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Cutting and Polishing

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djonas off to a rocking start Looking for advice on a good slab saw and a good polisher. what would you all recommend? Thanks Member since January 2020 Posts: 1	Cutting and Polishing Jan 8, 2020 10:43:02 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by djonas on Jan 8, 2020 10:43:02 GMT -5 What would you all recommend for a good slab saw and polisher, either a combo unit or separate. I've never used a saw or polisher so any and all info would be much appreciated.

Drummond Island Rocks
no longer being taken for granite

Member since October 2011
Posts: 8,913

Cutting and Polishing Jan 8, 2020 11:11:02 GMT -5 hummingbirdstones and EricD like this

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Post by Drummond Island Rocks on Jan 8, 2020 11:11:02 GMT -5

Welcome to RTH!

Need a bit more info. What size rocks do you want to be able to slice up and what is your end goal. Are you looking to create cabochons for jewelry? Budget is another large part of the equation. There are beginner hobby versions and more robust serious enthusiast versions.

True slab saws are generally stand alone machines ranging in blade sizes from 10" to 24". There are combo units that have 10" blades that are able to slice rocks but they are basically trim saws with a vise attached. A 10" saw will cut through about a 3.5" thick rock.

When it comes to making cabochons these will give you a price range for grinding and polishing when it comes to buying new.

This would be on the cheaper end
Hi-Tech

This would be the higher end (not highest)
Genie

True lapidary slab saws even in the 10" size start near $1000 new
slab saw prices

I highly recommend searching craigslist and Facebook marketplace. The lapidary equipment built back in the 70's is often a better then anything produced now anyway and prices for used are about 1/3 of new. Checking your area for a local rock club is also a great idea. Rock clubs often have equipment you can use to get a feel for the hobby before making a large investment.

Chuck

Last Edit: Jan 8, 2020 12:21:09 GMT -5 by Drummond Island Rocks

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Welcome to the Rock Tumbling Hobby Forum where we share a love of rocks and a sense of community as enduring as the stones we polish. The RTH Forum of www.RockTumbling.com is an Amazon Associate site and we earn money from qualifying purchases you make after clicking on our links such as this Rock Tumbling Supplies on Amazon link for instance, or any of our various product ads and banners. By clicking our links every time you begin your Amazon shopping experience, you are generating a bit of revenue for the forum which helps us cover our expenses. Thank you for your support!