llanago
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,714
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Post by llanago on Aug 4, 2004 18:10:00 GMT -5
I am going to order a blade for the trim saw/grinder BE and I won on ebay from www.lopacki.com/sawblades/. They have fine and coarse blades. Which one should I get? Or should I get one of both? Since we know nothing about trim saws, we need some instruction on which blade to use for what, etc. And, I know we can get our education on trim saws here! llana
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Post by sandsman1 on Aug 4, 2004 19:18:26 GMT -5
hi llana ---if your not gonna be cutting like opals and expensive stuff then i would get the coarse blade,, prob. last longer the fine blades are for when you cant afford to have alot of waste like with opals ,,if your just gonna trim up shapes from normal rock agate and jasper coarse is the way to go it will hold up better and wont flex so much when your cutting
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Post by krazydiamond on Aug 4, 2004 19:41:43 GMT -5
yep, get a thick (.025") or even thicker if you can, if you're are just cutting up non-gem quality stuff. you will love this saw!
KD
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llanago
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since January 2004
Posts: 1,714
|
Post by llanago on Aug 4, 2004 21:46:48 GMT -5
So, the fine blades are a bit more flexible? Like good for cutting unusual shapes and stuff. That is what I would really like to experiment with. Since they aren't very expensive, I will probably end up ordering one of both. I know BE is also interesting in doing some experimental cutting of various shapes.
Just gotta get some slabs cut small enough to fit in the really, really small blade area - about 4" square! Not much working room, so gotta start out with a small slab. LOL!
llana
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Post by sandsman1 on Aug 4, 2004 22:41:57 GMT -5
llana i mean flexable as in when you push to much to one side it will bend and stay bent and then you have a wobble in the blade --you cant cut anything other then a strait line with them just like the other coarse kind there just thinner so you dont take too much off with each cut so less waste,, opals are mostly soft stuff so you dont have to push much to get them to cut but if you try and cut agate with the thin blades your gonna wind up eather bending the blade or just wearin it out fast but if ya wanna experiment go for it plus you might wind up with something soft you dont wanna waste
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Post by BearCreekLapidary on Aug 4, 2004 23:02:10 GMT -5
Hello Llana, I would highly recommend one of the standard blades with a .020 kerf (area where the diamonds are embedded into the metal and where the cutting takes place) or a .025 kerf. Primarily, for this reason: SAFETY The wider kerf saws are much safer to start out with. You can hold your finger on the cutting area of the blade without getting cut by the blade. The very thin blades such as the "Pro-Slicer and the Dia-Lazer" blades are generally used for the precious gemstones. They are extremely sharp and it only takes one "Oops" to send yourself to the hopsital for some stitches! They do their job very well and the will instantly cut through flesh like a razor blade turning at 1725 rpm ... they are that sharp! I would recommend that you start with a standard blade and then, when you have a little practice and experience ... then try a ultra thin blade if you would like to. I have a 10" and 6" trim saw and both of them have the Pro-Slicer blades on them. I have been to the hopsital once for an "Oops". The slab I was cutting had a fracture in it that I did not see and when it split, my finger went right into the blade ... almost to the bone. They will definitely keep you on your toes! I have a whole bunch of respect for the ultra thin blades. If you have never cut rocks before, you are going to love it . It is a very rewarding aspect of the lapidary arts. If there is anything that I can be of service with, please let me know. I'll help in any way possible. Enjoy, John
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Post by stoner on Aug 4, 2004 23:26:32 GMT -5
Hi llana. When I placed my order with Lopaki, I did it by phone and the guy I talked to was very helpful in guiding me as to which blade was best for what type of cutting. I think you'd be better off talking to him cuz he knows his merchandise and will help you decide.
Ed
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