Rockwerks Lapidary Forum

Hello, I'm new, to the group and lapidary.
I'm thinking of getting a trim saw in the future, and would like to know some stuff about them.
I've looked at lots of web sites and think I like the Rock Rascal Model JM 6" the best. I would like to cut pieces about 2-3 in diameter, and I think I read you need a blade 3x the size of piece you'd be cutting.
Also, how do I know what lubricant to use with it? Do some saws require oil, or can you use the water-additive stuff. I'm not to concerned about getting a smooth cut, as I am planning on using it to cut pieces to tumble. I don't like to smash rocks to tumble, as sometimes they have a nice pattern I don't want to just shatter away with a hammer.
Thanks,
Brian

Hi Brian and welcome to the group! This is a fun and highly addictive hobby. Once you start... you can never go back!!!
Ok, I'll try to help you out with saws. As far as lubricants go, a general rule seems to be to use oil in 10'' saws and bigger. Use water in saws 10'' and smaller. People run 10'' saws with one or the other lube as they wish. If you use water and leave it sitting in the saw overnite you want to get a water additive, which I can't think of the name of right now. Maybe someone else will help me out here.
Anyway, may I suggest checking out the Workforce tile saw at Home Depot. It costs about 90 bucks and has a 7'' blade so you can cut 3'' rocks if you learn to turn the rock towards the end of the cut. I've cut a lot of 3'' rocks with my Workforce. It is a messy saw! You will get wet using it. I wear a rain poncho when I use it. You may not want to use this saw indoors.
The lapidary saws are cleaner but cost a lot more. If you can find a deal on a used saw take it! I'm not aware how much the Rock Rascal is going for. I've never used a 6'' blade so I'm not sure if you can do a 3'' rock with it. The 7'' blade just barely does it.

Hope I haven't confused you more!!
Ok Brian, you gotta explain that screen name!! :mrgreen:

Welcome, Brian. If all you are going to do is trim slabs, it is hard to beat the Home Depot Work Force tile saw. As Joe says, you can cut stones with it as well, but you have to freehand them. If you want to chuck the stone in a vise and feed it on rails, you get cleaner work with a 10" lapiday saw. Used ones come up on ebay for $200-400 pretty regularly. You can use plain water in a 10" saw if you drain it right after using, and dry your blade with a towel. It will rust horribly if left sitting in water. RV antifreeze may be a suitable alternative, if you don't wish to drain after using. Good luck.

Hi Brian,
Welcome to the group. They pretty well cover saw lubes. I use used transformer oil I get from my utility company in my bigger saws, its free so the price is right. In my smaller trim saws I use water and a diamond coolant.
Again Welcome.
Dan

I like the idea of using a tile saw. I don't care about getting wet, and outside is the best space for me to mess with my rocks anyway. I've been playing around a bit with these relatively cheap diamond discs you can use with a rotary/dremel tool. I cut a bucket to make a reservoir in which I submerge the rock and cut it (very, very slowly). The little disc kicks up a steady stream of water, usually soaking my sleeve. Here's the little disc I'm talking about;
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=31501
I get them for cheaper than what they list them for. Of course they only last a short while. I'd usually just cut a groove in the rocks and hit them hoping they break along my intended cut.

As for the user name, 'makrolon' is GE's brand of acrylic type plastic and 'lexan' is Bayer Chemicals brand of the same stuff. It's basically the material that is used for bulletproof glass-despite the glass which it technically isn't. I used these materials to build a cage for my pet rats.

Is Makrolon and Lexan the same as polycarbonate? I just used some of it to make a holder for my 3" wide sanding belts. I mounted it above my home made lapidary unit. Now I get to spend less time finding the right belt.
Bob

Yep, polycarbonate is the technical term for all these brand names Pexiglas, Lexan, and Makrolon. It's most notable quality is being able to thermoform it, just heat it up and form it then it cools into what mold you want. Makes great display cases, and is used all over the place.

"Yay, someone else has pet rats too!"

I have a couple of 6" inch saws, a 10", and a Workforce tile saw. You just cant go wrong with them, especially for the price. I use nothing more than plain water with my tile saw, dia-cut rust preventative in my other small saws and plan on using food grade mineral oil in my 10" saw, which I will be getting at my local feed store. With kids and animals nearby, I dont want to use smelly oils.

Cool! The tile saw is the way to go for a first saw. The little diamond discs look good for very small work but I don't think I'd wanna cut a rock with one! You'll like how a real saw rips through the rock.
WARNING: Once you take this step there is no going back. You will love it and want more!!!

Ok, I used to have a couple of rats! They make good pets.

I love my Workforce saw, its the only one I have. The blade that comes with it is pretty thick but if your just cutting to tumble it would work fine. The OEM blade doesn't have a good lifespan though. I use a hot dog blade, pretty expensive, but I mostly cut for cabs. I do have a cheaper blade from Home Depot, about $25, that was much better than the OEM. Can't remember the brand though.

Hammering rocks is a poor practice at best, even if you cut a groove first. You will no doubt have noticed that the break seldom follows the plane of the groove. The answer is to do it right with a real saw. And the Workforce is a good first saw for any tumblerman. In fact, I intend to get one when I get back to AZ, just for prepping tumbler stones.