Hi-Tech Diamond 6" Trim Saw: First Cuts & First Thoughts

I'm super excited to share this addition to the shop. In this video I go over this trim saw from Hi-Tech, we make our first cuts on it and I share my thoughts on it.
Overall, it is a very welcomed addition to the shop.
Thanks for watching
Gravel Bar Hoppers Channel / @gravelbarhopper
Be sure to visit our channel sponsor Hi-Tech Diamond and use the code 'currentlyrockhounding' for 10% off your order excluding machines.
hitechdiamond.com/collections...
Thank you for your support!
#CurrentlyRockhounding #Rockhounding #Lapidary

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

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

[@phild8095]

An hour ago I just made my first cuts on a Hi Tech 10". For never having done this before, it was Easy! In the first hour we opened a geode, slabbed some petrified wood, some quartz and an agate. We doin' a happy dance.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Oh heck yeah!!!

[@phild8095]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding The petrified wood, OMG, black all the way through. But even as a fresh cut slab you can see some rings. I'm not gonna cab this until I get better. As In I've never cabbed a thing yet. So maybe in a while, I'll polish that up so that the black on black growth rings shine through.

[@nancyparker2516]

Thank you so much.. I learn so much from your videos. I’m a grandmother from Arkansas. I have this little machine,a tile saw in the garage and an 8 inch high tech polishing machine. I’m having so much fun learning new skills. I love collecting rocks and crystals and have so many that I can “play” with. Oh, I forgot to mention that I have five tumblers going, both rotary and tumblers. 😂 I’m 75 years young, have time on my hands and love to keep busy.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It really is very nice to be able to go out and cut some rocks and enjoy them isn't it?

[@paulcarder8032]

You made a good decision getting the Hi-Tech saw! Last week I got a Hi-Tech 10" slab and trim saw. Two accessories I've already you should get. The thicker diamond blade. The trim fence. Marvelous results and you can cut nice, thin slices, showing that translucent inner beauty.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Yeah I've been impressed with it! I think some different blades will be nice to have.

[@patriciamckean4186]

Another great addition to your shop. Can't wait for more cutting videos

[@hilario6960]

As always. Awesome and informative !

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! I trying to make each and every video well worth the time spent watching.

[@lindagerhard8381]

Thanks for the demo. I am currently looking at this 6" trim saw and I'm glad to have an opportunity to see it in action. I'm a hobbyist and would use it on smaller slabs and chunks so I'm thinking it is a perfect solution for my needs.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have a few other videos up on it as well that you might like to see before pulling the trigger on the purchase.

[@rustythecat2163]

We all appreciate you!!! Thank you for the demo of the 6” saw. Am new to the hobby and definitely in need of a Hi-Tech saw. I bought a Ryobi tile saw for larger rocks (outdoor use only) since it was very inexpensive. Am now torn between the 4”/5” and 6” saws. Am mainly collecting beach rocks on Lake Erie and Lake Huron on the Canadian side. So believe the smaller saw is right for my needs. My end goal is to collect and finish small stones (1” to 2”max.) for making stone jewelry. The Hi-Tech saws are very expensive in Canada given currency exchange, etc. Going to bite the bullet and go for the 4”/5” Hi-Tech saw though my heart is with the 6”. Comments?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You can always cut a small rocks on a larger saw but you can't cut a large rock on a small saw. If I was in you're shoes I would personally wait, save up more and get the larger saw since you will be able to cut larger things and have more options available for blades to pick from.

[@rustythecat2163]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thank you very much for taking time to give me your point of view. I like the idea of having more options and the ability to cut larger rocks. Sold! Will go for the 6”. I enjoyed your review of the of the 6”. When you do a review it always comes across as an unbiased opinion. It is always good to understand the up side an downside of the equipment being reviewed. Many of us can only afford to buy the big stuff once. So we need to get it right, hopefully. Look forward to your vids.

[@lavonneschultz9426]

Nice!! I’m just starting out and could only afford a cheap 4”wet saw for tiles 🤷‍♀️. Looking forward to when I can afford some serious tools and such. Appreciate your information 😃

[@aprilMaeD]

I am having a vice custom made to use my 10 inch wet tile saw safely, right now hand cutting rock like I am is a disaster waiting to happen. However, this is a good solution for the small cuts and its not too pricey! Thanks for sharing. :) This is an expensive hobby for sure!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Yeah it sure is nice to clamp your work down.

[@silverback5033]

Nice additional bit of kit for your workshop. Keep Safe & Keep Rockin

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@peterchesko9537]

This is a good video for a great saw! I love mine and in my opinion feel that it's the best trim saw. It's quiet, accurate, easy to operate and clean and to further your point- made in the United States. I facet, cab and do inlay and this machine is perfect. Thanks ya'll.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's a solid little saw!

[@EDLaw-wo5it]

I am envious lol. Very, very nice. I just gave a 4" tile saw with a MK lapidary blde and it does ok but sure like yours. HAvagudun Jared.

[@watsisname]

Thank you for this video! I've been thinking about getting a saw for cutting agate for a while now, but with so many options it's been a bit overwhelming and I haven't committed to anything. Your review here sure helped a lot. Looks like a perfect fit, definitely you're getting the quality for the price, and I like how quiet and low splashiness it is. I think I may be sold. :) And I'm excited to see what more you do with yours in the future!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm glad you liked the video. There's so many options to sort through. For years I have cut things with a tile saw and it does get old to say they least. Ill be doing a side by side comparison in the future. I have so much material to work over this coming winter.

[@GravelBarHopper]

You sure did pick a killer to cut!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thanks for picking up and mailing it to me!

[@GravelBarHopper]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding you were "lightning the load" if there is such a thing 😅

[@GreeneGene33]

Made in America is what I search out and support! Most excellent.......! Very important at this point to buy America made products at ALL costs....

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I couldn't agree more!

[@virginiarocks]

Very nice. And the agate is stunning!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I can't wait to polish it up.

[@gwynnfarrell1856]

Wow, that's a nice saw! And you did a great job demonstrating the use and features of it. I'm guessing you'll have no heat in your shop during the winter. Brrrr.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I do have a portable propane heater but the second I leave and turn it off the heat just escapes.

[@WorldofRockhounds]

I just used some vinyl under my trim/10 inch saws to help catch most of the oil. I still end up with spray on the ground and need to make better shields.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Good advice.

[@emdee7744]

Very helpful video. Just getting into rock hounding. Very late to the game. Learning a lot from you. Thank you.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

No such thing as being late to the game!

[@therockdad1]

Wow nice man grate company. Good stuff

[@devildaymosrocks6401]

Awesome stuff mate I was just looking at a new saw think U made mind up ⛏️😎👌

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

What other saws have you been looking at?

[@devildaymosrocks6401]

@@CurrentlyRockhoundingI was looking at a Ryobi saw but was told there not that good.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@devildaymosrocks6401 There's many factors to take into consideration when look at cutting rocks, way too many to break down in a comment. Might I suggestion you just hold off until I get a video comparison done? I have a cheap tile saw, an expensive tile saw, a water trim saw, and my big oil saw. I was going to do side by side comparison of them and what you can get out of them.

[@devildaymosrocks6401]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding thanks that would be awesome to see the comparison 😎👌

[@sacredsounds4234]

Lapidary is so expensive.Just bought a cabking,and was going to buy a wet tile saw but after seeing your videos,going to save up for a Hi Tech.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It can be if you're trying to buy everything new when you start.

[@DreidMusicalX]

Red Blade, White body machine and a Blue apron and logo. Red White and Blue as it gets. American made. One day I would like to get one of these. I have a cheaper rock trim saw for now and does fine for what I am doing. But I want a bigger rock saw for slabbing. Right now its smaller rocks on a tile saw and that seems to work ok. Just not very big rocks that I would like to do.

[@CharlestonFossilAdventures]

Thank you so much for the demonstration and honest review! (Watched your other video talking about some of the other pros/cons as well. You’re right about that sticker…why not put the rpm there?!) 😂 Investing in one of these saws as a starter saw for cutting fossil material for cabbing, so the footage of it cutting and the finish surfaces was very helpful. Happy hunting! Liked & subbed!

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

I like that vice swing option. You will want little wedges like popsicle sticks for uneven rocks that you clamp. Oil over water? The oil gets gray and mucky, it's hard to see markings on the rocks. And you will need the litter pan and then a wash bucket. You won't want that in your drains! your going to need to follow some of the same procedures and with the slab saw if you use oil. Liz carate has made a myriad of shields around her water saw similar style. Water and bits can fly . When free handed cutting just always be patient and allow enough time for the blade to do its job so that you don't torque the shaft holding the blade. So congratulations on your new saw! Great video...

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

Also that is a amazing pre cut for the round... I cannot imagine that one, I usually do rectangular or harlequin style diamond.. parallelogram types. I usually just polish one window. I'm at a local community shop. So I'm sharing information from watching others.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm happy you liked the video and I do like the vise swinging out of the way option. I see the value in the oil for a big, slow cutting slab saw I really like the idea of not having to mess with water when its permanently below 32 degrees here. I love your comments by the way, I'm always learning something.

[@rebeccaofsunnybrookefarm8469]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding, good to know that you find the information helpful. I'm Also learning and I ask lots of questions.. I want to know as much as possible! Those folks who have been working with stones for years are full of knowledge. The oil is good we have it in several of our free hand machines. But it gets mucky really quickly. So there are different ones, a company like Bar-sol.. here is local and selling the light weight white oil/food grade mineral oil, or horse oil that you can buy at a tack shop.. because of the cost associated with it you can use it for some time. I was researching for Kate and found interesting things.

[@therockdad1]

Like that tray

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Yeah it really makes for an easy clean up.

[@dennissorensen167]

Cool!!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Agreed!

[@paigelee6321]

Very cool thank you for sharing 😊awesome job always learning, have thought of rubber mats for under your equipment like truck mats have to look for the right ones but just a idea for you

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I like the idea of the rubber mat, I think the farm supply will have what I need.

[@vivid23d53]

That agate is amazing

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Agreed.

[@user-oz3hs9nh4z]

Have you tried yet tying a string on the vice and adding a weight? To give a steady pull.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have not done that!

[@406findings]

I got the same saw for cutting in the house during the winter, does the job but I did not get the vice with it unfortunately.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Which saw did you get? The vice is really nice, I have seen some DIY ones people made out of wood which could work as well if you don't want to buy one.

[@406findings]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I got the 6" Hi Tech saw, sometimes my cuts aren't to straight doing by hand so I might get the vice eventually.

[@laszlosoltesz3772]

Thanks for the demo. I just picked one of these saws up yesterday. The notched diamond saw blade has a direction arrow on it, but my red sintered blade does not. does it matter which way I put the blade on? Thanks.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's always a good idea to run a blade in the same direction even if it doesn't have the arrow telling you to do so.

[@themuseinspired6151]

I got this machine, a lot in part to your video. I am having trouble adjusting the saw blade placement so the blade doesn't hit the side of the table. It seems like the included Allen wrench is not loosening the screws. I wish you had included this part in your video so I had a visual! Any suggestions? I really appreciate your explanations, and am excited to get to cutting! 🙂

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

So you should see the two set screws on the silver metal shaft those loosen that so you can adjust it, I wouldn't force it. If your having trouble with it I would give them a call, they have really good customer service. We can also email and I can try to help you that way as well.

[@cindelee]

you are so professional! have you used the Taurus 3? if yes can you comment please?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm sorry I have not used that saw. It seems to be mostly for glass and not rocks.

[@thinkcivil1627]

The solid brown one looks like a cold water agate, which is typically limestone, and softer than standard chalcedony. I like the no noise factor and that was very a pleasant surprise (I wait until my wife is out of the house before using any of my saws, so this was impressive). I wanted to see you use the side of the trim saw to grind small pieces off when shaping an agate or cutting a cab. With the way this is made, I don't think that would be a wise move, since the side pressure is going to cause issues with the plastic at some point. What was the price on this unit? You might have said that, so I apologize if I missed it. If that is at a decent point then for someone who doesn't make cabs for a living would have all the saw they need. A trim saw is a nice piece of equipment to have if you are working on hard material, such as agates. Especially for those people who don't have a lot of lapidary equipment; they are limited to a smaller flat lap or even a hand-held rotary tool. That's when having a trim saw that you can grind against helps you out a lot. That was my biggest concern, but like most of the gear that I have I would probably heavy it up so it could handle the side pressure. Again, the noise is something that other saw manufacturers should take into considerations, because I'm wearing military ear protection for sound with the noise that my saws make. Very nice.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Grinding on the side of saw blade is really something that should be avoided. You can see the current pricing on there website.

[@christopherort3045]

Cool

[@stormymountainrockworks]

What speed do you run your blade for agates? I’ve been playing it safe between 3 and 4 but wondered if just cranking it up to 11 works.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

All of your blade have a max rated rpm, I would run them at that.

[@josetola8849]

Hello, I've been doing tumbling and cutting stones for a while now. I'm wondering how I can make a big hole, like 4cm diameter on a Crystal quartz, and 2-3cm depth aprox. What type of equipment do I need for that? Would a standard drill and the correct diamond bit would work for that?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Hmmm I'm not sure how you would make a blind hole in stone.

[@occipitalneuralgia2339]

The sticker shock is overset by “made in America.” Thank you for a great video! Can you mention how heavy the machine is, without water in it? I would have to carry it in and out of my shed to outdoor use. At 65 and a bad back, weight is as important as the diamond blade. Also, how easy is it to remove the water or oil from the saw?

[@peterchesko9537]

You can use a plastic cup to bail out the reservoir and a turkey baster to finish. I wipe it out and clean around with a small towel. It's not heavy and you could put it on a small kitchen appliance cart.

[@Zero-cw4qj]

How are you able to cut them so quickly? I have the 4-5 inch version of this exact machine and it takes me quite a while to cut through a rock. Am I pushing to lightly?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think it really just depends on the rock and the blade that you're using.

[@chuckneese1282]

it appears the blade is not at a 90 degree angle to the top of the unit. How do you compensate to make the cut straight?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm not sure what you're seeing but the blade runs at a 90degree angle to the table.

[@aaronschaekel8848]

Your product code for the 10% discount say excluding machine. Would that include items like this saw shown in the video?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Yeah no discounts on saws but I do appreciate it if you click my affiliate link. The discount code applies to things like blades and polish.

[@dougbernick2129]

HI -Tech, I also got a machine. I got the 8 IN trim saw. I wanted to ask you It has been awhile and you have had some time using the saw. I was wondering what you think of the rock clamp after a couple of months, Does It still perform as expected. If not do you think of a nother way to fix It? Ok again thanks for the video.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

So the vice isn't needed but I have used it for select projects and it has been really nice but generally I would say no its not needed.

[@stuntmanbillytv]

Can you use this to cut slabs as well???

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Small slabs you can.

[@gerarddesmarais9165]

Is it necessary to add a water-soluble oil to saw cabochon?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It is not.

[@jennifernewman8668]

What depth stone can cut up to? I have 2” ….. will that be okay?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You can do that if you flip it over.

[@m3kid]

Hello I’m going to use ur link and code I already got a faciting wheel, will only be using it to polish glass coins. They range from 7mm to maybe 22mm at max in diameter. This is the only saw with a vice in my price range. I watched ur video on lapping wheel. And I was wondering when u explained the straight cut compared to the wonky hand cut and having to use a more corse wheel. And was wondering with the vice how straight was the cut ? Would I have to be using a thinker corse with that trim saw with the vice or would the 180 be fine to start with?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I would say the cuts are mostly straight. I think anytime you're working with a trim saw you will get less than perfect cuts compared to an auto feed saw simply due to introducing thinner blades and human hands.

[@m3kid]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding so on the auto feed saws u need to use a thicker blade? I would be using .009 to .012 kerf. On the hitech saw blade. Every gram counts. The coins polished go from high 100s of dollars for a little thinner then a quater at around 20-25mm diameter. A lot average around mid to low 100s for smaller sizes and depending on the artist. So I’m trying to save as much material as possible. Should I stick with the hitech? Or auto feeder?

[@m3kid]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding o yea and I’m glad i stumbled across this channel last night I’ve learned alot thank you

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@m3kid What exactly are you trying to do? Also feel free to email me [e-mail]

[@jeytex3161]

Hi Tech sells some sort of diamond lubricant additive. Would be nice to get your view on that product. My understanding is you add a capful into the water. Maybe they will give ya some to evaluate? Thanks for the video, looking forward to your opinion about the green blade performance.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I saw that they now sell it, so the listing says its just a surfactant which pretty much just breaks water tension. I think a product like Jet Dry would do the same thing.

[@jeytex3161]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding wonder if that is really a factor. Is it to allow more efficient cooling of the blade?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@jeytex3161 That's a good question. I don't think a little bit of surfactant would do that.

[@cptchumknuckle]

Thanks for the saw review! $500 seems pretty steep for what you get and all the rocks I want to cut are well over 3" :/

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I hear you on the price of it but allow me to offer view on it that perhaps you haven't thought. From what I have observed you really get what you pay for, yes you can cut a rock with a $60 tile saw from Harbor Freight but then what? The rock your going to have after that will only really look good wet since it will be so rough and gouged up by the saw, now you have far more work ahead of you if you plan on polishing it up. Now I know that may not seem like a big deal but when you have 10, 20, 50, 100 rocks you want to cut and polish it will be. As with all products I guess the value is in the eye of the beholder, having a quite, clean, way of cutting slabs and small rocks in my shop seems very worth it vs. the loud, messy, wet tile saw that produce a cut surface that isn't very nice. At least that's my thoughts on it as someone who has been cutting rocks with a tile saw for years and years.

[@shirineromankurth1633]

I liked your video showing this product, thank you. Will I be able to cut pebbles I’ve collected from the beach or are they too hard for the blade ( model 6”)?

[@salalaos]

How do you drain the water out after use the saw?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

This saw doesn't have a drain, so you need to carry it somewhere and dump it.

[@freshimpactco.8698]

Fantastic video, great review, wonder how do I order one for Qatar? Is it easy to get shipped?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think you have to give the company a phone call for that.

[@freshimpactco.8698]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Hi, yes I was on their website shortly after your review video to find out more. Will wait for the weekend to end and may give them a call and have a chat to them. 👍🏻😉

[@freshimpactco.8698]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Thanks

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@freshimpactco.8698 I'm sure they can get it shipped to you.

[@freshimpactco.8698]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Yeap, they sent it to me after a couple of issues with UPS, I received it within a week which was quite good, it's all setup and ready to cut some rocks. It was super easy to put together and can't wait to get started on it and see the results.

[@lorimichels4515]

Hi, why do they have different speeds and why isn't there just one speed like with other trim saws?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

For some rocks that are softer you might want to go slower. Lots of other trim saws have pulleys you can change to lower the speed.

[@lorimichels4515]

​@@CurrentlyRockhounding thank you for your quick reply. It's appreciated. Have you use the Highland Park trim saw? My lapidary club has that brand for us to use, however, I'm setting up my own cabing station next to my silversmithing station and I'm looking for a trim saw for my slabs. I'm wondering how the Highland Park six-inch trim sawcompares to the Hi-tech six-inch trim saw. Your thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[@pramodgore4340]

Is it available in India. Where can I see this to make my buying decision

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You should contact the company about that.

[@eitanengel8259]

So do you recommend it for putting it in my house?

[@eitanengel8259]

Be honest, I don’t think they’re going to look in the comment section

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

This is the cleanest, quietest saw I have came across. You could most definitely run it in a house. I would recommend you run it with water and not oil cause it can get messy.

[@michaeldowns5270]

Face shield attached to existing guard!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That could be a good option and I have an extra one sitting around as well.

[@tomparish2321]

What's better the 6" or 10" saw.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

When it comes to cutting rocks always buy something bigger if you can afford it.

[@Daquy-phongthuy]

tuyệt vời

[@rocksland1]

What's the price pal?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Prices vary depending on where you look and what country you live in. Why would you ask me vs looking it up?

[@Cliffwalkerrockhounding]

Nice sounding saw for sure, but I'm not sure I would pay that much...

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I know it's not for everyone but out of curiosity what do you think a made in America 6" lapidary trim saw should cost?

[@Cliffwalkerrockhounding]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I think its too much for the type of saw, which does little more than a tile saw. I would pay more for a Lortone self feeding saw, or less for a cheap tile saw. I am pretty sure a $200 saw would perform as well as a $500. I am just not sure I would spend that for this purpose. But, its always nice to have a new toy.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@Cliffwalkerrockhounding I hear ya, stay turned cause I'm going to be testing it back to back with other saws that I have that are exactly what you're talking about here.

[@stephenrothwell8142]

really? no body else got a chance at life and making a living

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

What?

[@shirineromankurth1633]

?