whatamidoing
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since August 2014
Posts: 86
|
Post by whatamidoing on Dec 5, 2014 9:48:35 GMT -5
I would like to have a small (probably 10" or less) saw to cut some tumble rough and also be able to cut some slabs from smaller rough. I want to start to try making cabs. I would like to be able to have this equipment in my basement for the cold winter months. I am very open to getting good quality used machines since I do want to trim the costs a bit. Whith all this in mind are any of you that are experienced with any or all lapidary machines feel that you could offer some recommendations for just getting started? I don't want to buy top of the line machines, nor do I want the crapola machines. I'm not sure where that in between line exists that might allow me to get a decent start on cutting and cabbing and be satisfied with the outcome. Thanks so much!
--Kathy
|
|
Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,709
|
Post by Fossilman on Dec 5, 2014 10:59:31 GMT -5
Check out Craig's List and local rockshops..............I was always told to buy what you could afford,plus a bit more(whatever that means),but I did.. I'm glad I did too,my 14" cuts all I want in my finds,even the smaller stuff........Good luck.. Depending where you live,there are a few people on here that sell equipment too.....
|
|
whatamidoing
noticing nice landscape pebbles
Member since August 2014
Posts: 86
|
Post by whatamidoing on Dec 5, 2014 12:46:46 GMT -5
Not a lot a lapidary stuff on Craigslist. I am in central Ohio. I keep looking. Your 14" saw can is it clean enough to use indoors? I'm looking for that type of information as well on both saws and sizes as well as crabbers. Thanks. Do the people that sell equipment on here sell used eqipment also? I have purchased from Shawn at the rockshed but didn't notice any used machines. So who might sell used machines and possibly ship? again thank you for your info!
--Kathy
|
|
|
Post by Jugglerguy on Dec 5, 2014 13:03:21 GMT -5
I'm in northern lower Michigan and I don't find much on Craig's List either. I did find my 10" Lortone saw there though and I like it a lot. My wife would kill me if I used that saw in the house, but it really doesn't make much mess outside. It uses oil as a coolant and some does drip on the floor occasionally. Cleaning it is much messier. I have a 10" Frantom saw in my basement that I cool with water plus a lubricant (Gemlap?). It has a gravity feed vice, but I haven't had much luck with that. I use it as a trim saw and also slab small stuff on it. 10 inch saw blades are a lot cheaper than 14 inch blades, so consider that when making a purchase.
|
|
|
Post by jakesrocks on Dec 5, 2014 13:57:22 GMT -5
Kathy, first keep in mind that with a 10" saw you'll need to use oil as a coolant. It can sure mess up a basement in a hurry. Anything under 10" you can get away with using water as a coolant, as long as you drain the water at the end of your cutting day.
Try E-bay for used or vintage lapidary equipment. A couple days ago there were several smaller used saws. Look for one that has the vise with it. Finding a vise for an older saw can be a real problem. And you'll have to choose between power or weight feed.
You might want to check our member Tony, tony@idahorockshop.com He usually has several used saws available, and will give you good advice on what would be best for your needs. He'll also give you a good price on a saw.
|
|
|
Post by 150FromFundy on Dec 12, 2014 17:02:35 GMT -5
As jakesrocks said, big saws require oil and very few get used indoors.
Given that you have months of winter and want to work indoors, consider a wet tile saw for your indoor/winter use. A 7" wet tile saw can be found for less than $100. You can pay a few hundred for a more robust saw with a better reservoir. A good lapidary quality blade (MK Diamond HotDog) can be found for $50 to $60. The down side of the tile saw is you will not get a vice and must cut freehand. This is not a problem if you are doing small slices for single cabs.
Wet tile saws, as the name suggests are WET. They will spray and drip and you will need a mop and bucket, but they are an affordable start compared to a larger lapidary saw.
Darryl.
|
|
|
Post by johnjsgems on Dec 12, 2014 17:41:56 GMT -5
Not to argue with Don but most slab and trim 10" saws will work fine with water soluble coolants. You may have to drain after use and dry the blade. If you don't over fill you won't have much mess. Any of the big brands would serve you well. Trim and slab means you have a vise for slabbing and can also swing vise out of way to use as a trim saw. Highland Park, Frantom, Star Diamond, Texas Rocks brands would all be good. Lortone's old 10" saw was a great saw but slab saw only I think. Make sure bearings are good unless you are mechanical. Sometimes new with a warranty is not a bad thing. Do ask Tony (catmandew) for used.
|
|
|
Post by Rockoonz on Dec 13, 2014 14:12:20 GMT -5
I am one who would normally disagree about water based coolants with a 10 inch blade but I am hearing lots of good reviews about the Diamond Pacific product. Haven't tried it yet but I plan to try it.
|
|