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Post by MyNewHobby on May 7, 2009 15:11:40 GMT -5
I am chomping at the bit to get a saw.
Tomorrow (actually I ordered it this afternoon and will process the PayPal tomorrow) I will be placing an order with JohnsGems for the Gryphon Studio and additional bits.
Now I (WANT) a saw. I can see that MK-145 (4") is a bit small. I would not be able to slice up a moss agate that is about 3-4" long x 3-4" wide x 3-4" thick. Then I saw the MK-170 (7"). Is this a saw that I would be able to get a good foothold on learning with and be able to start cutting/slicing up all of these goodies I have?
As always Julie
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Post by MyNewHobby on May 7, 2009 15:14:21 GMT -5
ps ....
What about a Workforce wet saw?
Julie
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Post by texaswoodie on May 7, 2009 15:26:14 GMT -5
Julie If you want to try it out without spending a bundle, buy the workforce. Be aware that you have to cut by hand and use small rocks.
If you have the money and want to jump in there, I would suggest a 10 inch autofeed. A year from now, you'll want a 14 inch, then an 18 inch and so on. ;D
Curt
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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 May 7, 2009 16:34:58 GMT -5
Julie,for 88 dollars the workforce is hard to beat.I know a few people here have the mk 170 and like it.When you go to 10 inch the price really jumps up.I got the lowes version of the workforce and really like it.Just remember to cut from behind the saw so you dont get soaked and hit on the head with flying rocks. Mike
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Post by akansan on May 7, 2009 17:03:25 GMT -5
I have the MK-145, and I use it for a trim saw only. It works wonderfully for that - very little mess - but you definitely won't be able to cut anything larger than 3/4" at most.
The Workforce will easily handle 1 1/4" material, and about 3" material if you rotate the rock on the blade. A 10" saw will handle 3" material easily. A 14" saw will handle 4-5" material.
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Post by 150FromFundy on May 7, 2009 17:16:57 GMT -5
Start with a 7" first. A Qep replacement balde is under $20 and will make hundreds of cuts.
Once your into an 8", or larger, you will have to buy "true" lapidary blades. One lapidary quality blade will probably cost more than the WorkForce. It's a whole other world that I haven't entered into yet.
150FromFundy
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Post by MyNewHobby on May 7, 2009 17:41:12 GMT -5
I found what I think is one of the Workforce Saws at Home Depot (online).
Is this the correct one?
Workforce 7-inch Tile Wet Saw, with 4.8 AMP, 3/4 HP Motor and 7-inch Diamond Blade Model 22500 $88.00/EA Each
I am still trying to research a few of the other suggestions you guys gave me.
I am now on a mission!!!
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Post by catmandewe on May 7, 2009 17:44:14 GMT -5
yes that is the one. Try it first, if you find you like it you can go up from there.
Tony
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Post by stonesthatrock on May 7, 2009 17:59:36 GMT -5
ditto on all they said
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Post by MyNewHobby on May 7, 2009 18:10:55 GMT -5
Wooohooo!
Just found out that our local Home Depot has these in stock.
It would probably be a good idea too if I bought extra blades.
Goody .... new toys!!!
As Always
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Post by Bejewelme on May 7, 2009 19:32:09 GMT -5
Julie: If I can use a workforce so can you!!! After knocking myself in the head a few times, I learned how to turn the rocks LOL!! And please remember to wear safety glasses when cutting!!! Good luck!
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Post by kap on May 7, 2009 20:44:59 GMT -5
If you have any pawn shops in your area check with them I have bought 3 workforce saws from them and the most I paid was $25. A lot of people buy one for a home project use it once and don't need it any more and sell it. Keith
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Post by MyNewHobby on May 8, 2009 15:56:48 GMT -5
YA BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am now looking at my new addition.
Workforce 7" Tile Wet Saw ... WHOOP!!!
I asked my boss if I could go home to play with it ... he just laughed at me. DAM! ;D
As always Julie
I already have the safety goggles .... but have had no reason other than the one time I went to the lap lab to wear them.
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Post by MyNewHobby on May 8, 2009 15:58:21 GMT -5
Kap .... I had not thought of that ... good point! I wonder if they have any vibe tumblers ... Julie
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Post by krazydiamond on May 8, 2009 16:15:39 GMT -5
hahaha..."mynewhobby" just turned into "mynewaddiction"....down the slippery slope she goes. hopeless....just like the rest of us!!!!!
KD
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Rogue Trader
freely admits to licking rocks
"Don't cry because you are leaving, smile because you were there."
Member since December 2008
Posts: 839
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Post by Rogue Trader on May 8, 2009 16:58:44 GMT -5
Julie, remember to also try cutting while sitting behind the saw as well as in front of it. Sitting behind it throws all the rock snot away from you as opposed to on you
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on May 8, 2009 17:09:22 GMT -5
Absolutely cut from behind the saw. It keeps off not only the rock snot but the water, as well. Or you could do what some of the other ladies do: cut topless. You might want to wear hearing protection, too. That way the men watching you are less likely to get caught! LOL Chuck
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on May 8, 2009 17:14:22 GMT -5
Absolutely........what Chuck said. I mean why run the risk of staining perfectly good clothes with rock snot? Shan
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Post by 150FromFundy on May 8, 2009 20:13:03 GMT -5
In addition to safety goggles, you may also want to condsider a dust mask.
Initially, I thought this was not necessary because the water keeps the deadly silica dust in a slurry. After a few hours of cutting, I noticed my tonge was pasty and my nostrils were coated with the same residue that coats everything within a 10 foot radius of my saw.
I'm not sure if breathing slurry mist is as deadly as breathing silica dust, but I have chosen to be safe rather than sorry. My dust mask are coated after a few uses, so I know they are keeping the silica mist out.
Maybe someone else can chime in with what they know about silica mist.
150FromFundy
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Post by NatureNut on May 10, 2009 7:29:33 GMT -5
Fundy's right. A dust mask is strongly recommended. Jo
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