Slab Saw Advice // Tip & Tricks to Cutting Rocks

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

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[@sacredsounds4234]

Where did you get a large slab saw like that?great video thanks!!

[@JerryWilson-xw8jc]

Wow. Thunder eggs. Yes I cut a lot of them. I also use a rock gripper fixture to fold them. Have a great day.

[@markfritch3168]

Thanks for the tips on slab saws. They are soooo expensive. I have a good number (12-14) petrified wood stones that are about cantaloupe sized but hard to justify the cost of cutting them. I recently purchased a trim saw for slabs and smaller stones. Thanks again for all your information.

[@Metalingots]

Thank you for all the information you share with people. I started collecting rock's just last year, and you've been a big help! Again thanks!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you so much for the kind comment! I'm happy to help.

[@AC_Cool_]

Thanks!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Oh my gosh thank you! :)

[@sandmaker]

It's always good to get tips on anything, especially a ginormous saw. Thanks for sharing the cuts. Be happy, safe and stay healthy 😷⚒

[@jakeexotic9818]

What a lot of pro tips, I will be watching more of your stuff for sure. Thank you!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you I have a lot here that you might like.

[@trivetsanddecor]

This is cool. I just moved from Sweet Home, Oregon (Holleywood Ranch in Holley, Oregon) to NC. I have an 18inch HP saw. Love cutting!!

[@cindybright5902]

I really enjoy your videos. I just started cutting rocks myself right at a year ago. One thing I was taught was to put your rock at the very end of your carriage. That way it has more support and less likely to move.

[@sacredsounds4234]

Where did you get a large slab saw?Thanks

[@johndudash2579]

Looks like a fun hobby, appreciate your fine thorough instruction and tips, hope I come across one of these saws one day, been a rock hound most of my life.

[@jamesh5460]

Love the jet black color.

[@AliceinMineralLand]

Ooo thank you for this video! I am desperate for a saw, one day :). Those turned out lovely!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Just gotta keep your eyes on the used market.

[@toddedeker3528]

Thank you!! You make my new interest so fun!!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@patriciamckean4186]

Thanks for the safety info. I didn't know the oil would mist.

[@BackcountrywithShaughn]

Excellent post my friend, thank you as always for sharing! Many of my personal favorite specimen are "stand up" desk pieces and good Saddle Mountain material is some of the coolest IMO with super excellent cellular replacement. Bit of advice if I will: For the piece that is black inside, go ahead and polish it up, then soak it in bleach and a thin layer of the carbon will be drawn out and return the pet wood to more natural tones~ Really works! Thanks again sir, hope you have a great rest of your week. PS. I've soaked mine in bleach for up to 2 weeks.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think I will need to try just that to see how much better I can make it look.

[@largent45]

All four pieces were so different but beautiful in their own right! Thank you on the tutorial for the slab saw. Not all of us can afford to purchase one and for those that join a rock club, to use the clubs machines, not everyone knows how to work them. So thank you for that. I know every saw is different but slab saws all work pretty much the same. And they are way different than a regular trim saw. Those pet woods all look awesome! And i agree, that they would look gook with a face polish so they can sit up or lay down and show that beautiful wood grain texture on the cut faces! Thank you for sharing this. Informative and fascinating as always!

[@sacredsounds4234]

Where would you get a slab saw like his.I can't find one on line.Thanks

[@kylaabegglen1275]

Great demo and explanation video! Awesome tips and tricks to know also. Those are beautiful stand-up specimens. Thank you for sharing this Jared!✌️🤠

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!

[@houndofrock]

Great topic. 👍 Really like that Saddle Mtn material. The 18" I just brought home was being run with transmission fluid. Working on the saw electric this weekend. Can't wait to get her up and running. I think I'll call her Big Betty.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I can't wait to see your new saw in person.

[@sacredsounds4234]

Is your saw enclosed like this one?If so where did you get it?Thanks

[@houndofrock]

@sacredsounds4234 mine is enclosed as well. I bought it through Facebook lapidary marketplace as a used saw. Great way to get a more affordable saw if you are willing to do some refurbishing.

[@sacredsounds4234]

@@houndofrock thanks for the feedback.I will check it out.

[@pdemkovich]

Great video - Thanks for the explanations and the tips! I’ve had success wedging irregular rocks in the vice using strips of washed foam trays that meat comes in from the grocery. Sometimes top and bottom, sometimes several strips - the dense foam conforms to the rock surface well. Next time I’ll try a wooden wedge! Also, for round rocks that are just impossible to immobilize in the vice, I sometimes will epoxy to the rock the shaped end of a short piece of 2x2, and then secure the 2x2 in the vice. This works particularly well for making repeat slab cuts from the same piece.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The epoxying a rock to a block is something I do want to try in the future.

[@offyarocka]

some great tips!!! I'll definitely keep in mind the vapour factor when at the lapidary club...safety first yo

[@leonalbert4319]

Thanks for the tutorial with the slab saw, It`s always nice to learn how slab saws work, oh and awesome pet wood, I tend to like stand ups also, I cut the end off a red marble I liked so much i made it a stand up for my wife`s cabinet, take care and stay cool.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it! I really prefer a stand up if the specimen allows for it.

[@cliffmiller1021]

Your mother's piece really surprised me with all the color on the outside, I expected more detail and contrast. I can't help but wonder what was going on there, what were the conditions to make that.

[@marynovich2180]

This was a great video. We are just getting started with trying to cut bigger pieces. We have a wet saw. Now we have to get this lol

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@ocklawahaboyrocks]

I need to look into a cutoff. I hadn't thought about that.

[@erniesmith4344]

Great ideas! Thanks

[@bicolth4167]

Watching from Philippines

[@steveegbert7429]

I think a bit of polished vertical face portions on those stand ups would be a great addition to the display.

[@edwardrick7388]

I love slabs, this is by far one of my favorite educational videos from you. The trim saw episodes are fantastic well worth the time spend in making them and very informative. When I can afford one, it will be so useful. I would love to see more slabs, and different cuts, so there is 2 or 3 cut sides to show off. Would be interesting to see how the grain goes in the other direction on some of the pieces, plus regular rock specimens as well. So many rocks, so little time right? I noticed lots of buildup where the slabs end up, I would love to see a video regarding cleaning and maintenance, in regards to rust and buildup of sediment.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you. The saw is pretty easy to clean, just drain the oil and scrap out the sludge.

[@RagnarRocks]

Awesome tips as usual man! Sweet specimens! We need to get Chris (Rockhound Treasurehunt) to send you some Rainbow wood from Nevada and Arizona! It's gorgeous!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Heck I would love to go down there and collect some!

[@sophiaako7663]

Great video! I’d love to know where that black petrified wood was from. So beautiful

[@silverback5033]

Giday Jared, that was quite an informative video. Some good tips on using the saw. Now all I need is a 14” saw or bigger. I’m not really keen on forking out between $3500 to $4500 on a new one, so I’m still looking for a second hand one or perhaps build one. Enjoyed watching the video on the saw and your tips on use. Some nice pieces of petrified wood. Keep Safe & Keep Rockin.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I also wouldn't be to keen on a new saw at the current prices. You never know what will fall into your lap when you put out that you're looking for equipment.

[@brianholcomb940]

Awesome pieces! Very informative about the slab saw, right now all I have is a 4 inch tile saw which is ok for some of the things I do! I do need a bigger saw because it only cuts small rocks and I want to cut some bigger slabs because I make jewelry and want to do something with them also! I don't know if I will ever get a slab saw like yours but who knows maybe I will! Thanks for sharing!

[@sacredsounds4234]

Where would you get a lsab saw like his.I can't find one.Thanks

[@jasondelgatty3583]

I just picked up my new...to me.... 16" slab saw and have been using it for 3 days straight. Had to drain the old oil out and put in some machine food grade in. Was wondering how much of the saw blade should be in the oil once filled. Thanks for all your great videos.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You need just enough oil to cover the blade teeth.

[@cactusmann5542]

Gotta ask what is that at 13:40?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Petrified wood from an unknown location.

[@mortimerschnerd3846]

Newbee question, what are the determining factors in the choice of coolant (water or oil) for a rock saw?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That is a big subject for me to try and answer here, but when you're cutting by hand use water and for autofeed saws run oil.

[@dustinfindsrocks]

Excellent video Jared 👍🏼 I’m sending a link to the owners of Haunted Ridge. The shop building has been built! They will be purchasing equipment soon. The large tile saw should be in the shop next week but… Greg knows he’s going to need a better saw. And good lord! Wait till you see the thing I sent Karen at Ozone Fine Art Ventures! We don’t technically have thunder eggs here but… yeah… I’m going to be borrowing Greg’s saw! Rock on brotha 👍🏼 Again, great video! This is super informative

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! That's awesome that the building is now done. The purchasing of equipment is the fun and painful part!

[@davidariamirroarkyoung]

I know petrified wood is beautiful but from my standing making jewelry and mainly a lapidariest and metallurgy. I give all but extremely agatized wood to my son who is a architect and geologist, if I can't see how to cut a really nice gemstone or make it into a ring or bracelet band into my son's hands they go. My one son did have me make a piece into a ton of buttons for some wedding suits he was making and turned out beautiful on the suits. I personally like it but I'm not as imaginative as others in making fine jewelry from them. I do use extremely agatized wood in inlays on bands surrounding certain gems that compliment each other and have made some solid bands that I set another gem into or bracelets that I will set gems into extremely agatized wood but to get the looks I desire to make they have to be very agatized I have tried it without and simply doesn't meet the styles I make. I do find thier beauty. I also am a lapidariest with a conscience when I get a extremely rare piece of rough with unusual form I do wieght do I cut it we dream of cutting some of these stones but when truly rare knowing as a specimen it would be extremely rare I will not cut it and just prepare it as a specimen. We also have a family tradition in my home every time I order a large parcel of rough my son's and wife always pick a piece out that I will cut for them set as is or leave in current state. Of course the geologist architect always goes for uncut natural my fashion designer my baby he is half cut half natural but almost always set into jewelry cufflinks tie clips whatever he is in mood for. And my life partner loves sparkers but I never know some I think she would no question want in jewelry she leaves untouched others I would think she wants as a specimen she has me cut. She always has left me guessing. We also have a house rule I'm only allowed to talk about gems for thirty minutes a day period. Years ago Dr. Hanneman told me you got the bug and everything in life and everything you see along with every experience you will find a way to relate it to gems. I had no idea how right he is so I supplement my urge to talk nonstop about gems by doing guess lectures. Both my son's are also professors so I guess lecture in their classes every semester. I have been offered teaching position but I learned when I went to complete my doctorate I hate teaching. But I do like lectures lol the sound of my own voice my life partner and sons would tell me. They all have very large jewelry gem and rough specimen collections. I have more rough and cut stones then I could use in my lifetime I couldn't cut all the rough I couldn't set all the cut gems but I still always am looking and purchasing more specialty dops antique tools and always material rough gems raw metals. I'm also always looking for special stones unusual properties it truly is a addiction. You do catch the bug and can't help it. My favorite thing to do is annually visit the local high schools and with the metal shop teachers I teach the students and provide all the material so they have a ring they made with a gem they choose that they set into it many make it for thier mom's girlfriends sometimes dad's and some make for themselves but it is wonderful because I teach a new generation about the arts I show them the difference between commercial cut gems and how a true lapidariest cuts them they are also always shocked when I explain that a person who has three months experience tends to cut and polish a gemstone better then what you find in the vast majority of jewelry stores and if they go and the places aren't making their own jewelry and sourcing or cutting the gems themselves you will almost always pay more for much less quality. The first question I ask is how many of you have some in household that owns at least one diamond and every hand usually goes up then I say other gems and that yes it loses me customers but I only work with natural Untreated gemstones sometimes I do settle for heat treatment or lightly oiled in case of emeralds but I will not touch a diamond unless it is a natural colored diamond. If someone wants diamonds they can go to countless other jeweler's but I personally can show countless stones that look better than just a white diamond for central stone or accents.

[@Henry-405]

Hi Jared! How do you dispose of the used oil/sludge? Sorry if you’ve covered this before. I’ll eventually get to that video. 😁 I’m considering getting a slab saw. Any advice?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I just put it in containers and put it in the trash, but where you live they might have different rules as to what is allowed to be put in the trash and might want you to recycle it.

[@keithcunningham7925]

That peice of your mother surprised me I thought it was gonna be the same color as the out side that was kind of a bummer but still beautiful very nice tips. I use a tile saw and I been getting chips on one side any tips for that it is a 10 inch with a slide table

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Tile saws do give you a pretty rough cut. The best thing you can do is just go slow, light pressure and let the saw do the work.

[@keithcunningham7925]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding thank you

[@mmuchoa1]

Great video! Talking from Brazil. Could you tell me who makes and sell this rock oil cutting machine? Thanks.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

This one is home made.

[@mmuchoa1]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I found it's amazing, congrats! I would like to make one for me. Would you sell its project?

[@shurpie8232]

Any thoughts on why they turn black sometimes? I've polished some petrified wood before and it's gotten blacker then when it started. Almost like whatever wood is left is burning 🤔

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That is a good question, also its not something I know anything at all about.

[@patriciamurray5612]

I need to get around to joining our local rock club. It would be great to have access to a slab saw or have contacts who can slab for me. I don't have space for one here & I wouldn't use it enough to buy one. Thanks for sharing!

[@zenflow4life]

I have another crazy question ⁉️... Can I use that same type oil on a wet tile saw? What brand is it?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Generally no, you use water with a tile saw. NF-70 white mineral oil is what is used in oil saws and it is sold under a number of different brand names.

[@andrewgibb8846]

Would you say that 1” every seven minutes is about right for a thick rock on a trim saw as well? I’m just starting to use my 6” Hi Tech trim saw and I’m trying to slab off about 1/4” pieces from a stone that’s 3” long, 2” wide and 1.5” high. It seems extremely slow but, a beautiful finish.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's really not practical to hand cut at this speed.

[@andrewgibb8846]

@ Do you mean manual feed when you say hand cut? I suppose I’m asking if a slab saw has about the same cut rate as a trim saw if the size ratio of rock to blade was the same?

[@zenflow4life]

Where is best to get a belt for pulleys? I have a small trim saw but needs pulley belts and I don't know where to start

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You can buy adjustable belt from Amazon and Harbor Freight.

[@jeffblosser8273]

Great episode. I saw you were using the agate eater blade that you fixed a few episodes ago. How are you liking it now that you have cut a bit more with it?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have cut with it a fair amount and I do think its a good blade although it has a greater potential to bend than other blades.

[@jeffblosser8273]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I Have been using one for about a year on my 18" saw and luckily had no bends so far. One close call when I didn't properly secure a rock and it froze up the blade. I have no idea how it didn't damage anything but it did trip the breaker for my garage.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@jeffblosser8273 I'm glad you've had a good experience with it.

[@jeffblosser8273]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding It is my first blade for the saw so I don't really have much to compare it to. I got the saw about a year ago and had no idea what I was doing so it has been a learning experience. I have learned a lot from your channel and look forward to learning more in the future.

[@wadecook8102]

I do hope to get a larger saw at some point, and if I get one similar, this has been a very informative guide on it. Oil saws seem messy, is there a particular reason to use oil over water?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

They are a bit of a mess but oil is a superior cutting lubricant and well worth the mess.

[@wadecook8102]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I had assume it was as a lubricant, but I knew you'd know haha! Thanks! Since I only have a couple chunks big enough, I may just see if a local rock club has that kind of saw.. If you come back to Central Oregon, I know of a few spots well worth your time!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@wadecook8102 We do plan on coming back down there. Shoot me a message and we can compare notes!

[@jamesov12]

So then how do you cut a rock with a rounded surface without causing blade deflection as many rocks are rounded ?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You don't cut those in a slab saw or you need to cut them down the middle where you can cut it without blade deflection.

[@graemero5532]

The piece from your Mum was my favourite, but they were all nice

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@Cody-n2d4z]

I have a 14" drop saw, when slabbing petrified wood it seems like it takes forever and a day to get just one slab. For example, I had a piece that's roughly 6" x 6" and it took an hour to cut it. Am I doing something wrong? Or is that kind of a standard timeframe?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

My slab saw cuts about 1" of rock every 7 minutes.

[@Iainthard2find]

What kind of industrial saw is that?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's a lapidary slab saw.

[@joewickie2376]

Those would really shine if you polished the cut ends on a flat lap. Good surface area to weight ratio.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I might do just that!

[@Rock_Dude]

The last piece you cut looks like it came from the Nevada side of cedarville Ca.

[@gregdixsonatwesellstuff4408]

I just acquired a fourteen inch a 24 inch and a36 inch slab saws im having fun but I have no idea of what I'm doing

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm not normally jealous of people, but those big saws are amazing.

[@randywl8925]

I know nothing about rock cutting..... So why oil instead of water?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Oil is a better lubricant than oil and cleans out the cut being made better than water.

[@PausePlaySoundTherapy420]

Was that weed seedlings I saw? 😂 🌱

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

no

[@wesleymcdonald8616]

I would probably have cut that big one length ways and made book ends

[@spetkovsek57]

Typically a standup has two cuts. One for a base and one for a face so the person can see a polished surface all the time. Check out my channel Episode 8.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That is true but they don't have to be if you prefer a natural look.

[@JerryWilson-xw8jc]

Best way to bend a blade is use a wooden wedge. Grind the rock to fit the saw vice.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You couldn't be more wrong.

[@JerryWilson-xw8jc]

I still will do it my way. I have been active in lapidary for over 30 years and cut more rock than I can count. I will stick to my way. Enjoy the hobby.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@JerryWilson-xw8jc Do it whatever way you want, but to suggest your way is the best here when I can objectivity prove it's not by simply stating that some rocks need to preserve their outer features for many collectors to consider them good and grinding a bunch of flat spots isn't a going to cut it. Go grind some flat spots on a thunderegg, cut it, post it online and ask what people think of the flat spots and if they like that method or not. I would think that if you have been doing lapidary work since the 90s you would have picked up on that at some point.

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

👁👁…👋

[@enriquepuga7864]

Put a overload on your motor dude

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's not needed.

[@stanhill3980]

What's with the tattoos, there is something wrong with your thinking, its not mature, its not positive.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Hold on, let me get in my time machine because some random no one on the internet left a comment about my tattoos and undo them. What makes you think for a second that your opinion is something I care about? Leaving comments like this is a sign of your lack of social awareness, maturity and reflects poorly on you.

[@TarnishedViking.]

🤘👍

[@pdemkovich]

Thanks!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You are too generous, thank you!