Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Nov 1, 2014 13:25:06 GMT -5
I think I want to pick up a new 12, 14, or maybe 16" slab saw. I want to get one that can be set on a work bench and also on a stand.
It would be nice if it could double as a trim saw so I can get rid of my rock rascal.
HP and Covington both make models that are in line with what I think I want, but I have no personal experience with them.
If anyone has one, or other suggestions, I would love to hear your thoughts on them.
Thanks!
Roger
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Post by captbob on Nov 1, 2014 13:32:18 GMT -5
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Post by deb193redux on Nov 1, 2014 14:19:08 GMT -5
except for a few models of 14" saw that have a removable autofeed with a top-bottom type of vice, you are not going to get slab and trim in one box.
The HP 14 mentioned above is a saw I would buy.
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Nov 1, 2014 14:20:24 GMT -5
captbob It doesn't have to be new. Used equipment would have a pretty low cap on spending limit. I have yet to find something used that performed as described and I didn't need to sink cash into. Do you know someone selling something? Limit is $2500 on something new. The HP 14" is the upper end of my limit. What makes it your choice?
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,709
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Post by Fossilman on Nov 1, 2014 16:36:45 GMT -5
I like my 14",I can cut pretty small with it and still slab my bigger rough...
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Post by stardiamond on Nov 1, 2014 16:50:12 GMT -5
I bought a Covington 16" combo saw almost 8 years ago. I got around to unpacking it this summer and put together the stand. It was too heavy for me to lift on to a table. The stand is too low for me (I think). My son is moving in with us next week and he can help me lift the saw. I have a Genie trim saw attachment that is easy to set up, uses water and has an 8" .032 blade. I'm going to continue using it for trimming. It does a great job. I won't be using it for slabbing small rough anymore. It wears out blades and my hand guided slabs tend to be uneven. I have 15 years of accumulated rough to start feeding to the Covington. There is a drop in plate for trimming, but the blade is thicker and the trimming would probably slower than my Genie.
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Nov 1, 2014 22:28:23 GMT -5
I think I will heed the trim saw advice fossilman do you have the HP precision 14"?
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,709
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Post by Fossilman on Nov 1, 2014 22:31:49 GMT -5
I think I will heed the trim saw advice fossilman do you have the HP precision 14"? Roger,no I don't......It's a homemade saw,cuts great too..
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Post by captbob on Nov 1, 2014 22:43:17 GMT -5
My reasons for backing the HP14 aren't based on having one, but I'd sure like to! It just seems to be a extremely well made saw. Best on the market kinda well made. johnjsgems sells them and speaks very well of it. He says he can sell it for $2100 plus shipping right now. I don't know of a good used saw available at the time, but if you are not in a hurry it may pay to bide your time and watch for good offerings. New is, well - new! But used could save you maybe half the price. I would LOVE to have a new HP14, but I could also buy used and have enough left for a LOT of rocks to cut.
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Nov 2, 2014 22:57:48 GMT -5
I have bought out a lot of old lapidary collections and have had at one time or another most brands of lapidary saws produced in the last 40-50 years. None have been perfect. All have had some good features and all have had a design flaw or two. But based on the machines I have handled and used, if buying a new 10" trim/slab saw with an automatic powerfeed I would choose the Raytech Deluxe Model 10", or the Diamond Pacific TC-10. For a gravity fed 10" slab/trim saw I would choose the Rock's 10" saw made by Polaris Tool & Machine. If buying a used 10" saw for slabbing only, the now out of production Lortone LS-10 was a great saw.
If buying a new 14" slab saw I would choose the Barranca Highland Precision HP14 saw or the Diamond Pacific TC-14. If buying a vintage used 14" saw in good condition my first choice would be a Frantom, next would be a Star Diamond which is very similar to the Diamond Pacific TC-14. Larry C.
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Post by deb193redux on Nov 3, 2014 15:01:08 GMT -5
The Diamond Pacific TC-14 is they type I mentioned where you could get both slab and trim use.
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Post by jakesrocks on Nov 3, 2014 17:58:11 GMT -5
You don't want to use a 14 or 16 " saw for trimming, unless you like taking oil baths. The hood has to be up for trimming, and I know from experience that the 16" Covington will throw oil all over the place. Keep the rock rascal for trimming. The 16" saw will give you the ability to cut fair sized rocks. The 12 & 14 " saws will cut smaller sizes.
Some people don't like the 16" Covington, but I've had no problems with mine. Covington makes a wheeled frame that the saw stand can set into. It has to be ordered separately. It will raise the saw about 4" higher. I bought the wheels for mine. It makes it easy to move the saw for cleaning.
If you decide on the Covington, don't get the Covington blade with it. It's a junk blade. I think they offer it now with the BD 301 or 303 blade. Well worth the small extra price. My original Covington blade now hangs on the garage wall, and only gets used when I have obsidian or some other soft material to cut.
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Nov 4, 2014 20:56:30 GMT -5
I am grateful for all the advice. If something used doesn't fall into my lap over the next couple of weeks, looks like I will be getting the HP-14. I do like the Covington 14, but if the HP is that much better overall, a few $$ more is worth it.
I went ahead and picked a new arbor shaft and bearings for my rock rascal. I guess I will be keeping it lol
Thanks everyone!
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Post by orrum on Nov 4, 2014 21:43:52 GMT -5
Tony/Catmandew just bought a huge bunch of used saws and they look like all kinds to pick from!
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mikeinsjc
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by mikeinsjc on Nov 12, 2014 23:28:04 GMT -5
Do NOT buy a new HP saw. If you want the scoop on those saws, contact Richardson Ranch in Oregon. They have about six of them. You've been warned.
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Post by captbob on Nov 12, 2014 23:58:08 GMT -5
What have you heard?
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Nov 13, 2014 1:07:38 GMT -5
Do NOT buy a new HP saw. If you want the scoop on those saws, contact Richardson Ranch in Oregon. They have about six of them. You've been warned. Mike, Are you meaning the Highland Park Saws? I think Roger is referring to the Barranca Highland Precision HP14 instead of the Highland Park. Larry C.
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mikeinsjc
spending too much on rocks
Member since June 2010
Posts: 329
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Post by mikeinsjc on Nov 13, 2014 12:28:33 GMT -5
Yes, I was referring to the Highland Park copies. Problems, not just what I've heard, but what I have seen and what the owners have shown me.
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Post by captbob on Nov 13, 2014 13:16:48 GMT -5
Yes, I was referring to the Highland Park copies. Problems, not just what I've heard, but what I have seen and what the owners have shown me. ...............................AND that would be?? Which specific saws are you referring to? Got names and models? Not busting your info here, just curious what that info is. I'd like the "scoop" without having to call contact Richardson Ranch in Oregon if you know something. Do NOT buy a new HP saw. You've been warned. is rather vague.
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Post by johnjsgems on Nov 13, 2014 15:31:35 GMT -5
Barranca confused a lot of people when they redesigned their big saws using the old Highland Park style feed. The parent company (MK) bought Highland Park when they went under. They sold everything but the name to Contempo Lapidary. BD renamed their saws after the redesign as HP "Highland Precision". As I understand the Highland Park trademark was never renewed so the Rowlands grabbed it and started making their made in China copies of the original Highland Park equipment. Like many made in China products reports have not been very favorable from pro and serious cutters.
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