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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 25, 2019 13:59:58 GMT -5
I finally used my new to me Rock Rascal saw with the .025 pro slicer blade. It worked great on the first 4 or so slabs, but then it got slower and slower until I just couldn't stand it anymore. I can see and feel that there is diamond on the blade and I am using EZ Cut in the water, but it's just barely cutting. I dressed it, too. So, is that just a crap blade or what? I am going to order an MK 303. Johnson Bros sells the Pro Slicer blade.
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Post by stardiamond on Jun 25, 2019 14:16:02 GMT -5
A better blade is always a good idea. I like the mk303 and equivalents a lot. My trim saw is 8". I got a .025 mk303 cheap but I like the .032 because it's stiffer. i
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 25, 2019 14:42:38 GMT -5
A better blade is always a good idea. I like the mk303 and equivalents a lot. My trim saw is 8". I got a .025 mk303 cheap but I like the .032 because it's stiffer. i Thanks- I was thinking of getting both- the thinner one for more expensive material. |
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller 
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,049 
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Post by gemfeller on Jun 25, 2019 21:10:58 GMT -5
rockjunquie , really thin Pro Slicers were developed mainly for sectioning faceting material and opal, not agate slabbing. They lasted quite a while when used only for that purpose, the object being to save expensive material. I haven't used one in years because I bought a humungous number of imported cheap thin 4-inch blades for my little Lapcraft Trimmer when a big supply company went out of business. They're expendable but some last surprisingly long.
If kerf thickness isn't a major consideration, I'm blown away with the sintered 6-inch blades I'm getting from THK. They're 0.9 mm. thick and come with adapter inserts for various sized shafts. They cut like crazy and only cost $9.50 each shipped.
www.thk.hk/online-cart-dtl.php?cid=20&sid=59&ssid=0&id=688
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 26, 2019 7:12:15 GMT -5
rockjunquie , really thin Pro Slicers were developed mainly for sectioning faceting material and opal, not agate slabbing. They lasted quite a while when used only for that purpose, the object being to save expensive material. I haven't used one in years because I bought a humungous number of imported cheap thin 4-inch blades for my little Lapcraft Trimmer when a big supply company went out of business. They're expendable but some last surprisingly long.
If kerf thickness isn't a major consideration, I'm blown away with the sintered 6-inch blades I'm getting from THK. They're 0.9 mm. thick and come with adapter inserts for various sized shafts. They cut like crazy and only cost $9.50 each shipped.
www.thk.hk/online-cart-dtl.php?cid=20&sid=59&ssid=0&id=688
Thanks! I'll have to check them out. I have ordered from them before and was happy. |
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Post by greig on Jun 26, 2019 9:07:36 GMT -5
I am shocked that you only got a few cuts on any new blade. I noticed on my saw that things slow down if the blade is on backwards, I am cutting dry (water stopped or flow interrupted) or softer material has gummed up the diamonds. For the latter, I cut into an old brick and it cleans up the blade. On the former, I just give my head a shake.
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minerken
Cave Dweller
Member since August 2013
Posts: 466
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Post by minerken on Jun 26, 2019 12:08:38 GMT -5
I have to agree with greig. Personally I buy the cheapest 6" blade I can, usually from Kingsely North and they seem to just go and go. I do use the stiffer blade though. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 26, 2019 17:12:14 GMT -5
I am shocked that you only got a few cuts on any new blade. I noticed on my saw that things slow down if the blade is on backwards, I am cutting dry (water stopped or flow interrupted) or softer material has gummed up the diamonds. For the latter, I cut into an old brick and it cleans up the blade. On the former, I just give my head a shake. I didn't get much done, that's for sure. It still has diamond, just terribly slow to cut. It may be on backwards for all I know. It came with the blade on. Hmm.... I should check that. Before I started cutting, it was encrusted with diamonds, like they were glued on. Now the crust has worn off and it is slow. I think it's just a crap blade. |
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Post by rockjunquie on Jun 26, 2019 17:14:33 GMT -5
I have to agree with greig . Personally I buy the cheapest 6" blade I can, usually from Kingsely North and they seem to just go and go. I do use the stiffer blade though. I buy those really cheap ones for my smaller saws. I was pleasantly surprised by how well they lasted. They have the crimped diamond. Work well. I got them on ebay. Never looked for the 6" before since I just got the saw. I'll have to get me some- after I wear out the 303 I just bought. |
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Jun 26, 2019 21:11:59 GMT -5
Pro-slicer blades used to be considered good blades. But as gemfeller mentioned they were usually used for trimming faceting rough or slicing opal, turquoise and other valuable materials. I think the last one I had was made in the 1990s and it was a good blade. But they, like the rest of the old name brands may be outsourcing production overseas now.
Larry C.
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Post by hummingbirdstones2 on Jun 26, 2019 22:44:36 GMT -5
I always liked the Pro-Slicer, and sliced a lot of opal with them. Used to be a great blade, but I haven't bought one in a while.
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