Craigslist bargain = my 1st slices of the earth

darter
starting to shine!

Member since August 2017
Posts: 26

Craigslist bargain = my 1st slices of the earth Nov 5, 2017 15:49:42 GMT -5 via Tapatalk Jugglerguy, rockjunquie, and 3 more like this

Quote

Post by darter on Nov 5, 2017 15:49:42 GMT -5

I've been on the lookout for a cheap saw to cut some of the rocks my kids and I bring home. Not too big but wanted a sliding table and something in the 7 or 10 inch range. With a very limited budget, I wasn't expecting to find anything decent under 150.

Today I scored this tile saw for just $25! Of course I had to set it right up and get to work on it. Not sure what this first one is... My daughter found it in a lake in central Wisconsin. We're pretty stoked to be able cut rocks now, except now I'm going to have to build a lap machine.

NDK Cave Dweller Member since January 2009 Posts: 9,440	Craigslist bargain = my 1st slices of the earth Nov 5, 2017 17:09:39 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by NDK on Nov 5, 2017 17:09:39 GMT -5 Nice find! $25 is a bargain for that saw.
	Last Edit: Nov 5, 2017 17:09:56 GMT -5 by NDK -Nate

darter
starting to shine!

Member since August 2017
Posts: 26

Craigslist bargain = my 1st slices of the earth Nov 6, 2017 16:54:13 GMT -5

Quote

Post by darter on Nov 6, 2017 16:54:13 GMT -5

Yeah, I still can't believe I got it, especially with all of the other 4" saws on CL for more money. Last night I wiped all the parts down and the thing looks like it just came from the store.

Anyway, now I have blade questions... I'm confused about what I should use for general, all-purpose hobby slabbing. After looking around on this forum it seems like the MK-303 is a favorite, but not for slabbing. But since I don't have an auto-feed, is this still an option? Also, the blade says "for oil lubrication only", while the MK website says "for use with water-soluble lubricants". I chatted with their customer service and they steered me to the 333jb. I also see that some people like the 225 Hotdog.

So here are my requirements...
1. Safety. My kids are going to use this saw, so I'd like a blade with a continuous rim. They've used more dangerous tools before, but not with their fingers just a centimeter from the blade.
2. Thin kerf. Hopefully I don't need to settle for something too thick that will remove a lot of the rock
3. Price. I saved a boat load on the saw, but if I can save a little on a blade, that would be nice.

I still have what seems like an OK blade on the saw now, so the new blade could be a "better" blade that only gets installed for more important cuts. I could see getting a nice blade for slabs and keeping the current one for reducing big rocks down for the tumbler.

Thoughts?

johnjsgems
gets rocks for Christmas

Member since August 2007
Posts: 6,959

Craigslist bargain = my 1st slices of the earth Nov 7, 2017 10:55:01 GMT -5 zzyzzyx likes this

Quote

Post by johnjsgems on Nov 7, 2017 10:55:01 GMT -5

If blade speed is very high I would use a 305 Agate Kutter. It is .050" thick so not very thin but best for high speed water cooled. I'm guessing it is 7". 303C available in .030" and .050".

John at JS Gems

www.jsgemslapidary.com

Psycho has rocks in the head Not Every Angel Wears A Halo Member since July 2016 Posts: 559	Craigslist bargain = my 1st slices of the earth Nov 12, 2017 0:49:43 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Psycho on Nov 12, 2017 0:49:43 GMT -5 Awesome saw, what a steal!
	Always looking to purchase quality oddball colored Jasper's and Agates. If you want to part with some of your materials, give me a pm and let's work it out !