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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Mar 4, 2020 21:40:13 GMT -5
Give it a new $300 blade!
Okay - I know this doesn't "fix" anything, but after putting a new 301 on the 18" Frantom it didn't struggle to get through a rock like it has been. Haven't used the 301 before, and I didn't realize just how dead the old one was until I looked at it more closely. Still had some teeth, but it was down to the edge of the core.
It still probably needs to have the split nut tapped (or replaced - along with the old feed screw) but I'm not ready to do that yet. I also think the new spring I ordered for the split nut just isn't strong enough. Going to look for one 1/2" shorter.
Will keep working on the old saw bit by bit. This is "on the job training" for me since it's our first conventional slab saw.
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Post by stardiamond on Mar 4, 2020 22:32:02 GMT -5
Saws should require the equivalent of driver training. When it was time to buy a slab saw, I did some research and bought a Covington 16 inch combo slab saw. It sat in the box for 7 years until I retired. It is extremely well made and has a non standard design. The original blade was good quality and I ruined it. I replaced it with a 14 inch MK303 which has a smaller kerf and will cut almost everything I would consider cutting. It started to bind, so I replaced it with a 14 inch Mk301. The MK303 probably had years on it. The Covington uses a clutch which is a really good feature when the operator understands it. It cuts fast when it can and slows down when necessary. The key is understanding how to adjust the clutch. I adjusted it so it no longer worked. Covington gave me a free replacement clutch but I quit using the saw because I didn't feel comfortable replacing it and it was a two person job. I had a handyman out to do some other work and I had him replace the clutch. The bolts weren't easily accessible and he had better tools than I did. I made sure that I got the clutch adjusted correctly and have made a few adjustments since then. What I also learned is that even with a dressed blade some cuts will bind and to accept that, back out and continue.
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