Need opinions on 6-inch lap trim saws

Jewelry Discussion
1

I’m ready to buy a 6-inch lapidary trim saw and would like opinions.
Inland? Polaris? Wizard?

Thank you,
Lorraine

2

I’ve has good luck with Inland equipment. Whatever saw you get,
invest in the best blade (for your purpose) you can afford. It makes
a big difference.

RC

3 
I'm ready to buy a 6-inch lapidary trim saw and would like
opinions. Inland? Polaris? Wizard?

If possible I would try to find a used trim saw made in the 1970’s.
Highland Park is one brand from back then. Solid as a rock. Check
Craig’s List and eBay to find used trim saws.

I wouldn’t waste my money on Inland. Everyone I heard that owned one
wasn’t happy. They are under powered among other problems. I haven’t
heard of Polaris or Wizard.

When buying a trim saw look for one with a solid aluminum table and
body. You will probably be using water for cutting and aluminum will
not rust.

If you are on a budget, tile saws sold at big box home improvement
stores are your best bet. I hear people raving all the time on the
Rock Tumbling Hobby Board about the Workforce sold by Home Depot. You
will need to replace the blade that comes with it soon with a regular
lapidary blade because the one that comes with the saw wears quickly.

Just some thoughts…

Rick Copeland
rockymountainwonders.com

4

Lorraine, I have had many trim saws over the years but find they are
priced much too high for their function. These day, when I need a
new saw I just drop down to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a $60 tile
saw. The water reservoir is removable for easy cleaning, and you can
adjust for angles. You might need to innovate a splash guard on the
front but that’s about it. The blade kerf will be a bit wide for
some folks but it can (after being worn to a nub) be easily replaced
with a blade made specifically for lapidary.

Cheers, Don in SOFL

5

#1, an older highland park or beacon star
#2, diamond pacific, which manufactures an updated version

some of my diamond pacific equipment I have had for 20 years, works
fine. my oldest highland park unit is 45+ years old, also works well

Mark Zirinsky, Denver

6

look at Lapcraft out of Powell Ohio

7

Do you only intend to cut slabs? If so, I agree that a tile wet saw
from Home Depot or some such hardware store is a good way to go.

It is easy to keep filled with water and clean up is a breeze. It’s
limitation is that it can’t cut anything thick. So, if you think
you’ll want to cut rough stone, a six inch saw like Lorotone’s will
work. I have both but find the eight inch saw at the lapidary club
room cuts more rough sizes than my six inch. Occasionally, I’ll
drive 45 minutes each way to use the saw. A ten inch saw would be
ideal, but it may be more than you want to get started.

Jane Penman
Jane Penman Jewelry Designs
La Conner, WA

8

Lorraine:

If you are faceting, you can mount a trim saw blade on your faceting
machine with a spacer to lift it off of the arbor. Otherwise, a tile
saw will work fine. Make sure you use a diamond blade, and for
precious rough a narrow kerf blade designed for lapidary use is
essential. Tile saws that I’ve seen accept the same half inch arbor
blades as lapidary saws, the only difference is the construction of
the guard around the blade.

9

I have a Workforce brand six inch tile saw that I paid around $80
for. It works just fine. Mind you I only use it as a trim saw.
Slabbing is better left for a larger saw.

I considered buying a professional grade tool, but the cost was so
much more. I am only a hobbyist and don’t use the saw daily.
Replacement lapidary blades are not costly and fit just fine.

10 
I have a Workforce brand six inch tile saw that I paid around $80
for. It works just fine. Mind you I only use it as a trim saw.
Slabbing is better left for a larger saw.

Again, my thanks to all who replied.

Last weekend I bought the 7" Workforce and a spare diamond blade for
a total of about $130 at Home Depot. I made sure to choose a model
with the same 5/8-inch arbor that lapidary diamond blades often have.

This choice is specifically for trimming slabs. For cutting rough
into slabs, I’ll be using the Gem Cutter’s Guild’s huge slab saws
during their open-shop weekends.

Thanks,
Lorraine