kenefick
starting to shine!
Member since August 2014
Posts: 44
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Post by kenefick on Oct 4, 2014 10:22:48 GMT -5
I am considering purchasing a small (4") trim saw. Right now, I am using a C40 band saw to cut preforms. It works well, but is kind of slow on thicker/harder material, and the blades are fairly costly for the life I'm getting out of them. I'm probably a little heavy handed. The saw would be set up in a kitchen converted to workshop, so I would like to have minimal overspray/splash, and fairly quiet would be a plus. So far, I am considering an Ameritool or HiTech, but am definitely open to other makes. I would appreciate any input, recommendations, evaluations or opinions from those of you with experience. Thanks for any assistance you may be able to provide.
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Post by roy on Oct 4, 2014 10:59:09 GMT -5
TONY (catmandew) has a real nice one forsale check with him it has a hood to which will be a plus for what you want!
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Post by catmandewe on Oct 4, 2014 11:14:42 GMT -5
I have an almost new Lortone TS8 which is an 8" saw, it was used very little and still looks brand new. $500.
It was used inside the house by the gentleman who used to own it so he could cut stuff when it was cold outside.
If you want pictures let me know...................Tony
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,623
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Post by QuailRiver on Oct 4, 2014 11:52:00 GMT -5
I am considering purchasing a small (4") trim saw. Right now, I am using a C40 band saw to cut preforms. It works well, but is kind of slow on thicker/harder material, and the blades are fairly costly for the life I'm getting out of them. I'm probably a little heavy handed. The saw would be set up in a kitchen converted to workshop, so I would like to have minimal overspray/splash, and fairly quiet would be a plus. So far, I am considering an Ameritool or HiTech, but am definitely open to other makes. I would appreciate any input, recommendations, evaluations or opinions from those of you with experience. Thanks for any assistance you may be able to provide. Four inch trim saws are fine for cutting small soft materials like turquoise and opal, or for trimming faceting rough. But if you are going to be using it for preforming agates and other hard materials you're better off going ahead and getting a larger size trim saw than 4". Otherwise you will be spending the difference on blades. Four inch blades will wear out fast trimming hard materials. I use a 6" model "J" Rock Rascal for trimming most slabs and for larger slabs trim them on my Raytech 10" trim/slab saw. Both are a little too messy for in home use. The Lortone TS-8 that Tony mentioned has a clear hood with open sides that would probably help contain the spray better for in house use. Larry C.
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kenefick
starting to shine!
Member since August 2014
Posts: 44
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Post by kenefick on Oct 4, 2014 12:20:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the responses. I should have noted that I have a 10" trim/slab saw, oil cooled, that I use from time to time. I was hoping for something small that would fit on a countertop, and less messy than the oil. I would be trimming all types of material, from soft to hard. Am I asking for too much? Learning as I go.
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Post by catmandewe on Oct 4, 2014 13:07:46 GMT -5
The TS8 is a stainless steel saw so it can be used with water or oil. Water will make your blades wear out faster though. It might not be as small as you are looking for though.
I am not trying to sell this to you, just trying to give you options.
Tony
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kenefick
starting to shine!
Member since August 2014
Posts: 44
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Post by kenefick on Oct 4, 2014 13:40:09 GMT -5
Tony, I do appreciate the offer. I think it may be a little larger than I was thinking about. Heck of good deal though.
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Post by Rockoonz on Oct 4, 2014 14:14:54 GMT -5
I like my little Tiny Trim 4 inch saw, much more durable than Hitech or Ameritool. It is now called Lapcraft lil trimmer.
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Post by pghram on Oct 10, 2014 9:25:45 GMT -5
Johnsgems sells a 4 inch Mk saw. It cuts through hard agate like a hot knife going through butter.
Rich
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kenefick
starting to shine!
Member since August 2014
Posts: 44
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Post by kenefick on Oct 13, 2014 8:24:47 GMT -5
Thanks for the suggestions. I would love to be able to see the different types/makes in operation. I can only get a general idea from the sales pitch on the internet, and since there are no equipment suppliers locally, an actual demo is a pipe dream. My biggest concern is controlling/limiting overspray. I don't mind a little cleanup, but don't want to have to mop down the whole area after each use. My lil bitty mind says that if I can control the speed, I can control the spray, which is why the Ameritool and HiTech seem to have an advantage. Would like to hear from those of you who have first hand experience with these (or other) units.
Thanks.
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Post by Rockoonz on Oct 13, 2014 21:47:38 GMT -5
My experience with Ameritool and Hitech is they can barely cut anything that is even remotely hard. If it sprays half as much and takes twice as long to cut a rock you end up with the same results,plus a very frustrating piece of equipment.
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Post by glennz01 on Oct 13, 2014 23:31:41 GMT -5
$99 tile saw made by QEP in home depot
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Post by johnjsgems on Oct 14, 2014 16:54:28 GMT -5
MK145 tile saw with good tile blade and a 303C lapidary blade lists for $145. For trimming slabs you can't beat it for the money. They are deafening loud but with 1/2hp 5500 rpm motor they scream through agate slabs at about the speed of light. Made for use with plain water. One year warranty. You could do the same with a 4" tile saw as long as arbor is 5/8".
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Post by pghram on Oct 15, 2014 13:33:24 GMT -5
MK145 tile saw with good tile blade and a 303C lapidary blade lists for $145. For trimming slabs you can't beat it for the money. They are deafening loud but with 1/2hp 5500 rpm motor they scream through agate slabs at about the speed of light. Made for use with plain water. One year warranty. You could do the same with a 4" tile saw as long as arbor is 5/8". Yes, John, that's the one. It's great! I need to get a new lapidary blade though. Rich
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Post by pghram on Oct 15, 2014 13:35:04 GMT -5
$99 tile saw made by QEP in home depot Glennz01, Yes I use a tile saw too, very fast but they throw a lot more water than the 4 inch MK saw, so it just depends on the use. Rich
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kenefick
starting to shine!
Member since August 2014
Posts: 44
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Post by kenefick on Oct 15, 2014 17:44:36 GMT -5
The price on the MK145 is tempting. pgrahm, how much water does it throw? I don't see a front shield on it.
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Post by Rockoonz on Oct 15, 2014 20:18:16 GMT -5
It will throw a lot of water, it was made to cut tile outdoors.
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Post by Peruano on Oct 15, 2014 20:46:44 GMT -5
In my eyes, almost any trim saw that has good bearings is a good trim saw, but I'd favor a 6" or 7" because of versatility and blade availability over smaller versions. Yes ease of cleaning, a reasonable splash guard between you and the saw, and a decent blade are desirable, but hey, all of those except ease of cleaning should be available on any tile saw, trim saw or small slab saw in existence. A famous photographer was asked recently what was her favored camera, and she replied, " the one that I have with me, I.E. my smart phone". The best trim saw is the one you have, and when that doesn't meet the needs, you will know and be able to replace it or borrow one that does. When it comes to slab saws, you should select carefully, and when you pay full price for a trim saw you might do so as well, but if you can score a saw at HF, the yard sale, or on the economy end of lapidary suppliers, I'd feel somewhat confident to go for anything that feel within my budget and timeline expectations. Which is to say, don't put off a winter's worth of lapidary to save $20 on a trim saw bargain. JMHO. Enjoy. tom
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Post by glennz01 on Oct 15, 2014 22:10:54 GMT -5
$99 tile saw made by QEP in home depot Glennz01, Yes I use a tile saw too, very fast but they throw a lot more water than the 4 inch MK saw, so it just depends on the use. Rich True, it does have a faster RPM... Just don't use it indoors (or at least not in an area that isn't allowed to get wet) I just needed something to start with without sending a lot of money... some day i will get an actual lapidary trim saw. Also to note the QEP throws off the most water on startup and shutdown... once its spinning fully its mostly a mist. I should take a vid some day... The only downside about it is that rounding the edges is a little harder with the shield down.
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Post by stardiamond on Oct 17, 2014 13:37:44 GMT -5
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