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Post by captbob on Nov 13, 2014 23:47:06 GMT -5
Thanks John, I didn't even know these guys existed. I searched their website and couldn't find any mention of China - go figure. The second link to an older thread here confirms (and downplays) it. Interesting. And, no thank you very much! www.hplapidary.com/forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/47308
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jamesp
Cave Dweller
Member since October 2012
Posts: 36,561
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Post by jamesp on Nov 14, 2014 4:42:27 GMT -5
Interesting thread. Investing in older well made equipment that have parts still available bought cheap and given a total overhaul has merits. Shame that great Trademarks are being used to describe machines made over seas. fast $
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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 17, 2014 12:22:52 GMT -5
John of the new Highland Park lives 2 miles from my home. His saws are not good. I went to look at them last week. He had a row of them in his garage and all were returns. Feeds that didn't work and leaks. Plus he is almost always in China and is the only person who can do the warranty repairs.
I had hoped they would be good saws but I was pretty disappointed once I see them in person.
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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 23, 2014 1:30:29 GMT -5
Update - after doing more research and finding some people local who have the Precision 14 and Covington saws, I decided to go with a 16" Covington. I found a new, complete 16" with 5 gallons of oil for $1900 even. I like the design of the Covington more than the HP, and the overall footprint better suits my needs. I am pretty excited about it. It is my first brand new piece of equipment. I picked up some seraphinte, pietersite, Turkish psuedomorph, and some gemmy OJ rough to break it in with Thanks again for all the great advice! I do have another question though; can anyone recommend a good slab-grabber for the Covington? Roger
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Post by Rockoonz on Nov 23, 2014 3:34:43 GMT -5
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Post by jakesrocks on Nov 23, 2014 12:47:04 GMT -5
Roger, A word of advice about your 16" Covington saw. Before firing it up for the first time, go to an auto parts store and get a small tube of non hardening Lock Tite. Remove the set screws from the pulleys on your saw and put a drop of Lock Tite in each hole. Replace the set screws and tighten them good. Let the saw sit for a few hours to let the Lock Tite set up. (Be sure to use Non Hardening Lock Tite. If you use the hardening type you'll have problems getting the pulleys off your saw if you should ever need to do so).
If you don't do this on the Covington saw, you'll find yourself being chased around your shop by a pulley that has come off. I know from experience. When my 16" Covington was new, I had to chase the motor pulley down my driveway. Other than that, they're a good saw. I think you'll be happy with it.
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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 24, 2014 11:43:15 GMT -5
Roger, A word of advice about your 16" Covington saw. Before firing it up for the first time, go to an auto parts store and get a small tube of non hardening Lock Tite. Remove the set screws from the pulleys on your saw and put a drop of Lock Tite in each hole. Replace the set screws and tighten them good. Let the saw sit for a few hours to let the Lock Tite set up. (Be sure to use Non Hardening Lock Tite. If you use the hardening type you'll have problems getting the pulleys off your saw if you should ever need to do so). If you don't do this on the Covington saw, you'll find yourself being chased around your shop by a pulley that has come off. I know from experience. When my 16" Covington was new, I had to chase the motor pulley down my driveway. Other than that, they're a good saw. I think you'll be happy with it. The mental picture that brought to mind had me laughing out loud lol I will be sure to follow that advice, thank you! Roger
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Post by jakesrocks on Nov 24, 2014 11:50:51 GMT -5
Just to be on the safe side, clean the set screw with acetone or alcohol, and use a Q-Tip to do the same with its threaded hole. If there's oil on the threads, the Lock Tite may not do its job.
Did you buy the stand & wheel kit with your saw ? The wheel kit makes it easy to move the saw for cleaning behind it. Can't remember how much extra I paid for the wheels, but it was well worth the extra cost.
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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 24, 2014 22:51:58 GMT -5
I have a heavy duty cart with drawers on wheels that will fit the saw perfectly. I will check, clean, and lock-tite as suggested.
Thanks Don, appreciate the advice.
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