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Post by expensivehobbies on Jul 5, 2022 13:18:16 GMT -5
Hello! I am a newbie to the lapidary arts. We purchased a used, older 14" Rock's gravity feed slab saw. It started to bog down a bit cutting some harder rocks and now it just isn't cutting well at all. Bogged down all the time. It came with a crappy blade and it looks like the motor is undersized for a 14". Time for an upgrade, I am guessing. The motor that is on it now is a 1/3 HP motor. The 14" saws I see now typically have a 1/2 HP motor. If we upgrade to a 1/2 HP motor, do the pulleys need to be changed out, as well? Is it a difficult job to do any of this? Any recommendations on brand? Also, plan on getting a better blade, too. Was thinking an MK-301. Just wanted to see if there is anything else to consider. Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks!
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Post by parfive on Jul 5, 2022 13:35:24 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH.
Try a new blade before you replace the motor.
I don’t know what your saw looks like but changing the motor size will surely affect the balance of the saw and the effective cutting weight of the blade.
If it still cuts slow on hard stuff, try adding some weight (3-5 lbs) at the blade end.
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Post by parfive on Jul 5, 2022 13:41:02 GMT -5
Welcome to RTH. Try a new blade before you replace the motor. I don’t know what your saw looks like but changing the motor size will surely affect the balance of the saw and the effective cutting weight of the blade. If it still cuts slow on hard stuff, try adding some weight (3-5 lbs) at the blade end. CANCEL THAT. I think I mistook your gravity feed for a drop saw.
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Post by rmf on Jul 5, 2022 14:27:13 GMT -5
Look at the plate on the side of the motor. If you stay with the same RPM then no pulley changes though if the motor is physically larger the belt might change.
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Post by Rockoonz on Jul 5, 2022 22:22:49 GMT -5
Pics would help of the saw and detail on the edge of the blade. I would start by dressing/swaging the blade like the HP video, only do it off the saw. I would also check the blade alignment and ise a straightedge to make sure it's flat and not dished. Weight feed saws require a lot more maintenance and blade care, and too much weight is the most common cause.
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Post by parfive on Jul 6, 2022 0:21:14 GMT -5
How’s the oil, on a scale of fairly clean to mud?
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Post by Rockoonz on Jul 6, 2022 0:37:19 GMT -5
Also, 1/3hp is plenty in a 14" saw, no need for more.
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Post by vegasjames on Jul 6, 2022 1:01:26 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum.
I would check the blade first to make sure it is straight. If the blade is warped it can cause a lot of drag.
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Post by expensivehobbies on Jul 7, 2022 16:01:32 GMT -5
Thanks, folks. The oil is clean. Cleaned the saw and replaced the oil when we purchased it not too long ago and checked for debris below the blade. Checked the blade and it looked to be lined up correctly and not warped. Ran it with the top open (yes, oily affair) just to make sure it wasn't rubbing anywhere and it wasn't.
Went ahead and ordered a new blade and motor. Will try to swap the blade first, but suspect that the motor is on its way out since it sounds bogged down even when not cutting. Appreciate all of the advice and will let you know how it goes.
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rockbrain
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2022
Posts: 3,057
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Post by rockbrain on Jul 7, 2022 18:05:56 GMT -5
You may have already done it but check that the saw spins freely. Bogging down without cutting could be a motor going bad or a bad bearing in an arbor.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,352
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Post by quartz on Jul 7, 2022 22:11:11 GMT -5
Does the motor have provision for oiling it, either oil cups or just holes over the bearings. If so did you oil it? I've seen "dry" motors that would barely run until lubed up, then ran fine.
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Post by Rockoonz on Jul 7, 2022 22:39:14 GMT -5
^^^Yep, what Larry said^^^ If it has sleeve bearings and oiler holes I would hit them with a small shot of penetrating oil or turbine oil if you have it, and spin the shaft by hand to see if it gets easierif so add a few drops of motor oil tith a penetrating oil chaser, or more turbine/sewing machine type oil if you have it.
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quartz
Cave Dweller
breakin' rocks in the hot sun
Member since February 2010
Posts: 3,352
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Post by quartz on Jul 8, 2022 23:55:44 GMT -5
Lowes here sells 3 in 1 brand 20wt. electric motor oil in a small container, works well for me.
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