naomi65
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2018
Posts: 1 
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Post by naomi65 on Jan 22, 2018 14:21:25 GMT -5
Hi all! I am interested in purchasing my first trim saw. After reading many threads, I am leaning towards purchasing a tile saw, instead. In a nutshell, what I am interested in is taking small slabs or rough gemstones and basically cutting them into smaller rough pieces for aesthetic purposes. From what I've read, the Workforce 7 inch seems to be a good unit and I'm liking the price. Is there any other that any of you would recommend? Also, I have a question regarding the blades. I see that the diamond blades are safe for fingers - does this apply to ALL diamond blades? And I've read that the MK Diamond blades seem to be a favorite. If I purchased this 7 inch Workforce, would I only be able to use 7 inch blades?? Thanks for your time.
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Post by rmf on Jan 22, 2018 20:37:48 GMT -5
I am not familiar with your saw choice but that would depend on your final application. for cutting cabs I us a Lortone trim saw with a 6" blade. I see some tile saws have tilt tables that alow angle cutting the Lortone does not offer. It is hard to cut you fingers with a contineous rim diamond blade but some diamond blades have gabs between segments and they could grab your fingers. Als thicker blades are less likely to cut but waste more material. thinner blades are for expensive rough like opal turquoise etc. usually a 6" saw will tke smaller blades as long as they fit the shaft. so a 6" saw would take a 5" or a 4" blade. However your mileage might vary depending on the saw and blade selected.
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Tommy
Administrator 
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,989
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Post by Tommy on Jan 22, 2018 22:14:18 GMT -5
Hi naomi65 welcome to the forum. Because your post is asking for specific advice I'm moving it to the "cutting" area where it will get specific attention and answers. Again, welcome aboard! |
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Post by gmitch067 on Jan 23, 2018 9:45:18 GMT -5
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 23, 2018 15:37:51 GMT -5
Most sintered blades will not cut fingers. The cheaper, thinner electroplated will as the diamond is surface applied. Some of the home center type 7" saws can be used with 6" blades if you can fill sumps to cover bottom of blade rim. MK has 7" lapidary blades. The most recommended would be the "Agate Kutter" as it is made for high speed, water cooled masonry saws. Always make sure the arbor is 5/8", not some metric size so you can buy readily available blades.
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