[meteorite-list] Cutting Tip

[Raremeteorites]

Dear List Members,

Some Team LunarRock members and I decided to go to the Quartzsite Gem and 
Mineral show before going onto  Tucson on February 4th.  I am truly amazed 
at how large the Quartzsite, Arizona show has become.  I was told there 
population swells up to over a half million during the shows temporally 
making it the third largest city in Arizona!  This from a small town of only 
1,800 permanent residents and two off-ramps.  We found everything we needed 
in Quartzsite so decided to cancel our Tucson plans and stick around.  To do 
this show right, you would need two weeks since it is so massive and fun.

Quartzsite:
http://www.quartzsitervshow.com/local-quartzsite-information/

All the big lapidary machine and supply companies had great displays with 
excellent inventory including top-of-the-line Highland Park machines.  I 
talked to the Highland Park dealer and was surprised that they are still 
making the enormous 24" saws and why he hadn't moved onto to the Tucson 
show.  He said most vendors have given up on the Tucson show and stick 
around for a month longer in Quartzsite even though the show is supposed to 
be over.   The representative was very helpful and gave me tips on recycling 
vast amounts of mineral oil used in cutting and how to maintain my 24" 
Highland Park.  I discussed problems with gripping end-cuts in saw vices. 
He then brought out a custom made jig which solved the problem once and for 
all.  I have been making my own temporary jigs out of wood for years trying 
to solve the problem of gripping an end-cut and have it hold up under the 
enormous pressure a 24" saw can bring to bear.  It is made of metal, is 
universally adjustable and cost me less than $100.00.  It will work on most 
saws with a 2" or larger vice.

Here are some images of the end-cut jig which works perfectly:

http://themeteoritesite.com/adam/SawJig-a.jpg

http://themeteoritesite.com/adam/SawJig-b.jpg

http://themeteoritesite.com/adam/SawJig-c.jpg

The Highland Park representative's name is John Scofield at (951)315 8486 in 
Riverside, California if you are in need of one.  I am only making a 
recommendation since it solved a major headache for me.

Happy Cutting,

Adam