Lapidaryforum.net
Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => Fixing, Modifying and Refurbishing your Lapidary Equipment => Topic started by: wampidy on October 19, 2014, 06:21:36 AM
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Seven inch blades are really easy to find and they are pretty cheap so I did a conversion to my trim saw that allows me to run either the six or seven inch blades.
The machine is a Star diamond three wheel/trim saw combo. Except for the wheel cover the machine is aluminum so the conversion was super simple. There was clearance on the bottom so all I had to do was make clearance in the back about 5/16". The aluminum is 3/16 thick so it was easy to cut a slice down the back with a hack saw. I guess I should mention also that I had to lengthen the slot in the table about 1/4" on both ends which was a matter of cutting both sides of the slot longer then breaking the piece out with a pair of needle nose pliers.
(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h375/wampidy/PB300004.jpg) (http://s1106.photobucket.com/user/wampidy/media/PB300004.jpg.html)
(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h375/wampidy/PB300002.jpg) (http://s1106.photobucket.com/user/wampidy/media/PB300002.jpg.html)
I then used a file to remove the paint on the back so the metal stick epoxy had a nice clean surface to stick to. I used a screw driver on the inside so the epoxy would not push in and finger smoothed the epoxy on the outside. Let set for 24 hours and it was good to go.
(http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h375/wampidy/PB300005.jpg) (http://s1106.photobucket.com/user/wampidy/media/PB300005.jpg.html)
If I want a thin cut of some very good stone I use a six inch blade but if I want to do some heavy handed cutting on some lesser stone I use the thicker seven inch blade and work off some frustration or just have fun ripping and tearing. This beats the hell out of my very loud seven inch tile saw that turns at 3400 rpm and throws water everywhere which makes it an outside machine.
I debated cutting into this machine for a long time but now I am glad I did. Not sure if I raised or lowered the value but since I do not plan to sell it it doesn't really matter.
Jim
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Very cool! It's always good to have a choice. :thumbsup: Happy ripping and tearing!
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When I turned my 10 in tile saw into an oil bath gravity feed indoor machine, I made use of rubber sheeting to hang in places like your saw slot to stop lubricant from getting out; it works great; it looks like the putty does too.
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This beats the hell out of my very loud seven inch tile saw that turns at 3400 rpm and throws water everywhere which makes it an outside machine.
I debated cutting into this machine for a long time but now I am glad I did. Not sure if I raised or lowered the value but since I do not plan to sell it it doesn't really matter.
Jim
Oh I think you did the right thing....Tile saws are meant for tile. Kudos to you. :icon_salut:
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Nice . I imagine lots of exciting cutting with this.
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Nice . I imagine lots of exciting cutting with this.
I know you love your tile saw Frank but mine pretty much sucked for stone. And yes, I have been cutting the hell out of every small rock I have. Dooin a bunch of slabbing to, just haven't gotten any photos up. Most of it has been kick butt stone too.
BTW, what was your take on the small slab of soft Washington jade that I sent in the box with the other stuff. It is so soft I have started carving a piece of it by hand with small chisels.
BBTW The big rock that you gave to me is a lot harder than you said. I went after it with my belt sander with a new 36 belt and it did two things, took only the skin off the rock but also took the grit off the belt. lol Guess I am going to have to get an electric hammer chisel since I have a shape in mind.
Jim