[meteorite-list] Another question for the Saw Wizards

[Galactic Stone & Ironworks]

Hi Ron and List,

I noticed that about the blade sanding it's way through the specimen.
The first slices I made were the smoothest and the prettiest.  Now,
after many cuts, the blade is leaving more noticeable saw marks.

The blade I am using is the stock/default blade that came with the
saw, so I don't know how good it really is, quality-wise.  I have
another blade sold specifically to cut meteorites, it's the same
thickness but the blade is brown-colored instead of reflective bare
metal.  It's also a CBN, which comes highly recommended.  I wanted to
practice with the stock blade before moving on to the CBN.  I also
have an extremely thin and floppy diamond blade called a laser
"dia-cut" which I  haven't used yet either.

Best regards,

MikeG


On 6/30/09, R N Hartman <rhartman04 at earthlink.net> wrote:
> That because a Diamond blade (but not all!) with the very fine continuous
> diamond mesh does not cut, it "sands".  It sands its way right through your
> tough iron meteorite and if your saw is running smoothly it will give your
> slice a high polish as it finishes the cut.  If you have some issues with
> the straightness of the blade or continuous feed, etc. you may get grooves,
> which is a sad problem!
>
> Ron Hartman
>
> Disclaimer:  Use of this information, I am not responsible for lost fingers,
> noses or toes!
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mr EMan" <mstreman53 at yahoo.com>
> To: "Meteorite List" <meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>; "Galactic Stone
> & Ironworks" <meteoritemike at gmail.com>
> Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 4:18 PM
> Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Another question for the Saw Wizards
>
>
>
> Last time I cut with a diamond blade it only would cut the nail and not the
> skin--wanna give it a try and see if thinner blades can cut skin?
>
> Mike they make a slab holder/jig which comes in few sizes that lets you cut
> down below 10mm or so. Once you clamp the stone in the jig you clamp it in
> your saw vice. $20-30 on ebay.
>
> Elton
>
> --- On Tue, 6/30/09, Galactic Stone & Ironworks <meteoritemike at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Listees and Stonecutters!
>>
>> After using my saw on several occasions now, I wanted to
>> share a
>> recent experience and ask a related question.
>>
>> While cutting a small unclassified NWA stone about the size
>> of a
>> walnut, my stepson showed up and started
>> watching. It made him
>> extremely nervous watching me handhold the small stone
>> while I cut it.
>>  Apparently seeing my unprotected fingers a half-inch away
>> from a
>> spinning diamond blade was too much to bear. He is
>> absolutely
>> convinced I am going to cut a finger off. (Shows how
>> much confidence
>> he has in me!) LOL
>>
>> He asked why I don't use some kind of jig or holder that
>> will hold the
>> stone for me. I showed him my rock vise, which is
>> made for use with
>> this particular saw. But the vise is only good for
>> larger stones, or
>> elongated stones. It's not much good for holding very
>> small
>> acorn-sized or walnut-sized stones. So, I bravely go
>> where no fingers
>> should go. He asked what I would do if I cut off my
>> finger, and I
>> nonchalantly said I would drive myself to the nearest
>> emergency room,
>> wait my turn, get it sewed back on, and then go home with a
>> big
>> bandaged hand and type a one-handed email to the list about
>> the
>> episode. ;)
>>
>> So, my question is - how do you cut very small stones on a
>> 6" lapidary
>> saw? Do you hand hold them? Do you use some
>> kind of jig? And how
>> many digits do you still have on your hands?
>>
>> Honestly, I am not terribly worried about it. I am
>> experienced with
>> power tools and saws, so I'm not being reckless. But
>> if there is
>> something I can do to make my wife and family feel better
>> about it,
>> I'd do it.
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>> 10-Fingered Mike (for now)
>>
>>
>> --
>> .........................................................
>> Michael Gilmer (Louisiana, USA)
>> Member of the Meteoritical Society.
>> Member of the Bayou Region Stargazers Network.
>> Websites - http://www.galactic-stone.com and http://www.glassthrower.com
>> ..........................................................
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-- 
.........................................................
Michael Gilmer (Louisiana, USA)
Member of the Meteoritical Society.
Member of the Bayou Region Stargazers Network.
Websites - http://www.galactic-stone.com and http://www.glassthrower.com
..........................................................