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I'd like to convert a wood cutting saw to a rock cutting saw, if it's possible.
Why? Because I can get a used table saw for around $50, which is pretty cheap.
Or I could get a used chop saw for around the same price. (rock saws, by comparison, seem rarer and way more expensive.)
I would have to buy a rock sawing blade and figure out a way to keep it wet without getting the motor wet...I'm aware of just that much, but not to clear on specifics.
Has anybody ever done something like this? Or seen any plans online?
I could buy a tile saw , which is affordable, but the maximum size blade on the affordable models would only allow me to cut maybe two inches of material, and I'd like to get up to a 3.5" cut if I could.
I'm just strategizing here, so any suggestions are appreciated.
Why? Because I can get a used table saw for around $50, which is pretty cheap.
Or I could get a used chop saw for around the same price. (rock saws, by comparison, seem rarer and way more expensive.)
I would have to buy a rock sawing blade and figure out a way to keep it wet without getting the motor wet...I'm aware of just that much, but not to clear on specifics.
Has anybody ever done something like this? Or seen any plans online?
I could buy a tile saw , which is affordable, but the maximum size blade on the affordable models would only allow me to cut maybe two inches of material, and I'd like to get up to a 3.5" cut if I could.
I'm just strategizing here, so any suggestions are appreciated.
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Portland
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Re: Cutting rocks with a wood saw...
Tue, October 13, 2009 - 5:58 PMI have tasked my old contractor style table saw as my steel and etc., cutting saw. I just put a 10" abrasive blade in it and that is it's purpose now.
It might be advisable to work out a drip feed for water to keep dust down and cool the cut along with some kind of spatter shield.
Other than that there's no reason not to make the conversion by installing the blade of preference.
You say rock then you want a diamond blade. Chances are the blade will demand a coolant flow.
Now as to the motor and all that water, you should consider shielding it from the water mist and spray.
Rock dust is heavy in minerals and when water has lots of minerals in it it conducts electricity. That'll both wreck the motor and send voltage and amps on over to play with you. you can always get a enclosed motor. -
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Re: Cutting rocks with a wood saw...
Tue, October 13, 2009 - 7:58 PMI put a diamond blade in my wormdrive skillsaw, and I've cut plenty of flagstone with that. I just hose the stone down before each cut. -
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Re: Cutting rocks with a wood saw...
Tue, October 13, 2009 - 10:06 PMTo trim the edge of a freshly laid flagstoned front porch, I used my standard Skil - type circular saw with masonry blades installed. Soaking the flags first is a good idea. I ran through about 2 or 3 blades to get the job done. At $8 per blade that's still more cost effective than diamond. But for long term use over time, the more costly blade is the way to go. Only that blade throwing off water like a wet dog, from a home-made irrigation system, could kill a motor quick.
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