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Post by sophia13 on Dec 30, 2018 16:27:17 GMT -5
When cutting a decent size rock in say a 16 or 18" saw do you "square up" the rock on the bottom and/ or sides to make cutting, removal and re-vising later or do you leave raw and just secure in the vise and cut away? Thanks for all you guys do  |
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Tommy
Administrator 
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,989
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Post by Tommy on Dec 30, 2018 16:56:32 GMT -5
When cutting a decent size rock in say a 16 or 18" saw do you "square up" the rock on the bottom and/ or sides to make cutting, removal and re-vising later or do you leave raw and just secure in the vise and cut away? Thanks for all you guys do I Sometimes you have no choice but to cut it crooked if you're chasing a pattern or sweet spot. Most of the time if its a real big rock and I know I'm going to turn it at some point then I will square it up for the vice after turning but I'm not real scientific about it. |
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Dec 30, 2018 22:31:31 GMT -5
What Tommy said about chasing patterns is usually the biggest factor. Orientation is important with some rough, but it's often difficult to tell which way will be best. If you can't see enough of the layers or patterns on the outside it's just a "best guess" for the first cut.
I don't typically square one up unless it just won't stay in the vise the way I want to orient it. This is where a pile of wood blocks in various sizes and shapes comes in handy. Blocks and wedges to hold the irregular surfaces in the vise will become your best friend. Just be sure to really yank on that chunk before trying to cut it. Much better to pull it out of the vise yourself than to trash a saw blade.
Another thing to consider is angled surfaces where the blade will be starting into the rock. If it can't start straight you can dish a blade. |
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 31, 2018 12:16:23 GMT -5
I have found many rocks at estate sales that were cut on three sides and then discarded. Most rocks are a guess. Most rocks not as easy as palm root or looking for ridges on geodes. When I sold my 24" HP the buyer insisted I throw in my box of oily wedges and blocks. As far as blade deflection, I always slide the carriage with clutch released and see how rock contacts blade. If blade deflects at all, move cross feed to hit square. An option would be to grind a flat spot in rock where blade will hit.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,723 
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Post by Fossilman on Jan 3, 2019 15:33:36 GMT -5
I chase the character of the rock.. Sometimes I do the three side cut, than throw it in the bone pile..( not worth the trouble)..
I usually get lucky finding the pattern I see..
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