textiger
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 946
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Post by textiger on May 22, 2009 12:55:13 GMT -5
I may have an opportunity to pick up a Lortone 14 inch drop saw, with a newish blade and motor at a good price. I trust the seller completely, he's a great guy. But I'm wondering if that would be the appropriate saw for slabbing. Or is a drop saw better for simply blocking large rocks for a regular slab saw?
Any input would be welcome.
Thanks,
matt
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Sabre52
Cave Dweller
Me and my gal, Rosie
Member since August 2005
Posts: 20,456
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Post by Sabre52 on May 22, 2009 13:34:34 GMT -5
Hey Matt, I owned a saw like that for years and it worked well for slabbing and had a pretty good crossfeed. I did have to add weight to the blade arm because it was not heavy enough to get the blade through tougher materials and the coolant pump system was always on the fritz and one of the main reasons I got rid of it. Nowdays, better pumps are available so the first thing I'd do if I had one now is to improve the coolant delivery system. The other problem was the spray mist. These are extremely messy saws and throw oil everywhere. I designed a box to partially contain the spray but still had my wife after me all the time and was breathing way too much mist to be healthy. Good saw if you can solve those two problems....Mel
Oh, I left out bitch to clean too as the whole heavy top part of the unit has to be lifted out to clean the tray. Really a giant pain in the ass.
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Post by rockmanken on May 22, 2009 14:02:14 GMT -5
Matt, I have 2 of them and they work great with about 5# added weight. Spray goes everywhere and the ARE a bitch to clean. I bought Lil' Giant pumps from Kingsley North and have had no more pump problems. Built a plexiglass cover for one of them, but it is a pain in the a$$. Stood some up on the other and it works great. Ken
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mossyrockhound
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2011
Posts: 1,278
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Post by mossyrockhound on May 22, 2009 17:08:48 GMT -5
I had one too. No matter how much I tried to contain the spray, it always put some on the floor. Also, after the blade wore down a little, it took forever to cut through the rock if it was larger than about 2" diameter. I used the recommended weight and didn't feel I should be adding too much more. I don't recommend them. I recommend a screw or hydraulic feed for any slab saw - and a lid!
Garry
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Post by parfive on May 22, 2009 17:24:19 GMT -5
Matt – I’ve got one and think it’s perfect for slabbing. Cut as many slabs as you want without shutting the saw off. When a cut is complete, just lift the arm with the saw still running, crank it in four turns (I like .200” slabs) and ease the blade into the next cut. Repeat till happy.
As for the mist, I covered the saw (not the motor) with a large, clear plastic bag. Doesn’t interfere with lifting the arm between cuts, and I just lift one side to access the vise and slabs. Haven’t bothered trying the Bardahl NoSmoke for the oil. (Also got about 20 sheets of ¼” plexi layin’ around but I’m too damn lazy to ever build a cover.)
Rich
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textiger
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since May 2005
Posts: 946
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Post by textiger on May 23, 2009 23:34:17 GMT -5
Thanks for the input, folks. I ended up passing on the saw. I was already leaning against it because of the oil spray problem and a couple other considerations. The owner said today that the saw had trouble cutting thru harder material and he even suggested it was less than ideal as a regular slabber. I may end up kicking myself later (for that and for passing up the vibrating flat lap), but I will continue to look around. Meanwhile, I think I will join the Houston Gem and Mineral Society and practice on their saws, see what works best for my needs.
Thanks again for the replies. I always know I can get good info from RTH.
matt
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