Again thank you all for the great info.
Each post answers something and helps me zero in on what I need.
I do want to do some inside curves, cut some cabs into unusual shapes etc. I have a dremmel for the carving--getting some bits for it should be no problem.
So right now I am leaning toward:
Lortone combo unit--new or slightly used. (with 6" trim saw) LU6X-130
If I am right...this should come with a 120v ac 1/3 hp motor, and run with just water as a lube.
It appears to have a basic feed vise, so hopefully that will help me cut straight.
Kinda disappointed that the 10" Covington saw uses oil. I would like to be able to cut some bigger stuff, but getting involved with oil right off the bat sounds like more PITA than I want.
For anyone following any of the other threads, I did end up selling Bunny. It was inevitable--bills had to be paid, and Bunny wasn't pulling her weight. (/sniff)
OK...no getting all sentimental over a buggy...
I want to start out right, but minimally. Using some of this money to start my jeweler-ing.
So if the Lortone combo unit and the dremmel I already have will get me started, on cabbing, I need to start thinking about settings.
Did I hear correctly that people use outsourced settings for some of their stuff? That would be very handy. Are these available in .925? Where might I get some?
I do want to start smithing, but for just now I think I would just like to make some cabs and put them in a bezel with a jump ring. Want to make something special for my lady for her um....29th birthday. I know an outsourced bezel setting would be better than anything I could make at this point.
So yeah...Lortone. LU6X_130 I think.
Anyone know where I could find a used one? Is there a vendor for new gear that is preferred in the lapidary community?
Sorry for all the newby questions.
Thanks
Dave