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Post by cazadordepiedras on Oct 21, 2020 11:17:52 GMT -5
Greetings. I'm new to the forum and relatively new to rockhounding. I just got done tumbling my first batch of random rocks found with my kids and grandkids. And now we are all addicted!!!
I'm looking at wet tile saws for cutting. I found a used Workforce THD550 and a used Skil 3540. About the same price. I also have an angle grinder with a diamond blade, along with a dremel with diamond blads.
Question 1: If I have the angle grinder and the dremmel, do I really need a tile saw?
Question 2: Workforce or Skil? Any recommendations?
Many thanks!
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Post by mohs on Oct 21, 2020 11:53:28 GMT -5
right on pal
you'll soon find out that
you'll need ever type of rolling abrasive tool ha
but I would think ya need the saw
grab that workforce
quick
Welcome To RTH
EdMohs
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Post by greig on Oct 21, 2020 11:56:49 GMT -5
If you are going to slice rock, you will want to work wet to avoid dust. The make of the saw doest matter to me as much as the size relative to the rocks you want cut and the way you feed it. My tile saw is 7" and rocks larger than about 3" high wont go thru. It has a slide table that I like. If I was to buy one for rock, I think I would consider a large chop saw...and look for one for sale that was lightly used
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Tommy
Administrator 
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,989
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Post by Tommy on Oct 21, 2020 11:59:01 GMT -5
Greetings. I'm new to the forum and relatively new to rockhounding. I just got done tumbling my first batch of random rocks found with my kids and grandkids. And now we are all addicted!!! I'm looking at wet tile saws for cutting. I found a used Workforce THD550 and a used Skil 3540. About the same price. I also have an angle grinder with a diamond blade, along with a dremel with diamond blads. Question 1: If I have the angle grinder and the dremmel, do I really need a tile saw? Question 2: Workforce or Skil? Any recommendations? Many thanks! Hi and welcome! Definitely two different very useful tools for very different funtions - dremel and tile saw - and I would recommend having both. I personally use a 7" Rigid tile saw from Home Depot. It's a workhorse for trimming slabs up to around 3/8" thick and built super easy to clean. If the angle grinder is not specifically made for and equipped for water delivery I would not recommend using it for lapidary. A few years ago I stupidly tried to use a regular one as part of a concrete counter top wet sand project at my son's house and ruined it in no time at all. To take it one step further - I am of the humble opinion that even if an angle grinder has water delivery it is way too aggressive of a tool for lapidary unless you're polishing a stationary boulder or similar. |
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Post by Mel on Oct 24, 2020 20:15:32 GMT -5
Welcome to the forums!!
Definitely cut wet; you don't want that dust in your lungs. I cut all my slabs with a 1/3 HP 10" Felker tile saw & a Hot Dog diamond blade. Works like a charm other than the spray part... Definitely listen to Moh's and get the Workforce saw. Those are beasts!! Also, do NOT cheap on on a blade. I love my Hot Dog but there are others out there that will work too.
Prepare yourself, this is a very deep rabbit hole you're about to fall into :-)
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