|
Post by adam on Apr 30, 2021 10:33:18 GMT -5
So as the title says. I have a few large agates and such that I have had for a while and I would love to have slabbed. Some of these rocks are about 10 to 12 inches long. Mainly KY material. If anyone has a saw large enough PM me and maybe we can work out a deal where I ship you rocks, you slab them, and return them. Ive done this before about 4 times but its been a few years. Would really appreciate the help.
|
|
|
Post by hummingbirdstones on Apr 30, 2021 10:42:59 GMT -5
adam what is the diameter of the rocks? Need to know what size saw blade is needed to cut them.
|
|
|
Post by adam on Apr 30, 2021 20:06:46 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by hummingbirdstones on Apr 30, 2021 21:25:57 GMT -5
Not really.
Need to know the diameter across the thickest part of the stone, not the length. Say it's 6" at the widest part, then you'd need a 12" or 14" inch saw to make those cuts.
|
|
|
Post by manofglass on May 1, 2021 9:42:02 GMT -5
Not really. Need to know the diameter across the thickest part of the stone, not the length. Say it's 6" at the widest part, then you'd need a 12" or 14" inch saw to make those cuts.
A 18” saw cuts a 6-1/2” stone with the 1/4” vice blocks 7” without
|
|
|
Post by hummingbirdstones on May 1, 2021 9:50:07 GMT -5
Not really. Need to know the diameter across the thickest part of the stone, not the length. Say it's 6" at the widest part, then you'd need a 12" or 14" inch saw to make those cuts.
A 18” saw cuts a 6-1/2” stone with the 1/4” vice blocks 7” without Thanks for the correction, Walt!
|
|
|
Post by adam on May 1, 2021 11:28:43 GMT -5
Not really.
Need to know the diameter across the thickest part of the stone, not the length. Say it's 6" at the widest part, then you'd need a 12" or 14" inch saw to make those cuts.
I do not have a tape measure or anyway to currently measure these rocks so Im gonna say at least 9 inches for the diameter of the largest rock. Maybe 10 inches at most.
|
|
neural
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2019
Posts: 114
|
Post by neural on May 1, 2021 14:10:13 GMT -5
hummingbirdstones My shoe size is 12, so the round one to the lower right is probably 10" to 12" diameter on the long axis. These could possibly be cut on a 14", but it depends on whether or not there is at least one, preferably two dimensions that are (edit) under 6". The LS-14 with a trim plate and some creative vise work could potentially trim a couple inches off the sides on some of them, bringing them into the right size for normal slabbing.
|
|
Tommy
Administrator
Member since January 2013
Posts: 12,652
|
Post by Tommy on May 1, 2021 15:52:05 GMT -5
Just visually I would say 18" saw with a slower speed ratio pully would be the minimum for agates that size.
I have an 18" saw but to me each one of those stones represents probably several hours of work just making slices, then is the cross cuts not to mention boxing and sending slabs back as well as the chunks that the vice needed. Definitely an all day affair and that assumes smooth running.
This is why a lot of folks who contract cut know what they are getting into and typically demand a very large portion of the rock.
|
|
|
Post by HankRocks on May 1, 2021 16:28:41 GMT -5
To add to what Tommy said, every cut made on a saw is one step closer to a saw cleanout which for larger saws can be a chore. It is also 1 less cut in the life of the blade. On top of that round rocks require extra work to clamp and any slip in the vise can result in a damaged blade. The few places I have found that do fee cuts are pretty expensive, or as mentioned ask for half, or a decent portion of the rock. I did cut 6 geodes for a lady who has bought from me several times at my Craft Shows. I also polished them for her and that was included in the cost. As she was a good repeat customer and she has referred a few of her friends to buy from me I was inclined to do this for her. Do you have any Rock and Mineral clubs close to you? A good many of them have shops equipped with saws. Might be an option for you. Good luck with your search.
|
|
|
Post by adam on May 2, 2021 9:57:11 GMT -5
To add to what Tommy said, every cut made on a saw is one step closer to a saw cleanout which for larger saws can be a chore. It is also 1 less cut in the life of the blade. On top of that round rocks require extra work to clamp and any slip in the vise can result in a damaged blade. The few places I have found that do fee cuts are pretty expensive, or as mentioned ask for half, or a decent portion of the rock. I did cut 6 geodes for a lady who has bought from me several times at my Craft Shows. I also polished them for her and that was included in the cost. As she was a good repeat customer and she has referred a few of her friends to buy from me I was inclined to do this for her. Do you have any Rock and Mineral clubs close to you? A good many of them have shops equipped with saws. Might be an option for you. Good luck with your search. I would still have to ship as I don't have a car and can't drive. I just moved to southern Tennessee 3 months ago near the Alabama border. I knew of rock clubs in KY, but I would have to research clubs down here. Thanks for your input.
|
|
|
Post by adam on May 2, 2021 10:00:34 GMT -5
Just visually I would say 18" saw with a slower speed ratio pully would be the minimum for agates that size. I have an 18" saw but to me each one of those stones represents probably several hours of work just making slices, then is the cross cuts not to mention boxing and sending slabs back as well as the chunks that the vice needed. Definitely an all day affair and that assumes smooth running. This is why a lot of folks who contract cut know what they are getting into and typically demand a very large portion of the rock. I can pay just about any fee as long as it isn't out of this world expensive. But demanding more than a few slices from my material should mean a lower fee for cutting services. I always share a few slices with whoever cuts my rocks. To an extent.
|
|