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Post by Starguy on Dec 31, 2014 11:50:34 GMT -5
I've got an older Lortone TS-8. The blade is worn out and the bearings need to be replaced. I think I can find bearings locally but I'm not sure which blade to buy.
I was looking at the Barranca 301 or 303 blades.
I want to use the saw for slabbing small agate nodules for tumbling. It will probably be used for trimming slabs too.
Which of these blades would be the best?
Thanks
Brent
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Post by Peruano on Dec 31, 2014 13:49:53 GMT -5
I have my first 301 blade waiting to be installed on my 10" saw. So, I'm going to speak theoretically. I believe the 301 is a tougher blade than the 303. I also believe that both are a bit more expensive that you might need for cutting agates for tumblers rather than trimming slabs. That said as a saw blade only to be used by you, the 301 would probably perform great. Its just that as a thinner blade than cheaper ones, it would be more likely to be bent or damaged if used in a situation with lots of users (some less careful than others). I bought some used blades at the Tucson show for $10 and have used them for several years on my 7" trim saw for just what you are describing and they have held up (using oil). So . . . a blade does not have to be expensive, but it does have to be treated carefully to keep it from being trashed too quickly. I'm not sure what John's Gems sell for his non BD blade alternative, but the CigarBox Lapidary has an inexpensive blade that they swear by so it might be an alternative if cheaper than the 301. Blades are problematic for getting recommendations because everyone has their own way of using (or abusing) them and their own priceline for buying. Good luck. Tom
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Post by Rockoonz on Dec 31, 2014 15:16:11 GMT -5
If you want to be able to cut larger geodes and have the blade hold up the 303 is available in a .060" thickness which should require a significant amount of effort to damage. I have a new 301 in 6"x.040" that will go into our trim saw as soon as we use up the cheap sintered chinese blade that has lasted an amazingly long time. The Chinese blade was more like .030" and survived stuff up to about 2 inch diameter easily.
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Post by Starguy on Jan 1, 2015 12:28:08 GMT -5
Peruano. RockoonzThanks guys. The 301 will be ordered today. Happy new year.
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 2, 2015 20:48:00 GMT -5
As far as I know, 6" 301 only comes in .025" and 8" in .040". Where are you finding the thicker blades? .040" in 8" is a pretty stout blade. Be careful with rotation. They are single direction but sometimes the arrows are not really obvious. As with any diamond blade, listen to the saw and use a steady gentle feed pressure to let the diamonds do the work.
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Post by Rockoonz on Jan 2, 2015 23:02:02 GMT -5
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Post by johnjsgems on Jan 5, 2015 21:11:47 GMT -5
Sorry Lee, I thought you said 301.
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