pizzano
Cave Dweller 
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Feb 17, 2018 18:32:26 GMT -5
I'm looking for a small rock saw......most rough size I can manage tumbling is between 2" and 4" inches.
I'm on a budget (aren't we all....lol).......want something reliable, easy to clean and replace parts (blades) without breaking the bank.
I was considering a table type saw, but that would limit my ability to cut around curves and over nodules. Since everything I want to shape is typically gnarly, ragged rock.
Outside of the C-40 being modular plastic, plastic blade guides and max. 3.75" cutting height........what other things should I consider....?
They cost around $350.00 and decent diamond blades run about $60.00 a pop.
Thanks in advance....I can use all the education I can get.....! |
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Post by manofglass on Feb 17, 2018 19:00:42 GMT -5
Don’t buy a ring saw blades cost 71.00
And don’t last very long when cutting stone
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Feb 17, 2018 20:26:41 GMT -5
Don’t buy a ring saw blades cost 71.00 And don’t last very long when cutting stone Thanks for that info.......
Kinda thought a flat diamond blade saw would be more reliable,....even if the blades cost more, they last longer and cut more accurately.
I researched a few like products in this size and found the Gryphon to have the most power....1/4hp.....not much but more than any other this size.
Maybe I'm searching for to small of a tool.....but I lack space and everything I do right now is scaled down to Dremel work, which I'm starting to find it hard to get diamond cutting blades that can handle something more than 2".
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barclay
has rocks in the head
Lowly Padawan of rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 510
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Post by barclay on Feb 17, 2018 20:59:39 GMT -5
i have a Gryphon and they are really meant for glass more than stone. If you were to try and cut out a cabochon in one pass I think it would take more time than making a number of reasonable cuts with a trim saw.
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bsky4463
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2013
Posts: 1,696
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Post by bsky4463 on Feb 17, 2018 22:46:03 GMT -5
Like any tool, it has its uses...I have enjoyed mine - specifically for cutting cab performs out of premium material... significantly less waste. I highly recommend it....however, I would suggest this in addition to a trim saw not in place of one. Cheers
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minerken
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2013
Posts: 466 
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Post by minerken on Feb 17, 2018 23:33:16 GMT -5
Maybe I'm searching for to small of a tool.....but I lack space and everything I do right now is scaled down to Dremel work, which I'm starting to find it hard to get diamond cutting blades that can handle something more than 2". Read more: forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/82164/band-opinions-gryphon-40-diamond#ixzz57Qi4fxqywill not handle a piece that size will not handle agate maybe some softer jasper, jade calcite soft stones probably 1/4" max. good for people like jade carvers maybe some intarsia etc. grt a small trim saw like a 6" Rock rascal they make two models one has the arbor shaft for a grinding set up and accessories that you can actually do cabbing with only takes up about 1'x 1' 1.5' blades are cheap IMHO you'll be sorry you bought a band saw for what you want to do. I had one so speaking from experience. |
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Feb 17, 2018 23:42:30 GMT -5
Like any tool, it has its uses...I have enjoyed mine - specifically for cutting cab performs out of premium material... significantly less waste. I highly recommend it....however, I would suggest this in addition to a trim saw not in place of one. Cheers Thanks.......
I guess something like this.....?
The MK-170.....: 
That saw was the first one I looked at....."saw" it The Rock Shed......was worried it would be difficult to maneuver chunky rocks, but is the size I'm looking for.
Thanks again.
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Feb 17, 2018 23:45:08 GMT -5
Maybe I'm searching for to small of a tool.....but I lack space and everything I do right now is scaled down to Dremel work, which I'm starting to find it hard to get diamond cutting blades that can handle something more than 2". Read more: forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/thread/82164/band-opinions-gryphon-40-diamond#ixzz57Qi4fxqywill not handle a piece that size will not handle agate maybe some softer jasper, jade calcite soft stones probably 1/4" max. good for people like jade carvers maybe some intarsia etc. grt a small trim saw like a 6" Rock rascal they make two models one has the arbor shaft for a grinding set up and accessories that you can actually do cabbing with only takes up about 1'x 1' 1.5' blades are cheap IMHO you'll be sorry you bought a band saw for what you want to do. I had one so speaking from experience. Thanks......I knew you guy's and gal's here would steer me straight. |
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Feb 17, 2018 23:56:49 GMT -5
i have a Gryphon and they are really meant for glass more than stone. If you were to try and cut out a cabochon in one pass I think it would take more time than making a number of reasonable cuts with a trim saw. Thank You......! |
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minerken
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2013
Posts: 466
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Post by minerken on Feb 18, 2018 0:21:10 GMT -5
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Feb 18, 2018 12:36:26 GMT -5
Just pulled the trigger on the Barranca Diamond MK-170 Wet Cutting Trim Saw...........Talked to an older "rock" guy at our local Lapidary hang-out.....my bad, never asked his name. He likes the Rock Rascal too, but said for my work space situation and learning experience, the MK-170 would do quite well. Suggested that I purchase a longer water return hose, place the pump in a separate bucket of water, and dump the machines tub frequently rather than recycle the "mud" through the saws cooling system. That seems to make perfect sense in order to cut down on the maintenance issues they all seem to have.
Thanks again for the help.....!
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Post by johnjsgems on Feb 19, 2018 13:30:09 GMT -5
We used to demonstrate both the C40 and MK170. The 170 should work well for you. The blue 303P blade pictured is not as good as the 305 which they may come with now. The MK170 will cut 2" but we regularly cut 3" geodes by rolling the geode and staying forward of the flange. We burned up one pump when pump plugged with rock snot so separate water tub a good idea. I don't know if it really helps but on my MK101 (10" MK tile saw) I always pull pump out of tub at end of day so water drains out. The C40 is the best band saw for the money for cutting curves in 1/2" and thinner slabs. With the optional thicker blade you can cut straight lines for making things like crosses. The vertical blade works well for cutting into corners without over or under cutting. It is possible to cut really soft rock at maximum thickness but you would really have trouble cutting it straight. Blades flex to cut curves. I would cut 5/16" tight curves in 1/2" Brazilian agate slabs to demonstrate the saw. For cutting preforms they cut slower than most trim saws but you do save material and you save time not grinding all the points left by trim saws cutting multiple straight lines around an oval. Save wear on your grinding wheels too. I agree C40 a great addition to the fleet not a one only. If I would have been quicker I would have suggested a used 10" trim and slab saw as the best choice wnen you have one only saw.
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Post by parfive on Feb 19, 2018 16:17:22 GMT -5
Yeah, the Gryphon is slower than a trim saw, but it cuts with less waste, closer to your line, and less grinding is needed to finish shaping the preform. No mess either, use it on the kitchen table if you want. Nice tool to have for a third saw.   |
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pizzano
Cave Dweller
Member since February 2018
Posts: 1,390
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Post by pizzano on Feb 19, 2018 16:47:15 GMT -5
THANKS GUYS......
All of the help sure has made the decision easier.
I'll be receiving the MK-170 next week.....actually found it at Walmart (third party distributor exact same model 157222) that I was looking at The Rock Shed....saved some money with price and free shipping.
Now that I have been "schooled" some, will consider the C40 as the next saw down the road.......Just like all my hobbies, one thing leads to another.
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toucansan
off to a rocking start
Loving Rocks!
Member since July 2018
Posts: 9
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Post by toucansan on May 17, 2022 14:47:19 GMT -5
Has anyone used the Diamond Tech DL3000 wet bandsaw for preforming? I saw one in a workshop being used by a very knowledgeable person that has been working with rocks for most of his life. He said he has used the gryphon, and another one I can’t remember the name of and the DL3000. He really loves the DL3000. Says it handles better than the others he has owned. The guys cabs and slabs are amazing. He and his wife also rock hound their own rocks.
Any more information on using a wet bandsaw would be appreciated.
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Post by liveoak on May 18, 2022 6:20:15 GMT -5
We rigged one up cheaply with a 9" woodworking saw. Works great.
Patty
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toucansan
off to a rocking start
Loving Rocks!
Member since July 2018
Posts: 9
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Post by toucansan on May 19, 2022 11:46:55 GMT -5
Thanks for the link. I’m not too fond of bandsaws from my woodworking past. I would be hesitant to put a regular wood bandsaw in a bucket with water.
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Post by liveoak on May 19, 2022 18:58:30 GMT -5
It's how we came up with a cheap way to make a diamond band saw - My husband restores vintage woodworking machines, and he's actually the one that suggested it.
I think the saw was $99 when we got it, & it's mostly aluminum - 5 years later & it's holding up just fine. The main thing was that it took a standard diamond blade that you could order.
Works for me.
Point is, there are work-arounds to just throwing $$ at it :-)
Patty
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