Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Flintknapping => Topic started by: DBernier on July 02, 2008, 08:57:13 am
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I got my 10" diamond saw blade running and was going to slab up some Florida coral to Heat Treat it over at Pat's at the end of July. Good lord this stuff is hard. Its like trying to cut it with a soft hacksaw blade. I got about 100# of this stuff. The question is would it be easier to cut it after HT? or do you think it would be just as hard. The reason I want to slab it is to not waste any of it. Anybody got any answers. :-\
Dick
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I bet Eddie will know. Didn't know you knapped Dick.
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Dick, I think it would be easier to cut after. However, the big concern is that the pieces will be to thick and heat unevenly causing it to fracture or explode. I would hate to see that. If you get tired of cutting that hard stuff you can always send it to me. ;D But then, if you don't get tired of cutting it you could slab it all and then send it to me. ;D ;D ;D ::) Justin
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Hey DanaM, yes I do pound on some rocks once in a while. I took a short class with Vinson Minor and he has been there for every question I needed answered. I cannot attach any photos because I get an error message about my "upload folder is full" what ever that is.
Justin, If and when I get it cut etc I will send you some. I owe you for that Obsidian I got from you at Pappys.
Dick
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No Dick, you dont owe me anything. That was a gift not a trade. ;) Justin
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OK Justin, thank you again for the gift. I will send you a gift if and when we "get er done". So what is this "upload folder"?
Dick
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So what is this "upload folder"?
Dick
It is the folder designated for storage of uploaded files like pictures or video. I increased the size so you can post pictures again. Justin
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Dick, If you don't want to wipe your blade out quit now. You need an oil bath saw to cut coral and then it is still not quick. The only way to heat treat it is to reduce it down by spalling, and then it is hard to cut because of the irregular shape. So you just beat it on out. You have to have an oil bath or a lot of credit at Home Depot for blades.
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See I told ya Eddie would know ;D Dick I like gifts also :D
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Thanks Eddie. I probably can do an oil bath with my set-up. I am using a table saw I custonized and isolated the motor from the liquid. I will check and see what oil I have to use and go from there. I have a bunch, small bucket, from Chris that I don't have to cut. I'll take that over with me.
DanaM, your on. I'll save a couple pieces each for you and Justin.
OK Here are the photos DanaM of my first points.
Dick
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Eddie, that is exactly why I use my brother in laws tile saw. >:D
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So Eddie, lets say a guy does have access to a oil lube saw. Do you cut first then heat, or heat then cut? Justin
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Cut then heat treat. Your table saws RPMS are too fast you MUST slow it.
Brian
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Yep, just like Brian said. You can go high speed if you have sufficient cooling. Which most rock saws don't have. And the quality of diamonds are not as good as the ones I use getting deep rock cores.
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Them look real good Dick!! Don't know anything about slabbing or cutting - have always spalled. Maybe I'll try that sometime :).
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Paul, cutting and slabbing is what us guys that don't really know how to knapp do. You are a great knapper so why mess. Justin
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I've used one "sawed" preform. Thinest blade I've made, but that was because it was cut thin. :-[ It was kind of hard getting it started because all the edges were right angles. I'll try and post pictures soon.
Nice points Dick.
Mike
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Nice points Dick and some pretty rock, made 3 obsidian preforms yesterday out of some of Justins rock I grabbed from Pappy's
I have to say I waste a lot of rock would love to be able to slab some. Dick thanks I would love to try some coral and I'm sure I can find something to gift you as well ;)
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Well guys I also have an 8" wet ceramic saw. I think I will try and cut some coral today, or at least see what happens. Eddie, do you think oil or water is better?
Dick
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For hard rock oil is supposed to be better. Oil also keeps it from building up deposits on the diamond edge. Justin
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Dick, you need oil. I cut my rock with a 10" wet saw and it still won't cut Coral or hard jasper that Brian Melton sends me.
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the key to cutting coral is the blade thinkness (kerf) and your blade speed.depending on your blade you would have to change pulleys. I buy my blades from Daniel Lopacki http://lopacki.com/tips/ I use only water and dish soap because the oil will soak into the coral when I cook it.You cant cook a head of coral you will have to spall down to what you want to cook.
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You ever try acetone soaking before you cook to remove the oils????
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yeah I tried it on some but it was too much work and didnt get all the oil out. Water and soap works fine with my saws and I have friends who use the same.