Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Jan 2, 2022 17:21:32 GMT -5
I purchased an old 16 inch slab saw in need of some TLC. The seller was reselling it due to a big move and thought it was a home built saw. The more pictures I see of early saws it looks to me much like a Highland Park saw very much like the one Tommy put wheels on. I would not be using it a lot but having a big saw would be nice. My guess is it would take about 20 gal of oil to fill it up. At this stage I am taking it apart and thinking very seriously about painting all the interior basin with three coats of rust killer paint and using water as a coolant when I need to make some slabs. I would drain the water and dry out the interior and spray down bearings etc. with WD-40. For comparison to oil what does it cost to fill up a big saw, how long does it last without heavy use, and how do you dispose of the old oil at change time? How huge is the cooling issue for light use service? I have seen where some people add non toxic additives to water and claim good cooling performance. I know of a huge granite saw in a near by town that uses a water spray while running. If I can do without the expense and mess of oil it would sure be nice.
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AzRockGeek
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2016
Posts: 703
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Post by AzRockGeek on Jan 2, 2022 18:07:08 GMT -5
How big is the blade? A typical 18" saw takes about 5 gal of oil. If it is over 10" blade, DO NOT USE WATER!
Some pics or a link to some pics would be helpful.
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Jan 2, 2022 18:17:04 GMT -5
It has a 16 inch blade on it now. The saw has a huge square basin will have to get some pictures but I don’t think 5 gal., will reach the blade.
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AzRockGeek
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2016
Posts: 703
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Post by AzRockGeek on Jan 2, 2022 18:54:06 GMT -5
It has a 16 inch blade on it now. The saw has a huge square basin will have to get some pictures but I don’t think 5 gal., will reach the blade. If the saw is a 16/18 then it would require more oil, but I doubt 20 gal. |
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Post by stardiamond on Jan 2, 2022 19:26:41 GMT -5
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Post by victor1941 on Jan 2, 2022 21:18:21 GMT -5
San Juan Ranch Ultra Cruz is a good choice at a fair price. I use this oil in a 14" Covington slab saw with no problems.
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Jan 2, 2022 22:18:58 GMT -5
I bookmarked stardiamond’s link for later reference, it will take me a while to redo this saw. Victor are you a member of the Austin Gem and Mineral club? I am thinking about joining if we ever get over this Covid situation.
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Post by victor1941 on Jan 2, 2022 22:49:49 GMT -5
Time, I am not a member but did attend several meetings a few years ago. I basically don't go out and limit my day to day outside trips because of Covid. I am fully vaccinated and in good health but also have a history of being very susceptible to lung diseases. I live in north Austin near 35 and would be glad to provide information if needed.
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Jan 2, 2022 23:27:30 GMT -5
Victor it was Covid that bumped me into my time with rocks. A little over a year ago I decided to search for some small pendant size stones, carve some symbols on them, and make them into necklaces for my wife, daughter, and granddaughter. They like them and granddaughter decided we needed to up our game to tumbling. Now I am working on learning to make cabs and wire wrapping. So far I am a master of none but it keeps be entertained and away from the crowds. About a week ago I purchased some cabbing material from a couple in Round Rock that will keep me busy for quite a while.
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 3, 2022 1:09:21 GMT -5
My 14 inch HP saw takes about 5 gallons if I use it with a 12" blade, the 18" takes almost 5.
I really like the Stellar Lubricants saw oil
A few pics of your saw would help, if you don't feel like setting up a way to share you can email to me and I'll post them.
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Post by Peruano on Jan 3, 2022 7:45:12 GMT -5
When I renovated an old slab saw of unknown specs, I initially fired it up with water in the tank. This gave me a basis of seeing the saw run, determining the volume of lubricant needed, and ways to fit a hood to control splash, spray, and mist. Importantly I drained the water after a couple of hours and felt supported in investing in a new blade, adequate oil, and improvising a hood. I have a 14/16 Highland Park saw that certainly does not take 5 gallons (probably closer to 3 gallons). Enjoy the restoration process and the saw once its purring. Ask questions. We are generous with advice.
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NDK
Cave Dweller 
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Jan 3, 2022 9:31:10 GMT -5
One thing I didn't see mentioned yet is the saw oil doesn't go bad. Eventually it will need to be filtered and topped off. Leaving the saw sit with oil in it does no harm whatsoever.
Good luck with the saw, it's a fun piece of equipment 👍
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herb
spending too much on rocks
Member since November 2011
Posts: 476
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Post by herb on Jan 3, 2022 9:46:06 GMT -5
It has a 16 inch blade on it now. The saw has a huge square basin will have to get some pictures but I don’t think 5 gal., will reach the blade. The height of the oil should be about 1/4 inch above the diamond portion of the blade. For a 16 inch saw about 4 or 5 gallons should do it for a commercially made saw. If it really needs more, it is possible that the saw is supposed to have a bigger blade than what it currently has. Measure the distance between the blade and the bottom of the saw and the distance between the blade and the back of the saw. If the distance at the back is more than 2 inches then the saw is probably designed for a bigger blade |
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vwfence
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2013
Posts: 566
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Post by vwfence on Jan 3, 2022 10:08:56 GMT -5
Tractor Supply sells Irrigation Drip oil which is mineral Oil . the last i bought was 44.95 for a 5 gallon pail . If your local store doesnt stock it you should be able to get it shipped to the store by ordering it online or possibly rain checking it in the store .
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Jan 3, 2022 10:39:45 GMT -5
vwfence could you give me a name brand of that oil? I searched the tractor supply website and couldn't find it. Thanks
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AzRockGeek
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2016
Posts: 703
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Post by AzRockGeek on Jan 3, 2022 10:59:02 GMT -5
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Time
starting to spend too much on rocks
Making something positive out of COVID restrictions by learning to create jewelry out of stones.
Member since September 2021
Posts: 154
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Post by Time on Jan 3, 2022 11:30:44 GMT -5
When I renovated an old slab saw of unknown specs, I initially fired it up with water in the tank. This gave me a basis of seeing the saw run, determining the volume of lubricant needed, and ways to fit a hood to control splash, spray, and mist. Importantly I drained the water after a couple of hours and felt supported in investing in a new blade, adequate oil, and improvising a hood. I have a 14/16 Highland Park saw that certainly does not take 5 gallons (probably closer to 3 gallons). Enjoy the restoration process and the saw once its purring. Ask questions. We are generous with advice. I think the restoration will be fun. The saw is really heavy but looks well made from the start. It has a great vice that is in good shape, I don’t know about the bearings, case has rust but it is mainly surface rust, it has a threaded drive system that seems to work, no motor but the base to mount one looks ok. |
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 3, 2022 12:53:54 GMT -5
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vwfence
has rocks in the head
Member since January 2013
Posts: 566
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Post by vwfence on Jan 3, 2022 15:03:47 GMT -5
I am not sure what brand they are carrying right now , but i just bought 4 pails so when i go to the shop again i will look at the pail . As for the weight i dont know that i ever checked it but i have no trouble with it at 30 degree s or at 120
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AzRockGeek
has rocks in the head
Member since September 2016
Posts: 703
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Post by AzRockGeek on Jan 4, 2022 8:29:08 GMT -5
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