Hello all, Well, I guess from what I have found out that recharging
Diamond blades is not an option. So now I am looking around for
either a good used or inexpensive new 20" blade. I have found a fairly
good deal on a new blade, but figured I would put the question out
there just in case somebody knows of a great deal.
Happy Holidays to all, Larry
Larry why don’t you share news of the good deal on saw blades you found?
Good morning,
It’s time again to replace the blade on my 12" Lortone slab saw.
There seems to be a great discrepancy between different brands of
blades ($59.00 to $249.00)
Has anyone had any experience with the cheaper blades like the ones
Daniel Lopacki sells?
Thanks in advance
Gerry
Gerry,
Rather then comment on some specific blade, let me say this. Always
purchase the best blade you can find/afford! There are lots of cheap
blades out there but most of them are plated not sintered. A plated
blade will work very well in some cases but the slightest rough use
and you will lose your plate and the blade will be useless. Go for a
sintered blade. Next if you can find one, use a notched blade. I saw
a lot and find the smooth rim blades just can’t provide the coolent a
notched blade can. Furthermore, smooth blades might be OK if you can
find the proper speed but, if your saw is running just a bit too
fast, they tend to seize up on hard material. With a notched blade
the blade speed is not as important. Finally, watch kerf size. Many
of the cheaper blades try to get by with a very narrow kerf. 10-14"
blades often are overloaded by the operator and the thin blades can’t
handle that. Stay around .025 or .030 to get the best out of your
blade.
It's time again to replace the blade on my 12" Lortone slab saw. There seems to be a great discrepancy between different brands of blades ($59.00 to $249.00)
Has anyone had any experience with the cheaper blades like the ones
Daniel Lopacki sells?
If you are using your 12" Lortone for strictly slabbing then Daniel’s
blades will work for you. They have a thin kerf (blade thickness) so
there is less rock loss from cutting. If you are using your saw for
sizing larger material, like cutting big rocks in half, then Daniel’s
blades might not be the best choice. With Daniel’s blades, like most
inexpensive diamond saw blades made in China, the diamond and
whatever metal contains the diamond is pressed into grooves stamped
into the edge of the saw blade. This method does not cut a wide
enough kerf, when cutting down the middle of a big rock, for the rest
of the saw blade to get through and causes friction along the body of
the blade causing the blade to overheat. That will make the blade
steel lose its temper and begin to dish or wobble.
If you are cutting big rocks down the middle then you are better off
paying the extra bucks for a heavier duty blade where the diamond
matrix is formed along the edge of the blade.
I have bought blades from Daniel Lopacki and have for the most part
been satisfied with them. Daniel is a great guy to work with and
ships quickly.
Rick Copeland
Silversmith and Lapidary Artisan
rockymountainwonders.com
It's time again to replace the blade on my 12" Lortone slab saw. There seems to be a great discrepancy between different brands of blades ($59.00 to $249.00)
Also check http://www.thebombaybazar.com for discount lapidary
supplies.
Richard Hart
I have also purchased saw blades (not slab sizes though, just 4")
and many other products from Daniel Lopacki over the last several
years. I’ve always been happy with both products and his advice
whenever needed. He’s very helpful explaining options when you’re
trying to make a choice like you are now.
Hope that helps, CaroL