rcadamssr
off to a rocking start
Member since January 2009
Posts: 5
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Post by rcadamssr on Mar 25, 2009 7:57:15 GMT -5
Can anyone furnish information on how to post pictures on this site? I am a newbie at using a slab saw-cutting rock for flint knapping.The tray sides on my 10-inch highland park slab saw prevents cutting long material greater than 5-inches. Also, the saw vise furnished is limited to about 4-inch wide rocks. The saw does have an automatic screw feed which works well. The addition of a cover to contain oil splash and two platforms to raise the rocks above the side rails of the saw table top would allow cutting longer material at a reduced thickness of course but would benefit further cutting of slabs. Is cutting on the reduced blade height with riser blocks on each side of the blade feasible? Does any one have a home made fix for a larger vise for this situation ( I would like to maintain the automatic feed capibility)?
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Mudshark
fully equipped rock polisher
Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie' until you can find a rock. Will Rogers
Member since December 2008
Posts: 1,083
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Post by Mudshark on Mar 25, 2009 17:40:45 GMT -5
Can you post a pic of your saw?I think I know what you want to do but I'm not familiar with your particular saw.I'm sure if we saw a pic someone could help you out.I've modified my vices when I had a weird shaped rock a few times,usually with a wood block or wedge(s).I had a long piece of rock shaped like a french bread one time and I just set a wood block under it to clear the drive screw and set the cover on wood blocks also,worked fine.If it's just one particular rock you want to cut you might want to just cut it freehand. Mike
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Post by catmandewe on Mar 25, 2009 19:59:43 GMT -5
The vise on most of those saws consist of a couple of threaded ready rods or some of them have bolts that clamp the rocks in the vise jaws. You can just get a longer piece of ready rod or a longer bolt to make the clamp hold larger rocks. You can also raise the platform to cut longer, but then the oil will run over both ends as they hang over the tray sides, and will not stay within the tray, which then drains back into the reservoir, so you will leak lots of fluid and run the risk of losing all your fluid and cutting dry.
The effective cutting capacity of a saw is 1/3 of its blade diameter so a 10" blade can effectively cut 3.5 inches. You can easily damage a blade and/or your saw by going over that.
Good luck............Tony
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Post by johnjsgems on Mar 25, 2009 22:18:46 GMT -5
What Tony said. Ever watch Tim The Tool Man Taylor?
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