johnthor1963
starting to spend too much on rocks
Cattle dogs rock
Member since June 2023
Posts: 137
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Post by johnthor1963 on Oct 15, 2023 14:33:16 GMT -5
Looking for some good advice on a trim saw. Mostly want to use it slab fist size rocks. I know fist size rocks vary form person to person so 4-5 inch rocks. Then to size them into workable pieces. Toying around with my cabbing machine has got me wanting to attempt something new we all know how it works lol. Throwing money at our adventures seems to keep us happy lol. Thx for sharing all of your adventures and outstanding work I think I might be hooked. Lol. Really some amazing advice comes from everyone here so in advance thank you for your time and advice.
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 15, 2023 15:26:07 GMT -5
Welcome to the rabbit hole....
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Post by jasoninsd on Oct 15, 2023 23:25:57 GMT -5
Although I'd love to have an actual lapidary saw...I've been using a 10" wet tile saw from Harbor Freight ever since I stumbled down the rabbit hole like you're doing. I can cut slabs pretty decently on it without a vise...although I almost took one of my fingers off last year when the blade grabbed a rock...but other than that, they're great! LOL
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Post by Peruano on Oct 16, 2023 6:41:50 GMT -5
The best trim saw is like the best bicycle helmet, its the one that you have available and will use. If you can find a 10 or 8" that would be best. A good blade can make a moderate saw work well, but any saw with a bad blade will work you and the motor too hard. All trim saws can be messy because they lack a top, but its possible to fabricate a shield in front of the blade on most saws so that the operator does not have to take a shower with every use. Ditto for some side protection. And learning how much water (or gasp oil) to use in the tank will certainly limit the mess from lubricant spray. If you can find something really cheap, why not try it and get some experience as to what is important to you as for features to shop for when you spend real money. Happy sawing.
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chris1956
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2022
Posts: 1,229
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Post by chris1956 on Oct 16, 2023 7:51:45 GMT -5
Although I'd love to have an actual lapidary saw...I've been using a 10" wet tile saw from Harbor Freight ever since I stumbled down the rabbit hole like you're doing. I can cut slabs pretty decently on it without a vise...although I almost took one of my fingers off last year when the blade grabbed a rock...but other than that, they're great! LOL You cut all those Fairburns on a tile saw? Wow, you are good!
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chris1956
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2022
Posts: 1,229
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Post by chris1956 on Oct 16, 2023 8:06:32 GMT -5
I am not the world's best expert on trim saws but here are my thoughts. I would say you probably want a 10" for fist size rocks. Get something that is easily cleaned (ie. a top that is on hinges vs screws or bolts that you have to undo. They always put those screws in the hardest place to get to.). Try water first as it will make much less mess from the spray than oil. If you get into a lot of hard material like agates you can always switch to oil. The one I bought came with a shield but as mentioned by forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/user/3477, you can easily make one by getting acrylic sheets from the hardware store. The saw I have has an oil reservoir that bleads into the saw reservoir which is a pain in the !@!$!. Get one with a large reservoir that you can easily check the water or oil level. If you have a rock club near you it would be good to join and get some experience with different types of saws and see what members like and dislike.
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Post by rockjunquie on Oct 16, 2023 8:12:40 GMT -5
Although I'd love to have an actual lapidary saw...I've been using a 10" wet tile saw from Harbor Freight ever since I stumbled down the rabbit hole like you're doing. I can cut slabs pretty decently on it without a vise...although I almost took one of my fingers off last year when the blade grabbed a rock...but other than that, they're great! LOL You cut all those Fairburns on a tile saw? Wow, you are good! Jason did a lot of cutting for me a while back. You would NEVER know he did them by hand. They were masterfully cut.
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mgroothuis
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since November 2022
Posts: 163
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Post by mgroothuis on Oct 30, 2023 7:15:13 GMT -5
I'm in kind of the same boat. I was looking at flat laps and cabbers for something fun, but the end result is still pretty similar to my tumbling, which is round glossy rocks. A 10" saw would open new doors. I've been looking at a Lortone 10" or the Highland Park stainless 10".
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callmerob
starting to spend too much on rocks
I really like a dirt road
Member since September 2019
Posts: 131
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Post by callmerob on Nov 4, 2023 13:07:03 GMT -5
8020.net has Quick Frame - 1" extrusion with flanges to attach panels. Looks ok to make a cover for a saw with plexiglas. Can buy it precut, and assemble with a mallet. Maybe miter the flange corners like a picture frame.
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