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[Michael52]

I have an interest in the Diamond Pacific TC-14 slab/trim saw (as an addition to a smaller saw ... see my other query, about the DP Wizard), and would appreciate any comments on it.  Highland Park or Covington?  After reading posts here about HP, their similar offering (yikes, at about half the price) makes me nervous.  And HP's comparison with Covington at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKVJppjNMAY&list=PLARAALMc77rN_t9kqXoaHUg4zYb2zjcMQ&index=11 makes me nervous about them as well.

Thanks very much.
Michael / a newbie

[Stonemon]

Welcome to the forum Michael!

[Slabbercabber]

Welcome to the forum Michael.  A great many people use dual purpose machines but I am of the other persuasion.  Trying to use a 14" oil cooled saw for trimming would drive me up the wall.  I have a 10" trim saw that cost $50 at a local show and a 6" that I don't recall the source.  Both are water cooled and keep the shop (and me) clean while cutting.  If that is the saw you want for slabbing, fine, but I suspect you will quickly relegate it to one function only.  Honestly, before investing a lot of money in equipment, I would suggest you find a local club with equipment you can use and get a feel for which types do what.  Hands on will give you a better idea of what you need.

[Michael52]

Welcome to the forum Michael.  A great many people use dual purpose machines but I am of the other persuasion.  Trying to use a 14" oil cooled saw for trimming would drive me up the wall.  I have a 10" trim saw that cost $50 at a local show and a 6" that I don't recall the source.  Both are water cooled and keep the shop (and me) clean while cutting.  If that is the saw you want for slabbing, fine, but I suspect you will quickly relegate it to one function only.  Honestly, before investing a lot of money in equipment, I would suggest you find a local club with equipment you can use and get a feel for which types do what.  Hands on will give you a better idea of what you need.

Thanks for this response as well, SC!  Having the ability to trim as well as slab was just a bonus for the Diamond Pacific. I would expect to do most of the trimming on a different saw -- preferably one using water and by that I mean one that uses water _with the manufacturer's blessing_ ... or at least a better indication than I have got so far, that people actually do use water for trim saws when manufacturers say "requires [so-many] gallons of oil." 

Indeed, I am a member of a local club. Seeking input beyond that community seems wise.