This was our first homemade rock saw, it does a good job
on small rocks but sometimes we would like to cut larger
ones.
So here is the start of a 14 inch rock saw it will offer much
more precision than the first one, more on this project as it
progresses.
Got the basic rock slide and top plate welded together now, made the two
guide rods
removable. They simply slip through the front support bar and screw into
the back
support bar which is welded to the steel plate. Still debating on whether
to use 3/4 in.
pillow blocks shown or 1/2 or 5/8 size. The Diamond saw blade has a 3/4
inch hole in
it for mounting. Got some large cupped washers ordered for securing the
blade to the
shaft, still waiting on those.
Made a stand for the new rock saw out of 3/4 in square steel
tubing got a
cheap 3/4 inch shaft already threaded on one end at Lowes for only $1.50.
I found a 3/4 x 10 in bolt that works great for this part. Linda wanted
it to
be high enough to stand at it and work with it so the legs are 3 ft. high.
Those long awaited blade washers came in today so I put the blade on the
3/4 in.
shaft and also mounted the 4 inch pulley on other end. I also raised the
bearings
up a inch with 1 in square tubing under them. This allows me to cut a larger
slice
from rocks. The bearing bolts were inserted from the bottom and welded
in place
so they won't turn if I remove the bearings from above. Also installed
a plastic U
shaped bar to clamp down on the rocks being cut. I used 5/16 all thread
bolted in
the slide platform to hold the rocks. Wing nuts adjust rock clamp down
force on
top of the plastic.
Rock Saw is almost finished now, got frame pretty much finished and motor
mounted. Put a water trough under the blade to keep blade lubricated
and
cool, also installed a water sprayer to spray area of cut on rock and blade.
It
hooks to a water facet and has a control valve in the line.
I installed a rear rope that has a weight on it to help pull the rock platform
forward
into the blade. It goes straight back and over a little pulley and downward,
the weight
will be lead but I'm not sure how much is needed at this time. I
also decided to use
some thick outdoor carpet on rock platform to secure the rock being cut.
Here is the copper tube sprayer firmly mounted to the platform. It has
a small drip
system control valve on the platform to adjust the spray. The end of the
copper is
hammered almost shut to give a flat sort of wide spray to the area being
cut. This
can be a problem area I've found keeping the water where you want it. This
copper
is easily adjusted and stays put unlike some other systems I've tried.
The only thing
left now is wire motor to a switch, add a lead weight, maybe install
a water shield
then give it a try.
Got the rock saw finished now, wired , lead weight to pull slide installed, and tested.
Here it is in action cutting a tough agate rock, it slowly chews its way
across the
rock, perfect straight thin line. The blade does throw a mist of water
forward, up,
and rearwards. I may or may not install a cover for that, since its not
that big a
deal where we intend to use it in the yard.
This is a close-up of the rock being cut, I cut several rocks
this morning and depending
on rock hardness it may take a minute or 10. This project exceeded my expectations,
the Rock Gal :-) is very happy with it.