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Gadgets, Gizmos, and Dohickeys => Fixing, Modifying and Refurbishing your Lapidary Equipment => Topic started by: Minkos61 on August 10, 2014, 06:18:17 PM

Title: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 10, 2014, 06:18:17 PM
Here are some pics of the 18" slab saw I am building.
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/0b430167-a269-4b22-b775-87e6160cfe59_zps19fa8682.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/0b430167-a269-4b22-b775-87e6160cfe59_zps19fa8682.jpg.html)

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/5f485278-bbc5-4411-8740-9f51040f2f4c_zpsfc4fadfc.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/5f485278-bbc5-4411-8740-9f51040f2f4c_zpsfc4fadfc.jpg.html)

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/8dcbee20-4188-4b8d-987c-e8127e845378_zps9bb3281a.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/8dcbee20-4188-4b8d-987c-e8127e845378_zps9bb3281a.jpg.html)


(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/89459407-572f-4fbf-b2fd-baa38e86b663_zpsd4429ddf.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/89459407-572f-4fbf-b2fd-baa38e86b663_zpsd4429ddf.jpg.html)



The blade that is in these pics is not what I am using! It is for mockup only

Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 10, 2014, 06:21:48 PM
And some more

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/f339bd97-f62d-4cac-8f39-af0bfa9dcfca_zpsd7416d53.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/f339bd97-f62d-4cac-8f39-af0bfa9dcfca_zpsd7416d53.jpg.html)

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/286b6014-9964-46d0-b645-26186bb4db1b_zps65a289b0.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/286b6014-9964-46d0-b645-26186bb4db1b_zps65a289b0.jpg.html)

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/59f19566-3a5e-4be4-8174-bebe2a830ad9_zps74aa47c0.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/59f19566-3a5e-4be4-8174-bebe2a830ad9_zps74aa47c0.jpg.html)

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/c6ef180a-e8ef-4037-9068-0139b16dd05f_zps6f1e3a50.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/c6ef180a-e8ef-4037-9068-0139b16dd05f_zps6f1e3a50.jpg.html)

Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 10, 2014, 06:29:40 PM
And some more

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/9a3ba51e-42bc-4ec3-b4d8-bc9a2b451e7a_zpse14d581d.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/9a3ba51e-42bc-4ec3-b4d8-bc9a2b451e7a_zpse14d581d.jpg.html)

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/2b14ee73-df19-4171-89f3-40393907f55c_zpsae7d0b61.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/2b14ee73-df19-4171-89f3-40393907f55c_zpsae7d0b61.jpg.html)

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/908bcb06-bf77-4a12-81bd-d6aa7767be3e_zps1387310f.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/908bcb06-bf77-4a12-81bd-d6aa7767be3e_zps1387310f.jpg.html)

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/db07d203-a162-4a12-9bf6-bf1461347316_zps919ab58b.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/db07d203-a162-4a12-9bf6-bf1461347316_zps919ab58b.jpg.html)

Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 10, 2014, 06:37:00 PM
And some more

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/a8e9422d-f822-4d0c-8c25-21862c42ce50_zpsaa68aef3.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/a8e9422d-f822-4d0c-8c25-21862c42ce50_zpsaa68aef3.jpg.html)

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/3df3e645-ab86-444a-82c9-cbb87b46481b_zps20195cfb.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/3df3e645-ab86-444a-82c9-cbb87b46481b_zps20195cfb.jpg.html)

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/6878226c-ec1b-4acf-b2d1-e06bf3355622_zpsc45a6075.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/6878226c-ec1b-4acf-b2d1-e06bf3355622_zpsc45a6075.jpg.html)


More to come soon.
Thanks for looking.

Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: GoodEarth on August 10, 2014, 07:12:27 PM
Looking good! You going to drill the vise so you can bolt some wood to it for clamping?
Casters?
What are you planning to use for oil?
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 10, 2014, 07:31:37 PM
Hey Joshua nice to see you here!

Yes still got to drill the vise for wood.
Castors to be ordered next week.
Lid should be in this week.
Slab catcher still needs to be cut and welded on.
Going with gravity feed for now just started to work on that.
Still need to put a drain in the box .
Going to use Mineral oil.
Cover over bearings done.
Cover plate for shaft where it goes through the box done.
I have had it running and it seems to be all good to go , still saving up some coin to pick up blades , might run the 14" on some not so good material just to try it out once I get the oil.
Oh and last but not least a paint job left to do (still trying to pick colours for it)

Will post more Pics as I move along.


 
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Phishisgroovin on August 11, 2014, 06:53:00 PM
i like it.
I have to build a new case for mine now too. Mine leaks mineral oil all over my patio from the seams in the wood.
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 11, 2014, 07:49:27 PM
Thanks Phish.
Next after this project is done, I'll finish my 6" cabbing grinder, then I might tackle a 10" trim saw.
Getting a new box bent out of 1/8' plate and welding up the sides really was not that costly , think it only cost me about $175 cdn. Had it bent and I welded it up (hope no leaks lol).
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: lithicbeads on August 11, 2014, 08:32:07 PM
Very nice post. Watch your belt tension as it may be  a cause of premature bearing wear.This has been fun to watch.
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 11, 2014, 09:08:32 PM
Thanks Frank .
Right now the tensioning is done by the weight of the motor and it's mount, you thinking it's too heavy or too light?
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: GoodEarth on August 12, 2014, 11:54:15 AM
I think Frank is suggesting that it may be too heavy. With the weight of the motor pulling down on the arbor, you'll be liable to wear the bearings out faster. My 16" has a fixed mount motor on the back, and the "v" belt is loose enough to just barely slip over the pulley without adjustment. I'm not too sure this is the best way, but it seems cheaper and easier than adding a tensioner pulley.
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 12, 2014, 05:20:00 PM
Going to give this a try and if I end up having probs. I'll add a spring and adjusting screw to take some tension off. I thought it might be a little light myself but I guess time will tell  :)

Ordered the casters for it today 2 fixed 2 swivel with locks.
Also got a on off switch and a drain shut off valve.
Getting there end is in sight  :) 
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Gergis on August 15, 2014, 09:22:48 PM
after your done with that sweet rock slabbin' master piece you can start on mine Ernie hehee  ;)
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 15, 2014, 10:24:39 PM
Shippings gonna kill yah Gergis .You'd have to come up here to pick it up  ;)
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: GoodEarth on August 16, 2014, 05:28:15 AM
Don't tease like that Ernie. My saw is such a POS, I may show up and steal yours. After it's finished of course. So like 2017?  ;)
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 16, 2014, 05:09:05 PM
Yah Yah Joshua I'm just taking my time and making it right  :coffee2:

 Just so you don't think I'm slacking too much here are some updated pics.


 (http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/865fd3c3-130c-45b1-ba7d-e6ff78846d5c_zps91a79cde.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/865fd3c3-130c-45b1-ba7d-e6ff78846d5c_zps91a79cde.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/ef1004b1-8a2a-4779-ba82-d30da63b2ee6_zps5201b339.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/ef1004b1-8a2a-4779-ba82-d30da63b2ee6_zps5201b339.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/e016c1b6-cc1e-4f0b-9cca-2104eb66a264_zps3a02a8bb.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/e016c1b6-cc1e-4f0b-9cca-2104eb66a264_zps3a02a8bb.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/ace4c350-6247-436a-8a72-a6f28e62aa4b_zpsec9e2250.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/ace4c350-6247-436a-8a72-a6f28e62aa4b_zpsec9e2250.jpg.html)


Thanks for looking  :coffee2:
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Gergis on August 16, 2014, 06:50:36 PM
need new saw. will travel  :glasses9:
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 16, 2014, 07:33:31 PM
By all means travel Gergis but you no getty My sawy :icon_tongue:
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on August 23, 2014, 07:28:35 PM
Here a a few more pics of todays progress.

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/60663745-f563-4034-be48-337be5e5d950_zpsb95af6d7.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/60663745-f563-4034-be48-337be5e5d950_zpsb95af6d7.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/08c6d9d6-752c-41a9-839b-21c8ffdb43e2_zps3909e35a.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/08c6d9d6-752c-41a9-839b-21c8ffdb43e2_zps3909e35a.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/a85c387a-07e5-4aeb-8820-4404d68f40c9_zps29966a71.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/a85c387a-07e5-4aeb-8820-4404d68f40c9_zps29966a71.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/49e52a08-4837-4635-aac6-37675ee1ebac_zps53a980d9.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/49e52a08-4837-4635-aac6-37675ee1ebac_zps53a980d9.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/0c19cdff-1575-47f6-a7e9-9f88acbc007d_zpsd9835f69.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/0c19cdff-1575-47f6-a7e9-9f88acbc007d_zpsd9835f69.jpg.html)


Hope you enjoy  :coffee2:
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on September 06, 2014, 06:48:11 PM
Worked on the lid today . Got it tacked up .
Also ordered a blade for it today! Can't wait it's getting so close to being done.

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/ac6bf35d-7c3a-425f-82d1-7119a6624783_zps72c061cf.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/ac6bf35d-7c3a-425f-82d1-7119a6624783_zps72c061cf.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/25a8cc1b-1d77-487e-b5ae-407042333b93_zps28827c17.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/25a8cc1b-1d77-487e-b5ae-407042333b93_zps28827c17.jpg.html)


Thanks for looking :coffee2:
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Gergis on September 06, 2014, 08:32:28 PM
Shes soo PRETTY Ernie!!! you should call her "Slabberella"!!! :)
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on September 06, 2014, 09:10:52 PM
LOL thanks Gergis and I like the name . My Granddaughter is an artist and I'm thinking I might get her to do some sort of rock related art work on it .
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Gergis on September 06, 2014, 10:27:06 PM
yeah man that sounds rad! i was actually thinking some art on it would be cool!
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on September 13, 2014, 06:12:14 PM
Well it's pretty much done,just waiting for the blade to arrive and need to pick up some oil ,then it's cutting time wahoo :coffee2:


(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/b048a7fd-5796-43d4-8f99-924db17ef1b2_zps39dab49b.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/b048a7fd-5796-43d4-8f99-924db17ef1b2_zps39dab49b.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/b68af3ab-835b-4be9-8b6a-d654b7000fd4_zps41b9347f.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/b68af3ab-835b-4be9-8b6a-d654b7000fd4_zps41b9347f.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/7766da58-0ec4-435d-947a-f883bd42e557_zps3c057513.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/7766da58-0ec4-435d-947a-f883bd42e557_zps3c057513.jpg.html)


Thanks for looking
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Itsandbits on September 13, 2014, 06:34:05 PM
pretty fancy smansy gravity feed on the end LOL all I have is a bucket to toss rocks in depending what I am cutting.... Hope you get the  blade soon!!!
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on September 13, 2014, 07:46:08 PM
LOL Lloyd thats just a chunk of  induction hardened  chrome plate rod that we make Hyd. Cyl . Rods with , just making use of  what was around. When cutting I'll be adding fishing weights to get the right
feed rate. Oh I hope my blade gets here soon to , still have to find a supplier for the oil to. (hard to get anything up here in a hurry)   
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Itsandbits on September 14, 2014, 07:17:32 AM
I recognized the tubing:) Ernie.
My neighbour has a Jamaican restaurant and I rob his deep fryer oil stock LOL It gets a little thick when it gets cold for my pump but with a bath type blade it should work all right or you could thin it; it's regular Canadian canola oil from Costco so its healthy too; no trans fats LOL I've heard it said that vegetable oil goes rancid but I've had the same oil right through the summer heat here and it gets hot plus when I'm cutting it warms up pretty good and it's fine still; 6 months so far. The residue is a little gummy but it helps the rocks stick to the bed so my rocks don't move LOL and if you rub it with fresh oil it comes right off.
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on September 14, 2014, 11:18:56 AM
Thanks for the hint on the Canola oil Lloyd and hey I could always light a fire under it and deep fry some chicken that way too  :icon_cheers:
I'm working on getting some mineral oil thru one of our oil suppliers here in town ,I was told that Shell Pella A was a good oil to use but supposedly it is not made anymore so trying to track down an equivalent one thru Esso or PetroCan just waiting to get some info back. And if I can get it here in town I get a big discount thru work.

Ernie 
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on September 17, 2014, 05:34:54 PM
Well I got my blade today  :blob1: So now just need the oil, which should be in next week some time.

Ernie
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Itsandbits on September 17, 2014, 05:37:07 PM
You're a way to patient Ernie LOL
I would have fired up the deep fryer a long time ago LOL
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on September 17, 2014, 05:48:25 PM
LOL yah I'm thinking I should have Lloyd  :laughing3:
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on September 27, 2014, 10:51:40 PM
Well finally got it all done and filled up with oil and started cutting tonight . Few things I need to tinker with but other than that I'm pretty darn happy with how it turned out.

 Shot of clamping in the vise
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/Firstcuts003_zps618ac675.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/Firstcuts003_zps618ac675.jpg.html)

Finished first cut on a chunk of Rhodonite From Vancouver Island B.C.
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/Firstcuts004_zps3963f09b.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/Firstcuts004_zps3963f09b.jpg.html)

Few of the slabs I cut off  the Rhodonite rough.
 (http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/Firstcuts007_zps306fa250.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/Firstcuts007_zps306fa250.jpg.html)

Thanks for looking  :coffee2:
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Itsandbits on September 28, 2014, 09:56:26 AM
great to see you finally getting to use it Ernie.
It is a great looking build start to finish and now you get to reap the rewards!!! Gotta love that rhodonite
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on September 28, 2014, 10:51:40 AM
Thank you Lloyd ! I'm so happy that it works  :icon_cheers:.
I'm hoping that the rhodonite gets more pink the further in I go, just have to wait and see .

Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Itsandbits on October 16, 2014, 07:26:38 AM
Haven't heard anything on the saw lately Ernie? How are the cuts coming along, are you exploring the insides of lots of rock?
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on October 16, 2014, 05:17:48 PM
Sorry Lloyd I'll post some pics of some of the cutting I have done later tonight  :coffee2:
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on October 16, 2014, 06:41:15 PM
Here are some of the cuts I've made on some local material no idea what they are though lol.The saw is working great and I'm getting the feed weights figured out for different materials .

(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/908a1b54-d50e-49be-800d-255b86b409c6_zps42308795.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/908a1b54-d50e-49be-800d-255b86b409c6_zps42308795.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/002_zps830f9728.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/002_zps830f9728.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/001_zpsf68cc24c.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/001_zpsf68cc24c.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/002_zps69c7ca21.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/002_zps69c7ca21.jpg.html)
(http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj287/minkos61/001_zps8561d825.jpg) (http://s275.photobucket.com/user/minkos61/media/001_zps8561d825.jpg.html)

Thanks for looking  :coffee2:
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Itsandbits on October 16, 2014, 08:29:19 PM
Glad the saw is working well Ernie; just hadn't heard anything so I thought I'd check :) I find I'm TEMPTED TO PUSH THE SAW TOO MUCH AND END UP GLAZING the blade and have to run something through it to get it to cut right again. My "Deadman" jasper is the worst, it cuts so slow and if I push it just a bit more it glazes the blade. I am remodelling a condo and picked up a scrap piece of granite from a sink cutout that does the trick real nice.
I think I recognize some of what I call rice grain basalt with serpentine or epidotite running through it; looks pretty nice.
Title: Re: 18" Slab Saw Build
Post by: Minkos61 on October 16, 2014, 08:32:44 PM
Thanks Lloyd for the hint on the blade and the ID  :icon_thumright: