Lapidaryforum.net
General Category => Welcome! => Topic started by: S.bainard on April 22, 2023, 10:17:01 AM
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Hello all! I am fairly new to rockhounding and would love all advice, tips, and whatever pearls of wisdom I can get from everyone. I bought an old Lorraine 10” slab saw and I love it! My only issue is that I don’t know what type of diamond blade is best for agate and jasper (primarily what I want to cut) and I know I should be using a dressing stone to keep the blade cutting well. Just not sure what type works the best. So if anyone has any advice about those things, I would be so grateful! Thank you and I’m excited to check this site out!
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The MK blades are more or less the gold standard. Lots of blades can be found at the Kingsley-North website. Highland Park lapidary has a good green blade I am told and their video on blade sharpening seems to be the definitive one . Welcome.
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Thank you! I will check those out!
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Yes to the MK blades. And I will never again buy what are sold as MK look alike, compatible or others pretending to be an MK Diamond Blade. I purchased what I was told was an MK 18 inch Diamond blade last year, but it was a knock-off, not a true MK blade. The metal was soft, it had a warp in it and it has never cut correctly. The company I purchased it from said that due to COVID, all the blades and metal items produced overseas are now second rate. He even said MK has the same problem. Anyway, I kept the blade and used it and have nothing but regrets. They offered to replace the blade but what good is that, plus pay for more shipping!!!! Anyway, if it does not say it is manufactured by MK, and does not have the MK logo on it, you might want to reconsider, if you are truly looking for an MK blade.
Yes, there are other good quality blades out there.
I also believe in using a stick to refinish the blade as it wears. I use a 1 inch square piece and make several passes and the blade cuts much better.
good times and good luck
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MK has had a hard time since covid, they have few machines to sell for example.
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The MK blades are more or less the gold standard. Lots of blades can be found at the Kingsley-North website. Highland Park lapidary has a good green blade I am told and their video on blade sharpening seems to be the definitive one . Welcome.
blade sharpening, like with my little tile hammer lightly all around the face of my cutting edge lol!
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Thank you everyone for the tips. Couple of questions: which of the MK blades would be best for agates? 301? 303?
And second: which dressing sticks should I use to keep the blade cutting well?
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for a 10 inch saw you can use a continuous rim .