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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 17, 2014 13:52:41 GMT -5
I am using a cheap 7" skilsaw wet tile saw. It has worked fine for me since I first started this, but it is a little too aggressive and the kerf a little wide for some material. I've been thinking of maybe getting another trimsaw for the delicate and/or expensive stuff, if they aren't too much. So, I guess my point to opine on is which would be a good one to get - both for use and value?
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blackout5783
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 248
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Post by blackout5783 on Dec 17, 2014 14:33:30 GMT -5
Are you using a tile saw blade on that? If so, your least expensive option (although I'm not 100% sure it would work) would be to get a 7" 303C blade. The aggressiveness is probably more from the blade than the saw itself. I'm just not sure if a lapidary blade is ok running at 3400 rpm or whatever. On the other hand, I could be completely wrong! Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in.
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 17, 2014 14:42:06 GMT -5
Are you using a tile saw blade on that? If so, your least expensive option (although I'm not 100% sure it would work) would be to get a 7" 303C blade. The aggressiveness is probably more from the blade than the saw itself. I'm just not sure if a lapidary blade is ok running at 3400 rpm or whatever. On the other hand, I could be completely wrong! Hopefully someone with more experience will chime in. Thanks! I had considered just getting a thinner blade, but I'm not so sure that would be ok. Here is what I use. I try to use a decent blade. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NQVJ1S
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Don
Cave Dweller
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Dec 17, 2014 14:47:19 GMT -5
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Dec 17, 2014 15:03:18 GMT -5
You can pick-up a rock rascal or lortone 6" trim saw fairly cheap; but I agree with blackout5783. I would try using a real lapidary blade first to see if it gets you the results you want. That .060 wide blade is a beast for a trim saw. My 16" blade is .065 wide. johnjsgems sells a BD 303C 7" X .030" blade that may suit your needs. Currently it is priced at $46.00 www.jsgemslapidary.com/lapidary-saw-blades/?sort=priceasc
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Post by deb193redux on Dec 17, 2014 15:30:12 GMT -5
just for the occasional use with expensive or brittle material, you could use a 4.5" tile saw and get a much thinner blade. it is loud and wet.
otherwise something small like the Rock rascal or other 6" trim saw can be fitted with a .012 blade if you cut careful
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 17, 2014 18:20:18 GMT -5
Thanks guys! I have some things to look into now. Definitely will look into a smaller blade.
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 17, 2014 20:26:02 GMT -5
The Dura Bull is the High Tech Diamond 6" saw. Made in blue for them. They make a black one for someone and a purple one for Gryphon. The .030" 303C would work if your speed is 3500 or less. If 5500 I would opt for the .050" 303C. I use the MK145 4" tile saw and it works great for trimming slabs (I use the .020" blade). The High Tech or Ameritool 4"/5" saws would be a good choice too. All three are made to use with water so you can trim anything you want.
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Post by Pat on Dec 17, 2014 20:29:29 GMT -5
I use a $7 used 4" tile saw. The base plate has groves for the water. I like it.
I also use a $20 used 7" tile saw. No grooves for the water, so will put padded weather stripping around the edges so the water doesn't land on my foot. Both tile saws have a thickish blade.
For a thin kerf, Ameritool makes a faceting saw. I think the blade is .004"
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 17, 2014 20:35:25 GMT -5
Ameritool saws come with a .012" plated blade. Same series blade is available in .006" core. Like cutting with foil and good for one cut for me. Even a 303C .014" is hard for me to make straight line cuts. Too much blade flexing with my big clumsy hands.
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Dec 17, 2014 23:30:23 GMT -5
Ameritool saws come with a .012" plated blade. Same series blade is available in .006" core. Like cutting with foil and good for one cut for me. Even a 303C .014" is hard for me to make straight line cuts. Too much blade flexing with my big clumsy hands. Ditto lol
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Post by Rockoonz on Dec 18, 2014 0:21:38 GMT -5
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Roger
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2013
Posts: 1,487
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Post by Roger on Dec 18, 2014 7:58:52 GMT -5
I haven't seen that one before. I like the design quite a bit. The moving table would save my fingers from any more of the nice crisscrossed scars I get from trying to trim my fingers with a slab..
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 18, 2014 12:21:02 GMT -5
Polaris makes the old "Texas Rocks" saws and bull wheels. I've only seen one outside Texas but they were great saws. I would rather have an aluminum tank but cut mostly turquoise so water or water soluble coolant only.
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Post by jakesrocks on Dec 18, 2014 13:11:28 GMT -5
That little Polaris looks like a work horse. Built like they used to build them before plastic became common in our hobby tools.
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 18, 2014 14:53:37 GMT -5
I've seen both 10" and 6" Texas Rocks. Both built the same way and modeled on Sherman Tank. Polaris started making American made equipment based on the Texas Rocks designs several years ago. For trimming slabs and having to cut with water, plastic bodied saws work out pretty well. No corrosion and easy to clean after use.
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Post by rockjunquie on Dec 19, 2014 14:49:35 GMT -5
Great discussion! I'm checking out the saws mentioned. I've been using a tilesaw and been getting pretty wet, staying a little more dry would be nice.
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Post by phil on Dec 19, 2014 17:08:25 GMT -5
Be careful when you switch to a thinner blade. At the speeds mentioned, a thin blade will cut you as bad as a wood saw..... If you can, slow that puppy down to 1750 rpm.... and save your fingertips.
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 19, 2014 17:15:52 GMT -5
Most plated blades can cut as the diamond mixture is surface applied. Most good sintered blades won't cut skin although fingernails are fair game.
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Post by orrum on Apr 18, 2015 22:12:58 GMT -5
Hey John I have a blue Dura-Bull saw in 4 inch. It doesn't have the table top. Do you know where I can order one?
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