After 2 weeks, I finally am about done redoing an old rusted out 18” slab saw. I purchased an 18” 301 Gemking blade from mk Diamond and will be buying another 18” 303c shortly. I have never slabbed before but want to try out the different blades to see how they cut as well as noise level. If you have experience please feel free to chime in. I know they run at different RPM speedss based on manufacturer recommendations. I have a few questions that I would greatly appreciate someone chiming in on.
I installed a 4rpm power feed motor which I have added regulars pulleys to slow down the feed to about 6-7 inches an hour. Is this too fast for hard stones? What will happen if it is? Will my saw blade be ruined or will the blade motor just stall out? Should I leave slack in the power feed belt to allow slipping? Do most saws have some kind of clutch pulley?
Second question, Do you usually alternate the speed of the saw blade motor. If you do swap out the pulleys to adjust the speed what factors go into this consideration. MK Diamond says the 301 should run between 640 and 960rpm and the 303C between 960-1270rpm for 18” saw blades. I bought many pulleys to make sure I had what I needed just wasn’t sure what is ideal. I was going to start the 301 at 800rpm, does that sound resonable or should I start at the high or low end?
Third question, I am using an arbor adjuster washer because my saw has a .75” arbor and mk diamond only sells 1” arbor saw blades. mk Diamond sent me a copper or brash washer, how do I install this, by hammering it in? Secondly, will this pop out as my saw blade is held by two discs on either side which sand which the blade. However, the discs have recessed centers that are recessed far enough the washer could easily fall out into the recessed area. Do I need to purchase these discs without the recessed area toward the center so they sandwhoch the blade all the way to the arbor shaft rather then just on the outer 1/2 inche of the disc. See photo for details.
Last question, anyone know where to buy a saw blade splash shield as mine is rather rusted, sharp, and doesn’t go up as high as some of the models I have seen. Want to make sure I can see inside the window.
Thanks for your help and I am happy to buy anyone that answers these questions a stone on the major online auction website up to 10$ for the help. Just pm me your address and the item number and I will bid or buy it. Thanks a bunch, I would have never been able to get my saw running without reading online forums like this.