Post by jasperfanatic on Jul 7, 2019 12:05:15 GMT -5
I'm trying to educate myself more on slab saws, and I'm hoping to get some info from others on blade preferences and experiences if it can relate to my current equipment, which is a HP 14" running mineral oil for coolant. It feels like this topic might be a little like asking Ford vs. Chevy at a rodeo, but I'm just looking for data where possible to make better purchasing decisions. This group has already been amazingly helpful in so many areas that I can't think of a better place to go for the low down.
1. I've seen people mention MK blades, is there a recognized "best" for blades when cost isn't a factor? I've also seen mention of the Barranca blades, which seem to be priced quite a bit higher still.
2. If cost is factor, is there a recognized "best" value blade/manufacturer?
3. What's a reasonable life expectancy on a quality blade that is primarily cutting hard materials (jasper/agate)? Is there a good way to track this? How is it typically measured? Just wondering how to tell if I'm getting the life out of the blade that I should.
4. I've been using mostly the Highland Park green agate eater blades, which appear to be the same type as the MK-301. Has anyone used both that could share their experience, to justify (or not) the $50 difference in price? Or even the Barranca equivalent which is significantly more than both?
5. I've used the HP segmented blade as well, and have been looking at the MK-303 continuous rim recently. Are there any advantages to using these two blade types over the agate eater type, other than the slightly smaller thickness? All things considered, do they all have a similar total cut lifetime? Not sure I totally understand the need for the different blade types, or maybe there isn't a need and they're just a different "make" but work the same?
I haven't had any bad experiences with blades (knock on wood), and I've felt like I've had decent life out of most, or felt I got the value expected. I just don't have much to compare it to so I'm looking to educate myself some before branching out and trying something different, if there's even a compelling reason to make change.
Thanks in advance for any and all information shared!
1. I've seen people mention MK blades, is there a recognized "best" for blades when cost isn't a factor? I've also seen mention of the Barranca blades, which seem to be priced quite a bit higher still.
2. If cost is factor, is there a recognized "best" value blade/manufacturer?
3. What's a reasonable life expectancy on a quality blade that is primarily cutting hard materials (jasper/agate)? Is there a good way to track this? How is it typically measured? Just wondering how to tell if I'm getting the life out of the blade that I should.
4. I've been using mostly the Highland Park green agate eater blades, which appear to be the same type as the MK-301. Has anyone used both that could share their experience, to justify (or not) the $50 difference in price? Or even the Barranca equivalent which is significantly more than both?
5. I've used the HP segmented blade as well, and have been looking at the MK-303 continuous rim recently. Are there any advantages to using these two blade types over the agate eater type, other than the slightly smaller thickness? All things considered, do they all have a similar total cut lifetime? Not sure I totally understand the need for the different blade types, or maybe there isn't a need and they're just a different "make" but work the same?
I haven't had any bad experiences with blades (knock on wood), and I've felt like I've had decent life out of most, or felt I got the value expected. I just don't have much to compare it to so I'm looking to educate myself some before branching out and trying something different, if there's even a compelling reason to make change.
Thanks in advance for any and all information shared!
