Rock Slab Saw

[Kingsy]

I scored a free tile cutting saw which I'm planning on using the motor for a homemade rock slabbing saw, but I don't have access to an existing saw to work from. Does anyone have plans for one they'd be willing to share?

 

[axeman]

G'day mate, Im thinking along the same lines but I want to make mine portable so I can use it in the field and have it powered by a generator. I work on cattle properties and have seen some interesting rocks from time to time which I would love to hack up, for example petrified cypress pine, beautiful when polished. I've seen powered hacksaws converted to slab saws. Maybe convert an old table saw, I'll see what I can find on the net.
Mick

 

[HeadsUp]

G'day mate, Im thinking along the same lines but I want to make mine portable so I can use it in the field and have it powered by a generator. I work on cattle properties and have seen some interesting rocks from time to time which I would love to hack up, for example petrified cypress pine, beautiful when polished. I've seen powered hacksaws converted to slab saws. Maybe convert an old table saw, I'll see what I can find on the net.
Mick

if you want one for field use then why not just put a cheap diamond blade on an angle grinder ?

they are best used as a wet cut though , so consider the safety aspect of water around 240v power tools or use a rechargable

there are also waterproof grinders used for marble polishing that you could put a blade on

how big is the stuff you want to cut through ?

 

[Wally69]

Like the way you think knigsy, have one in a box in the shed, if it can be modified to accept a bigger blade it should do the trick on a very slow feed rate. I am glad it is on your 2014 project list, mine is full up.

As an alternative I have been thinking I may be able to cut double the thickness by using plasticine, a bit of Perspex on top of the rock, flip it over for a second cut. Then grind the imperfect cut flat, as I am sure it would be far from matching perfectly. But hey I like to dodgy things a bit.

If you come across an ultra-thin replacement blade I would be interested to see how it goes on trimming the initial dop face on a sapphire.

Keep us posted on your progress 8)

 

[axeman]

G'day Headsup, The rocks in question would range from gob-stopper, golf ball size and the odd one up to bowling ball size. Now how's this for an idea, a concrete saw with a diamond tipped blade mounted on a adjustable pedestal for the biggens and a smaller version for the smaller ones. The next trick (stunt) would be to hold them maybe a machinist vice?.
Mick

 

[HeadsUp]

G'day Headsup, The rocks in question would range from gob-stopper, golf ball size and the odd one up to bowling ball size. Now how's this for an idea, a concrete saw with a diamond tipped blade mounted on a adjustable pedestal for the biggens and a smaller version for the smaller ones. The next trick (stunt) would be to hold them maybe a machinist vice?.
Mick

steel jaws on rock dont go well together

i would look at rubber faced or timber faced jaws on any vice

timber jaws with hollows or indentations to grip the rounded ones maybe ?

hasnt someone made them before ?

 

[axeman]

Yes I was thinking about the grip of the vice jaws and i was thinking of same things as you, could try nylon or that stuff the make suspension bushes out of. Going to scrounge through the archives on here to see what I can find.
Mick

 

[Colmaca]

I use rock saws every day at work we only hold the rock with hands on a sliding table with wheels under it . I will try tomorrow to get some pictures for you how they work

all have water flow to the blade

 

[Colmaca]

here are some pictures if they will help

 

[Danielkrupski]

For a portable unit at bunnnnnings they have a small tile cutter that is wet. The water holds in a reservoir that cools the diamond blade. From memory was like $100 they sell it as a wet tile saw. You would still need to do some investagation into some proper blades as the ones they sell for trade hack rather than smooth cut. Google lapidary supplies.

 

[axeman]

Thanks colmaca, food for thought, it would definitinly do the job. Danielkrupski, thanks, I'll have a look at bunnies.
Mick

 

[bigfella]

Hi Mate, 'YOU TUBE' is your answer, just type in 'DIY gem stone saw' and you have it. You Tube is a great source for the DIY enthusiast.

 

[Colmaca]

next best is take my rock to work