Does any one have any relative value opinions on diamond ring
saws or band saws. This is being resent, I think it hit first
during your down time.
Jesse
Never used a ring saw, so I can’t compare the two, but I sure
can report being quite happy with my lazar 2000 band saw (I think
that’s the name… It’s at a different location, so I can’t just
go look). Nice tool, works well. General manufactureing could
be a little more sturdy/heavier duty, but this is OK. About the
only “comment” I have with it is that the work table is a bit
larger than the drip tank underneath, so drips end up on the
workbench or floor, not back in the drip tank. Putting the saw
in a plastic tray solved that mess problem.
Peter Rowe
Jesse, You can spend a whole lot of money on either one, or, you
can go to, or call Harbor Freight.
They have a Diamond Band Saw for $149.00. That one was
recommended to my by Art and Rosamund Willetts. She creates
exquisite geometric mosaics, using one.
The first time they told me about it, Harbor Freight locally,
had no clue, and I got the usual ditzy female treatment.
Next time I saw the Willetts, they again told me, it was for
real. Back to H.F. After 3 or 4 tries, a manager decided to
check. I have it and it works just fine. The skill is in your own
hands, you direct the material correctly, it follows perfectly.
Replacement blades are available. It is Chinese made, Central
Tool Co.
Friends of mine had the same problem getting the Bakersfield
store to find this saw. It took the manager from my store to
straighten them out. My friend loves it too.
Check it out and don’t take no for an answer. It is in their
catalog. Teresa
Does any one have any relative value opinions on diamond ring saws or band saws. This is being resent, I think it hit first during your down time.
Jesse,
As a matter of fact, I just talked at length with a lady who
does stained glass work. She uses both saws in her shop. She
seems to prefer the ring saw, as it cuts faster and turns corners
faster (The diamond is electroplated around a wire). From what I
could see, though, I think I would prefer the band saw. It has a
thinner kerf to the blade, so there is less waste on precious
materials. She only works in glass, so I’m sure it wasn’t a
priority. She said the ring saw was more expensive, but the
blades were a little cheaper and lasted about as long. I guess it
boils down to what you are using it for. Since I work in
precious and semi precious stones, I would have to go for the
band saw. If material waste is not a big issue, I guess the ring
saw would be better.
Hope this helps.
Hope this works, too… I’ve been on this list for a couple of months and
this is my first post!
Mark Williams,
Stone Broke Custom Lapidary
Does any one have any relative value opinions on diamond ring saws or band saws.
They both do a fine job of cutting rock, slabs work best, but
other shapes
can be cut if the material can be held so that it doesn’t twist
while cutting. Inadvertent twisting of the work will break the
blade.
Which is best depends on the application. The band saw cuts in
one direction; the ring saw can cut in any direction. The reason
for the difference is the way the blades are made. The flat
stainless steel band saw blade has diamond applied to the both
sides of the front portion of the
blade. The ring saw blade on the other hand, is a ring of wire
that has diamond applied to it’s entire surface. The band saw
blade is aprox .025" (.001 mm) thick & can cut a minimum 3/16"
(4.76 mm) radius. The ring saw blade is available in 2 grits, 80
& 140. The 80 grit is .039" (1 mm) in diameter, the 140 grit
blade is .031" (0.8 mm) in diameter.
There’s also a ‘jigsaw’ type saw available that uses a diamond
coated blade
that cuts in any direction. The jigsaw has the advantage of
being able to accept standard jewelers saw blades & cutting metal
as well as rock.
All three saws use water as the coolant/lubricant when using
diamond blades. The jigsaw is adapted to use an oil based
coolant/lubricant for cutting metal.
The throat on all 3 machines is about the same depth. The saw
kerf on the band saw & jigsaw is narrower than the ring saw. The
ring saw & jigsaw can cut in any direction. The jigsaw can be
used to cut metal as well. The band
saw & ring saw cut faster than the jigsaw. They all occupy about
the same amount of bench space.
Band saws are available for about $400.00 Replacement blades
about $95.00. Ring saws are available for about $495.00.
Replacement blades about $80.00. Jig saw are available for about
$450.00. Replacement blades about $20.00.
These are ballpark figures, you may find a better price if you
look/haggle.
Dave
Does any one have any relative value opinions on diamond ring saws or band saws. This is being resent, I think it hit first during your down time.
hi,
harbor freight, located in any moderate size town, has a dandy
‘self feeding’ band saw for about 250.00. blacksmiths shops use
them alot. i don’t own one but a another jeweler friend uses it
to cut bar stock.
best regards,
geo fox