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Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => What Equipment to Buy and Where to Get it. => Topic started by: lithicbeads on May 05, 2019, 09:23:26 PM

Title: Need some saw ideas.
Post by: lithicbeads on May 05, 2019, 09:23:26 PM

 I am thinking I need a new saw which will be for jade mostly. Very experienced jade cutters say drop saws are best as they make it hard to dish the blade. A lot of big slab saws won't cut big hard jade , they bog down and stop even with a new premium blade.Any ideas , brands , differing opinions? Thanks.

Title: Re: Need some saw ideas.
Post by: Slabbercabber on May 06, 2019, 06:02:57 AM

The reason drop saws do not bog down is because they never increase force just because the cutting gets difficult.  On a number of sliding vise types you can slow the feed rate to get a similar effect.  Hydraulic saw do the same thing automatically.  My HP is modified to use a pneumatic cylinder drive to accomplish the effect.

Title: Re: Need some saw ideas.
Post by: lithicbeads on May 06, 2019, 06:14:35 AM

People still have lots of problems with the very hard jades even with the hydraulic saws.

Title: Re: Need some saw ideas.
Post by: Stonemon on May 06, 2019, 06:58:37 AM

Here you go Frank!
https://bend.craigslist.org/tls/d/warm-springs-rock-saw-lapidary/6881045240.html

Title: Re: Need some saw ideas.
Post by: vitzitziltecpatl on May 06, 2019, 06:59:15 AM

The drop saw would also allow for easier, and almost infinite, variability in the "feed rate" by adjusting arm weight.

If hydraulics don't always work, and you don't want to be changing belts and pulleys a lot, the drop saw is good.

Title: Re: Need some saw ideas.
Post by: vitzitziltecpatl on May 07, 2019, 07:14:50 AM

Hey Frank, this looks like your saw.

https://bend.craigslist.org/tls/d/warm-springs-rock-saw-lapidary/6881045240.html

Title: Re: Need some saw ideas.
Post by: vitzitziltecpatl on May 10, 2019, 07:02:16 AM

Any luck on your saw search?

I see that Bill had posted the same link the night before I did. It was early when I posted it - didn't see it.

Title: Re: Need some saw ideas.
Post by: lithicbeads on May 10, 2019, 08:26:40 AM

They did not reply. I think I can modify a big block saw that I am going to get this summer.It is the foot pedal type but I think it would be simple to modify.Guess I am going to have to eventually make a big Alaska type drop saw.

Title: Re: Need some saw ideas.
Post by: catmandewe on May 10, 2019, 11:59:19 AM

I have a couple of overshot saws that may be what you are looking for.
I will try to get some pics but it probably wont be very soon as I am leaving this afternoon for a few days.

Tony

Title: Re: Need some saw ideas.
Post by: lithicbeads on June 02, 2019, 07:57:14 AM

Thanks.