Motorized jeweler's saws & cutting damascus steel

Jewelry Discussion
1

I am looking for anyone who has had experience with a motorized
saw that uses standard jeweler’s sawblades, or a similar saw
capable of cutting heavy stock. I am starting to make jewelry
that includes pieces of pattern-welded damascus steel, that I buy
from the smith as bar-end offcuts, sized about 2x3x2 inches.
This material needs to be sliced thin enough for inlay work,
earrings, etc. I have done a few test pieces cutting it by hand
with a jeweler’s saw, but this is way too slow for production
work.

I’ve looked at the diamond band saws that glassworkers and
lapidaries use; it looks as if that might work. I’ve also seen a
few modelmaker’s scroll saws that use standard jeweler’s blades,
but the advertised capacity is much too thin.

A full-sized bandsaw won’t fit in my cramped shop, and wastes
too much material anyway.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Regards,

Bob

2

I am looking for anyone who has had experience with a motorized
saw that uses standard jeweler’s sawblades, or a similar saw
capable of cutting heavy stock.

I used to work for a jeweler that used a mini-table saw to cut
metal. It was very compact and worked fairly well. If you E-mail
me directly I may be able to find out the supplier of the saw.
Jordan jdfindings@mindspring.com

3 
     I am starting to make jewelry that includes pieces of
pattern-welded damascus steel, that I buy from the smith as
bar-end offcuts, sized about 2x3x2 inches. This material needs
to be sliced thin enough for inlay work,

How thin & what direction do you want to cut the stuff?

If I had to guess, I’d say about 0.030-0.060" thick & off the
end like sliced salami from a stick.

Have you tried any cut off blades? They’re available in sizes up
to 16" d ia & thicknesses starting at 0.060". They can be mounted
in grinders, table saws etc.

Dave

4

there is a company called Indian jewelry supply which sells a
elect. jewelers saw . also you might try Rio Grande they used to
sell one. Vernon