigslist lately or not but there are a few inexpensive saws listed near western Oregon: There is a 28 day old listing on Craigslist in Albany, Oregon for two very old project saws. The phone number (541-928-1210) is listed for Best Buyers LLC which is shown as being a Lapiary/Gun/Jewlery/Pawn Shop. They are asking $400 for both saws. With the listing being almost a month old, if these have not been sold yet the owner is probably ready to deal. You might be able to get him to sell you just one of the saws for $100 or so. Or since this is a pawn shop you may even be able to trade him something for one. corvallis.craigslist.org/fod/4611083902.htmlAlso there is seven day old listing in Ilwaco ,WA for a 14" drop saw w/ extra blade for $350. portland.craigslist.org/nco/for/4644370371.htmlAnd an 18 day old listing for a 14" Hillquist saw in Central, Or. Asking $450 OBO. bend.craigslist.org/grd/4627020248.htmlWhich they had listed two days earlier for $400. bend.craigslist.org/tls/4623769103.htmlLarry C. yeah, like I said, $400 for a used saw needing work anyway is more than I can afford. Wish I could! The one for 2 saws I did see, but in the ad specifics, they're asking $400 per saw, not for the pair, unfortunately. Thanks for the info, though! If I could get one in need of repair for $100, I could work with that. Part of building one though, is if it ends up costing me $400 - I can purchase parts and bits for much less than that AS I can afford them, instead of dropping $400 all at once, which I can't afford. Disability doesn't pay that well ;-) -Mike
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