Tile Saw Vs. Lapidary Saw - What's the Best Saw for You?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- Thanks for stopping by to check out this shop video where we test four different saws back to back and see how they preform and weigh out the pros, cons, and things to consider when looking at what will be the right fit for you.
Thanks for watching!
#CurrentlyRockhounding #Lapidary #Rocksaw
Did you enjoy this video and find it to be informative? You can help ensure that more videos just like this get made by supporting the project on Patreon. www.patreon.com/currentlyrockhounding
Very informative video, thanks!
Hi! I was wondering why protective gloves are not used?
Maybe it comes with confidence from experience, but I've never seen anyone wearing gloves when cutting stones. I've been super curious! When I mentioned to my family that I am interested in this as a new hobby everyone was concerned that I would cut my fingers off!
These blades will not lop a finger off. You can actually gently touch them without harm. You still want to keep your fingers clear and more so things like clothing and jewelry which are a much bigger concern.
can you put a foot pedal on a tile saw and slow the RPM's down?
@@moshjoshpitchief4418 You can not.
This guy has to be the most informative youtuber on the hobby. Really excellent content, classroom grade instruction. Tons of respect for dudes like this.
Hope many people understand the work that goes into making quality content.
Thank you very much.
Finally! I have been lookin to buy a saw and this was the ONLY video I could find that actually compared some of these saws.
I'm glad you found it to be useful, I try to make content that helps people out.
I was wondering too
Thank you! This is still a wonderful reference 3 years later!
I'm glad you found it to be helpful.
Man, I am both mad at you and grateful to you for this video. I was really really hoping I could get by with a tile saw instead of buying the trim saw. But after watching this I know that the tile saw will not work for what I need. I really wanted to lie to myself, but ultimately you've saved me a lot of money and disappointment so thank you for making this.
I mean, the truth is that autofeed saws running oil is just the very best way to cut a rock, and they also happen to be very pricey.
You most definitely helped my neighbors and they don't even know it! Oh man I was about to make so much noise! When you said "Resale Value" my immediate reaction was "Huh? Dude Imma run that thing to death!" then envisioned whirling the thing around by the end of it's cord and releasing it aiming for the dumpster like it's some kind of Olympic event. I began to crack up, awakening my daughter who obviously decided sawing logs was more appealing than sawing rocks. She saw the stone to the bottom left on the shelves and said "It's a heart with a family of monkeys!". She took a photo and sketched out what she pictured. I'd be happy to share it.
Hahaha yeah the sound is a big aspect if you have neighbours.
Great information and video brother! Thanks for the comparison Hi Tech the clear winner!!
I'm glad you liked it.
Even though this video is two years old, thank you for the valuable information! I am new to cutting rocks and have been having trouble with finding out price versus performance when it comes to cutting rocks. I have cut tile for remodeling projects and mosaic projects and have never cut stone on the tile saw. I will be using the tile saw to start off with and I will be cutting small rocks, but I want to get into cutting the bigger rocks. An investment into the trim and slab saw now has be comfortable with buying those. I will be looking for the best deal on them, more than likely used ones! Later as I grow my business I can justify getting the newer ones. I will be looking at videos on shaping and polishing too! Again thank you I learned a lot!
I'm glad you found it to be useful.
Incredibly helpful video. I live in a duplex in Alaska and have been on the fence about getting a slab saw for a while. This video addressed all of my concerns. Thank you!!
70 yr old.lifetime rk hound , new sub , like your video . Nvr owned a saw so would enjoy anything else , esp. prices . Plan to buy a 50 DLR saw soon and start Small..........dee
Your break down of the 3 saws really helped me decide what I want to do. GLAD to know about the noise factor and the shooting of the water when the saw is running!
I'm glad you liked it and I hope you find the right saw for you.
Thanks, I learn something from every video of yours I watch. Love you guy's!
That feels really good to hear.
Thank you for a great video lesson! I'm brand new to all of this and your video explained things in a way that even a newbie like me could understand. 😊
Hello, This is my first-ever comment to you,I certainly liked your show on TH-cam, i watched them all,you are a wealth of information with the books and the info that you sheard with all who watch, I live in Colorado up in the mountains, there's plenty of rock here, but nothing like what you have,I recently retired so this is my new hobby, my goodness I have a lot to learn, I would like to correspond with you, and who knows maybe meet you and Sarah some day
Thanks Gary in Colorado
Thank you! I'm glad you like the videos.
You can always shoot me an email.
Well done; you definitely touched on the practicalities involved with the various saws.
I'm glad you found it helpful.
This has been a very valuable video. The biggest problem for those of us who are simply “pretty rock” collectors is that very quickly you want to either polish your Little Rock’s or cut your bigger specimens. For example, I’ll never have the time left to take up lapidary, but I still like the hunt!
If you do plan on trying your hand at the world of lapidary it is something that you can really so as a casual hobby.
Very good info. You brought to light more things than I had considered about the different types of saws.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Great video! Thanks for all the info
Thanks I live in Canada, I am very new to this. So your information is very valuable.
Thank you!
Great analysis video sir, thanks for sharing!👍 I recommend completing the saw party with a nice 36" gravity saw and a 72" reciprocating saw~🤦♂️ hahaha Just know I'm about to find some logs and boulders that need cutting🤷♂️😂
Ha thank you Shaughn! How about I work towards getting the 36' gravity saw and you can get that big reciprocating saw?
Thanks. Great information. We just bought a bigger slabbing saw and it is great. Going to pick up a smaller lap saw and cabbing machine next. We own the same two tile saws you have and experienced all the same finishes you described.
Great video, thanks for posting it. Been tumbling rocks for years. Have some big chunks of agatized wood I want to cut slabs from
thank you...the terminology alone was very useful...I have been searching rock saw and not seeing what I wanted. This helps a lot!!
I'm happy to help.
Good info, I definitely could have used this video when I first started! I got SO frustrated and put off by how tedious cutting with tile saws was, especially after I got my slab saw. I use my 20" HP slab saw in the dining room of my second story apartment 😂 Noise and mess were huge concerns, after getting her UP to the apartment anyways. I have the saw contained in a 4'x5' grow tent, with two sets of vibration dampening pads under the feet, along with rubber motor mounts, and no complaints from the downstairs neighbors so far! It is a hassle when it's time to drain and clean the 10 gallons of oil, for sure, but I love having her close so I can keep tabs on how the cut is going.
That sounds like a good time! lol How much did the 20" slab saw cost you? And where did you get it?
@@naturalstones4529 I found her on Craigslist for $2100, worth every penny!
That sounds like a pretty good setup, I would love to see that!
@@CurrentlyRockhounding if you're ever in the Portland area, you're more than welcome to come on over!
@@sadiedangel That is a great find! Good price too
Thanks again for the informative video. I have a tile saw (left over from a bathroom project), but I have never used it. I worry about losing fingers. I think you have talked me into waiting for a better choice.
Tile saws are pretty safe, having a continuous blade means they really can't cut you. Maybe you should break it out and just try cutting a few small rocks on it.
Dude, I totally found this video helpful, super comprehensive breakdown of all the options. For me, I want the frikin BIG ONE! To make slabs, and the trim saw, holy dude!? How much thinner is that blade!? I’m digging the table top tile saw, for obvious reasons, price etc, but nothing’s better than doing a job, when you’ve got the right tools. I learnt a bunch from this man. Genuinely, I really like the depth you went into to spec all of these. Thanks man!
Oh oh! I also noticed you didn’t mention the Quick Cut Concrete cutter... bahaha! Dude if I had my time again 🤦♂️
That thing is a beast, but damn the grooves are deeper than any I have encountered...
I'm glad you liked it. The really thin blade for my Hi-tech saw is 0.009". It's really the video I wish I had when I was getting into this.
I can only imagine.
I got the hi tech saw it works for cutting inside the house in the winter time since it's not very messy 👍
Yeah just a little bit of spray.
Really appreciate these types of videos. I was able to find the tool I wanted bc of on of your other vids where you talked about tools. Thanks 😊!
Really helpful video! I'm just starting to research lapidary tools now that I'm bursting at the seams with rocks and want to be able to do something with them! My husband has a lot of tools and used a tile saw to cut some geodes open for me and I had noticed the saw marks you'd mentioned. This gave me a lot to look into!
Thank you for this video, new and learning more about lapidary work and your video definitely helped save me from making some wrong purchases, much appreciated. Great content!
Thank you! I'm glad you found it to be helpful.
Very informative. I searched everywhere for info on saws and this was the best. Appreciate it thank you.
Thank you and I'm glad you found it helpful.
Thanks for the video 👍 just bought tile saw for the start cutting rocks 👍
Price was the biggest thing why not a trim saw.
This is Exactly the info I was looking for... thanks!👍👍
I'm glad you liked it.
Thanks. You helped me make my mind up.
really helpful video, thank you!
Awesome video mate appreciate the opportunity to see the difference between the saws ⛏️😎👌
Glad you liked it.
Wow! Just what I was hoping to find.
Thanks for such a detailed explanation.
You mention that you can run water in the oil saws, can you do a video about the differences in the process and results?
The other way around. A saw designed for oil like a big slab saw can only run oil but a lot of trim saws can run both oil and water but when you run oil in them you will be making a big mess.
The biggest factor in using a tile saw for cutting (especially things like agate and Pet wood) is the tile saw motor is only sized to cut maybe 1/2in. thick tile and soft (marble) stone. It will tend to bog down and overheat on bigger, harder materials.
Also, cutting tile goes quick, rocks not so much - The motors for tile saws are usually a brush type motor which wears out rapidly in continuous duty applications - like cutting rocks.
If you really think you want to cut rocks, you are money ahead to find a used lapidary saw (usually can be found between 1/4 and 1/10th the cost of a new lapidary saw)
I agree that a tile saw is not a replacement for lapidary saws, I do think they are perfectly good for someone just getting start and want to see if its something that they are interested in.
Used saws can be a good deal if you find the right one.
Tile saws are good for cutting material that is prone to making your oil saw oil real dirty. Like thundereggs, rock with high iron content or odd material like lapis (which makes oil thick and creamy!) Also good for exploratory cuts (windows) in found material you are not sure about. I spin mine up once a year and go through a pile.
Brother we live in WA, I do believe, we def need to budget our toys out here. Good vid TY. Sky Valley here
15:03 YOU MUST MEAN THE SKYKOMISH COUNTY,
I GREW UP IN THE SNOQUALMIE VALLEY IN BETWEEN DUVAL AND CARNATION❤❤❤❤❤
Thank you for this video! It was extremely helpful in making a decision on a trim saw.
This was very helpful, great work.
Thank you!
Thank you. Helps me to have a better prospective on what I need to purchase!
I'm glad you liked it.
Thank you that you talk about tools. Awesome
Great informative video. Thanks for this! You helped me think about what I want/need in a saw.
I'm glad you liked it.
Very handy video! THanks. Size matters!
Hi Tech for the win!!
I tend to agree with you.
You just got yourself a new sub
I need to put my big boy pants on and get a slab saw. I have a C.E. 6" combo unit that includes a trim saw and it is useful but for what I am trying to do I'm going to need something bigger and more automated.
Also need to make sure you factor in the cost of blades because the larger the blade, the more diamonds required to operate and man do they get pricey,
Great vid man, keep it up!
You bring up a good point that I didn't, bigger blades me more money.
Bigger Blades are more expensive BUT when you get to oil cutting they wear Very little. I cut quite a bit and I'm still on my first blade on my 12" lortone 15 years in and at a guess I've got another 15 - 20 years of wear left. Mostly cutting Rainbow Pet Wood.
Water saws wear a lot more but the way I look at it, I'll spend more on gas getting the rocks than the blade will cost.
I'm Australian and I like your hat.
Really like your videos. Saw your Little Naches thunder eggs and realized that is right above where we camp and had no clue there are thunder eggs up there. I Would like to see how you polish a cut stone when you have time.
Thank you. I do have some cutting and polishing videos already up and there will be more in the coming weeks I think.
Hello CR. I'm looking to cut not break up some more expensive gemlike rocks (Sunstone and Lapis) and trim some crazy lace agate for tumbling, so I thought I better use a saw instead of a hammer and chisel. You were the first person I thought to seek advice and I think I have all the info I need to make a decision. Thanks.
That makes me happy to hear!
Very informative. I’m about to pull the trigger on purchasing one of the Hi-Tech trim saws. The agony is whether to just get the 6” now or just go ahead with the 10”. Don’t want buyer’s remorse.
I think it really comes down to what you want to be cutting with it. Really in the world of lapidary size matters. Another thing to factor in is the cost of blades, the bigger the saw the more expensive of a blade you have.
Thanks for the demonstration.❤️this was really helpful
I'm happy you liked it.
I have an opportunity to buy some used lapidary equipment. I am new to the lapidary/rock hound world. Your video expanded my knowledge 200%!! Thanks!
I love hearing that! I'm happy to help and good luck with the machines.
Thank you a great comparison!
I'm glad you liked it.
Thanks for the info bud!!
My pleasure.
Figured Hi-Tech would be the better one. Good video man thanks for showing the difference.
Sub for you too
I agree but that said I loved sure loved cutting my first rock on the tile saw.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding Gets you hooked
Congratulations beautiful work.
Thank you.
Very informative, thanks!
Thank you for this video. You covered so much 💙
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
So helpful. Thank you. Currently sawless with too many rocks.
Having a saw is amazing.
I’m trying to decide whether to buy my first saw and what it should be. This comparison was super helpful. I think saving my money for a used lapidary saw maybe the better choice, esp in terms of blade thickness and noise.
If you can afford a lapidary saw or are willing to save up for it, then I think you would be happier with it over a tile saw.
Thank you, you answered a bunch of question that I had.
Glad I could help!
Thank you so much! Very helpful video.
Thank you so much for this very helpful informative video!!
I'm glad you liked it.
@@CurrentlyRockhounding I was overwhelmed by not knowing enuf to get a slab saw. You really helped me with things to look for.
Thank you, Great info and illuminating.
I'm glad you liked it.
I shopped around long and hard and ended up with a 7" VEVOR Wet Tile Saw for $63 delivered. It's quite nice.
Wonderful video. Informative and to the point. You answer the questions that most wouldn't think to ask, which I appreciate greatly and find admirable. Thanks. Consider me a new subscriber.
I'm glad you liked it.
Great information!😊😊
I'm glad you liked it!
9:55 Can confirm, I took a tile saw to an agate. Feels smooth, does not look it without water 😂
For real. Have to get a dremel kit
Another great informative video. Thank you.
Thanks for watching.
Excellent video! I'm lost on what type of cutting machine I want to get! But I feel a little bit better learning what I did from your video! Thanks! I'm subscribing! 🤗
What kinda of work do you want to do?
Hi! Thanks for your reply! I will send you an email ! I don't think everyone wants this info ! Also, I cannot find your information on becoming a member on your channel. Could I get that from you!?! Thanks so much! 🤗
I thank You for this helpful video.
I travel in a Rv and looking for a small rock cutter for slabs and jewelery making.
I would appreciate you suggestions
Most likely a small 6" trim saw will be ideal for you.
This was very useful, thank you.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
thanks for good info..
I'm glad you liked it.
Thank you for the Great Info!
I'm glad you found it to be helpful.
Today I was cutting with a 7” diamond blade Rigid tile saw. I had my Impact Sport ear protection on and since I am new to using this saw I haven’t thought about using it backwards yet. Plan on tumbling most of the material, and want to use what is around the house before I get tempted to buy something else. Great informative video thank you.
It sounds like that saw is a great fit for what you want to do with it. Thank you for watching.
Great video! Super useful! Question for you, please: What Decibal app are you using on the iPhone and why that one? thank you!
This video is a little old so I have no idea what the app was that I was using at the time.
Thank you
Very helpful! Thank you...Mike
I'm glad you liked it!
What a great video! I was looking for a comparison video between lapidary vs. tile. I just picked up a 10” tile saw to go with my trim and smaller tile so I can go a bit bigger on my cuts.
Quick questions about the oil and water. What differences do you notice between the oil and water? Does the oil damage any of the rocks? Does it make the blade last longer? How is the oil cleaned? Or is it just tossed once the slurry is to contaminated?
Sorry to ramble on but was trying to get some information together before I invest in a 20”+ saw. Is a lot of factors to consider. Thanks for the video.
The answer to your questions about oil could be really long but Ill try to keep it short here.
So oil is better for cutting rocks, it makes the blades last way longer, it won't damage like 99% of the things you will cut, its cleaned by filtering or just thrown out and replaced.
Very informative. Thanks.
Great video. Thanks
I'm glad you liked it!
Nice!.. Great explanation of "x" factors to keep in mind.
Thank you!
Nice video, very informative.
Iam Danish, living in Ghana...!!
So I enjoy watching you and others on TH-cam. I make jewelry, and looking for a used slab saw, oil...!!!
Would you be able to help me locate a machine like that....??
Thanks this was useful!
Thanks 4 tutorial!
I'm glad you found it helpful.
Great info thank you!
Very good video. Awesome hat where abouts could I get one myself?
The hat is from Black Rifle Coffee Company, and I agree that it's awesome!
@@CurrentlyRockhounding cool man thanks happy rock hounding.
Best tile saw is a target saw. I have 3. The only thing that freezes up on them is the pump and hose. Put in a bucket of warm water and it thaws fast. They do sell heaters for the trays. Some use a birdbath heater or two.
I really enjoy your videos.
I have a question, first I’m very new to rockhounding and tumbling.
I have an inexpensive table top 7” and a mid grade 10” tile saws. I’m not very pleased with either for cutting rocks. Both have tile blades from when they were purchased. What pitfalls would happen if I purchased lapidary blades? Are there any dangers switching blades considering the rotation on a tile saw is much greater? Will the cuts be cleaner?
Thank you, keep up the great videos.
Hello Scott, I'm glad you like the video. Unfortunately you can not run a lapidary blade on a tile saw due to the difference in RPM. A lapidary blade is meant to spin half as fast as a tilesaw.
I have a 14" Target brick and block saw. I don't know the RPMs. It's a water saw. I cut rocks with a Granite, Marble & Tile blade. The better the quality of the blade, the more expensive . In this case it was $ 230 25 years ago. The saw cost &1,400 , 25 years ago, new.
The 14" Target is 1& 1/2 HP , with
6& 3/4" depth of cut. It's a beast and the motor will never overheat.
Do you ever have problems with rocks tumblers freezing in the outside during winter? I am trying to figure out where the equipment would work the best for me. I do live in Eastern washington so winters get super cold at times
That is one of the main reasons I don't have a rock tumblers is that running them in the shop out here in the winter will freeze them solid.
I’ve been considering a larger saw, called a block saw with a 20 inch blade. Wondering which would be faster to cut a eight diameter and stone for example, between the block saw, and a large lapidary saw. The finish is not very critical for me, more, so the overall speed and ease of project to cut such a large rock. Thanks for the video that covered some interesting details. I wasn’t sure about any thoughts on the block saw versus lapidary for cutting larger stones (granite and gneiss) and in half?
That block saw would be better for what you're doing it seems like.
What type of oil do you use awesome video thank you
I assume you're talking about the slab saw, I use a low viscosity mineral oil.
I am about to invest in a ring saw, currently running the rigid 10" tile saw for all rough $700. Of course almost all of my rough is 5" or bigger. I also use a 10" $70 brick mason blade just for roughing. Most of my large cuts take me about 10 minutes, only taking 1/4 of material at a time. BUT the material loss is substantial. I am currently looking for a good deal on a 10" lapidary trim saw. Equipment is a slippery slope ..lol
Why are you planning on going with the Ring Saw vs. something else?
@@CurrentlyRockhounding for cutting shapes that I cant get done on any of the stuff I currently have.
Can you make a video on mohs scale vs blade speed? I just bought a Highland Park J3 had it for less than 24 hours n already bent my 18 inch blade because I was cutting jasper to fast. 😥 now I gotta get a new blade. 🙄 It would be a great edition to your vids. My J3 has a four speed pully. I need to know which size for what mohs scale so I can make notes on my saw. Thank you in advance if you do. Love your vids bud.
Depending on the blade you might be able to save it, I have a video up here unbending a blade which you might like. Most of the time you will be looking for a feed rate of about 5-7 minutes per inch of cut.
TY for doing this video. I love your content and helping everyone out, you rock🤪.
I have a few questions that I’m not sure if anyone has asked…it’s about vibration of the saws (seems to make a difference).
Also, I was wondering if you have ever bought & built the 14”-20” saw builds out there. I need a 14” or bigger and wondering if it’s worth making it instead. TY in advance for your input. Happy hounding rockheads 😉
I'm glad you liked the video.
I'm not sure what you're asking about as far as vibration goes.
If you have the all the machines and skills required to build a saw then its worth it to build one. However if you don't already have the ability cut steel, weld, design, and machine small parts you will be better buying one.
TY for responding I appreciate it.
When I was looking for a large saw I was told by a Rock-hounder that the difference between a wet tile saw and lapidary saw is the vibration created.
So I took my large pieces to a cutter I found locally and he cut out his favorite pieces and gave me the rest. I was highly disappointed and vowed to get my own. However the cost is so high and now I have large rocks that I can’t cut sooo I’m on the hunt for an inexpensive solution lol.
I recommend to buy a saw slightly bigger than you'd expect you would have need for :-) A tile saw is very handy and easy to bring outside to do some cutting once in a while but usability and durability wise I would prefer a used lapidary trimsaw over a tilsaw. Used saws can easily be more expensive though and also hard to find, so if the alternative is no saw, go for the tilesaw!
Are you using lapidary saw Blades in this test on the tile saws ? Any Opinions on using a tool sharpening guide with angle finders on the vertical and horizontal for a diy faceting manipulator?
You can not put a lapidary blade on a tile saw, they have different operation RPM.
Thank you for the great video. I am new to all this and I want to buy my own devices both for cutting bigger stones and for making cabochons and other pieces for jewelry. So I was wondering if it is enough with buying one of HighTechs 10” slab machines? Or do I still need another machine like a 6 or 8 trim machine? Because I have heard that the 10”slab machine comes with a slab blade and a trim blade. Thank you! 😊🙏🏼
I'm glad you found it to be helpful!
You know that saul looks formiliar to me for some reason Definitely the budget friendly way
Hey if it gets the job done that you're asking it to do then its the right saw.