The Perfect Lapidary Trim Saw

Fortune favors the patient, and I never really thought I would see one of these in person. It really is the perfect trim saw.
Thanks for watching!
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. / currentlyrockhounding
#CurrentlyRockhounding #Lapidary #Trimsaw

[@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

[@stephansmithakatroutscout1391]

I try my best to avoid the seven deadly sins. You, my friend, are making it rather difficult to avoid envy. Your shop is turning out to be the dream shop!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Hahaha. The shop has been main years in the making and I have spent countless hours looking for a good deals. :)

[@rockdaddio69]

@@CurrentlyRockhoundingone regret I have as an old man, is that I did not spend more on equipment when I was much younger.

[@patriciabock4299]

I love that saw! If I ever come across one I will buy it! Love the plastic cover!

[@Rickzolla]

Love watching a happy man with a new toy. Congratulations!!

[@amberandrews6842]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@______IV]

That’s one sexy tool. Clean lines, beautiful materials, looks well built, and runs quiet.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you.

[@rustythecat2163]

Thanks for sharing your super duper new baby, happy for you. I always appreciate belt drive over direct drive machines. Enjoy the saw for many years to come. The hood on the unit is, as they say, the bees knees. As for me, based on your recommendation, I ordered and just received my Hi-Tech Diamond 6” saw and am most pleased with the purchase. Thank you for encouraging me to buy the 6” versus the 4” model! It was the right way to go! Good day, Sir! 😅

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The 6" Hi-Tech saw is a great little saw and the price point and availability is a big factor.

[@mikedodge3910]

What an awesome score!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@RufotrisRootedRockhound]

Very nice. I do like that saw a lot. And that cut came out great. I like the bunny look to it 😅 🐰.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thanks man!

[@largent45]

That is a fantastic saw! Im so happy for you! Just a few minor improvements and its perfect for you! What a find! Thank you for sharing. Its a great improvement over the 6" hi-tech diamond trim saw. What a difference. Thanks for sharing Jared!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have really been happy with the hi-tech saw and I still think its great but this is a very nice upgrade.

[@gaylereid8264]

Jared, I felt every bit of your excitement at finding “the PERFECT trim saw”!!! & watched it to the end and you’re adorable ❣️ Never change, please !!

[@sketchywhaler]

I am sorry @gaylereid8264, but this reminds me of a highschool year book entry. But I agree his excitement and energy for the hobby is contagious.

[@DonohueLabs]

That saw was at the top of my saw list before I realized I didn't need something that big. Good find!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Its a good one for sure but pricey new if you can find one.

[@sandmaker]

Someone was really good this year. Great score! Loved the show and tell. Keep the goodness coming. 🌲 😷⚒

[@andrewp.schubert2417]

You scored Jared. I always enjoy your programs and enthusiasm. Happy Holidays.

[@treasuresunderfoot7876]

Good for you! I've used Lortone saws & tumblers for 30+yrs and they are reliable & long lasting. Happy cutting!

[@krrockabillyrebel]

Very nice find!! Cheers from British Columbia 👍

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! :)

[@RagnarRocks]

Sweet saw! Also, epic T-Egg cut!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@notinmanitou]

Wonderful Jared! Congratulations! Looks like a great saw. I hope you have lots of fun with it.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think it will be a great addition to the shop.

[@BackcountrywithShaughn]

Excited for your good fortune sir! Congratulations on your new baby~ OMW to my morning appointment but will catch a re-run of this when I get home. Have a great day!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you! It's a great saw.

[@patrickkillilea5225]

Very Cool! Moving on up!

[@taylorjacobson4632]

If you are in Utah, Simple Elegance Rock shop in Orem sells a 12 inch that is very similar (minus the hood). Thiers's has a large fitting for the drain I actually hooked a water cutoff valve.

[@Reflect744]

Very nice find of this rare species!

[@mattrichards1492]

I don't even have the words. Good for you, man!!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thanks man, its a good saw for me.

[@kylaabegglen1275]

Wow! That sure is an amazing saw Jared! You deserve to find nice things at a great price. That being said, I am not a jealous person at all but I have to admit, I'm a little jealous of this new saw.😆 I've been looking while we're saving up for a 10". Boy in MT there sure isn't much for gently used lapidary equipment here. That saw looks basically brand new, it really is fantastic! That thunder egg is beautiful too! Love how it has a dark colored one, medium and light. Pretty cool! Thanks for sharing Jared, I can't wait to see you using it more in future videos!✌️🤠🤘

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Just keep looking at Facebook and Craigslist daily. Some of the machine I have found used have taken me years and years of looking.

[@kylaabegglen1275]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding thank you!

[@CacklingChick]

Beautiful geode and awesome machine!!

[@stephenscordato4321]

Wow that's a find you buy a lotto ticket right after. Amazing score!

[@Lowellian1]

Congrats!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you.

[@offyarocka]

very cool saw!!! love how little mess it makes cutting. Great tip drying and oiling your saw blades!!!!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's very clean.

[@stevejuststuff2779]

I wonder if you treated the inside of the hood with Rain X it would make viewing your work better? Beautiful saw..

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I need to order some, I think that will really help.

[@outdooradventureswithfayde6832]

Fantastic new used saw. Cuts really nice. I agree, it definitely very well may be the best trim saw out there. All excellent features. Cool thunderegg too 😁

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think it would be hard to argue otherwise.

[@cliffmiller1021]

Exciting! I love seeing your new additions be they tool or stone. The new equipment is stunningly in excellent condition for being discontinued, what a find. Your cluster was cut in a way it highlights like three or four different qualities most people like to see, from water lines, consecutive banding, I thought I saw a cavity with a little drusy too? Sometimes it works coloring out side the lines.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you. That egg was pretty good and there was no real correct way to cut it but it worked out well.

[@spetkovsek57]

Yes, those are awesome saws. I've used one for years at Camp Hankcock (OMSI facility near Fossil OR). They are very sturdy machines. The vices were removed from the beginning because they are only used as trim saws. My older 10" trim saw also has/had a vice, but I took it off when I first obtained it. Those vices are low end and, as you pointed out, the table space is more important. Mine is cast iron and so old parts are really hard to find. I run water in mine as it does leak if I use it for longer periods of time. Mostly water running down my arms because I'm short and with it on the table I use my arm are slanted upwards. Yes, I agree, the industry should be making all their equipment out of stainless. Unfortunately, that makes the cost go up though. Nice find. Congrats Jared.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

On my old Hi-Tech saw I used the vise maybe 4 time for when I wanted to make a very exacting cut but otherwise I really don't find them being needed that often for what I do.

[@amberandrews6842]

Fantastic saw, spectacular egg!!

[@silverback5033]

Hi Jarod, that is a great looking saw, I think the acrylic cover is a great idea, keeping most of the mist and debris in the body of the saw. As you noted the water drain could be upgraded with a brass 90deg bend and then a small brass tap as one way to minimise spill onto the base frame. Man what a saw I doubt if I’ll come across one in Australia but I will be keeping my eyes open. Another really interesting video. Keep Safe.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think some kind of fitting with a valve on it to open and let the water drain down a hose into a bucket would be a good and simple upgrade.

[@markattardo]

Nice saw, congrats!!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you.

[@curtd7117]

AWESOME DUDE!!! I’ll get you my address to ship the Hi Tec that you won’t be needing anymore!!😜 Keep Rockin on buddy, can’t wait to get out it’s been a long winter 🥶.

[@brianholcomb940]

That's a great find! Hopefully I will get one in the near future or just a bigger saw! I got a Lot-O-tumbler for Christmas so now I can do different things! Not as awesome as your shop but I am getting there! Thanks for sharing!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Congratulations on the Lot-O!

[@christopherort2889]

I've seen that saw before. It works really nice. HP bought the plans and made a few modifications to it that i thought made it better. They moved the on off switch up front and added a drain port to the front. So, nice saw overall.

[@mindseyeproductions8798]

add a 90deg. brass fitting with a valve to the drain hole WD-40 = water displacement #40 used to remove the condensation from electrical components; also a good way to thin out/remove oil . congo rats and a very kewl-tool

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I do want a slightly larger drain hole on it to get some of the rock bit out.

[@farmboypresents9977]

Awesome looking saw. Same size as my homemade job but looks much better.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I would love to see a photo or two of your home made saw.

[@dustinfindsrocks]

Dude that saw looks freaking amazing! I'm so sad it's out of production. Definitely going to have to keep an eye out for that one! Looking forward to seeing you put that thing to more use.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Its a great saw, I really hope Lortone can get their act together and start making them again someday.

[@dustinfindsrocks]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding 💯 I support this! Anything you recommend as THE BEST has got to be good. I was honestly surprised you titled the video with that! Very out of character for you so… this saw must really be something special! I’m already thinking 🤔 I should probably send Jared a package 😂 I’ll wait I need to send other people stuff anyway but really looking forward to seeing you put this machine to use

[@valsummers5330]

Great score dude!!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@jamesgford8051]

I've been looking to replace my tile cutter for some time now, and after seeing this video, I'm going to try and put the money away should I be so lucky. It's going to be twice as hard to find after this awesome video and i'm 7 days late to the party XD

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think you would be very happy to get one of these if run across one.

[@produceman13]

Lortone always had the best saws. I love their 10 in slab saws the best cuz they are small and movable.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

It's a pretty good saw!

[@mindseyeproductions8798]

all excited for you

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you!

[@LoreTunderin]

You could use some shaving cream and a towel to stop the inside of the hood from fogging up, then you could run it with warm water.

[@terricoffey5550]

With oil, it mists out the sides. I have one similar, (Star Diamond 10") and I have to lay a towel over the top to stop the mist. I really like the ideas you are suggesting, it will also work on my saw!

[@estycki]

You could spray the interior with rainx anti fog 🤔 I wonder if that would help with visibility

[@lynniebear1]

Congratulations on the new saw!! Maybe some rain-x might help you see better through the plastic sheild?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I really like the idea of trying that. I will have to pick some up.

[@lynniebear1]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding worth a shot! We're thinking about making a cover for ours and doing the same thing. Very nice saw!

[@VerizonUser2013]

I bought one last year from a vendor at a show. Sadly, they do not make vices or covers for this model anymore and I am new to the craft and hesitant to get my hands that close to the blade, or use it to cut small rocks. I think a good improvement would be to make a hinged top so there would be no risk of stripping out the screws with repeated use. I also cannot get near the water out without mopping it out inside. A wet shop vac maybe?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

The blade will not cut you, so that's not something you should have to worry about. I do agree that a hinge on the top would be nice!

[@JRamsay801]

I just ordered the H.P. Version of this saw. I hope it’s as good as the original.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have heard good things so far about it, but as with all things modern HP they are subject to manufacturing errors.

[@mpf_agundipsht3619]

Blade is pretty hardup on the right side of the slotted blade hole. For the drain plug screw in a brass nipple and attach a hose to it that runs through the shed wall to the down spout of the shed and add a valve near the machine so you can just twist the valve and dump the water with minimal effort

[@brettharper4778]

I see that Kingsley North is selling the TS10-C Trim Saw, but looks like hood is no longer available. I wonder if the build quality is still the same? Great video as always, looking forward to watching your upgrade video next!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That's nice to hear that they have some of them. Currently HP is also making a clone of this saw as well.

[@joewickie2376]

Even if you don't use the vise to clamp your workpiece, I find I get a smoother cut if it is used as a sliding guide.

[@produceman13]

Can you show us how to make a unit like this out of wood and plastic? The hardest part to build seems like it would be the saw arbor and shaft for the blade...

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I currently have no plans making something like that.

[@todddaugherty110]

If WD-40 sucks, what do you recommend in a spray form?

[@TarnishedViking.]

Nice saw.It's a shame they went out of business, but the price is probably what killed it. The thundereggs came out sweet! 👍

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Lortone is still making tumblers but it seems like they are just having a ton of issues.

[@christopherjolicoeur9001]

How do you find this stuff?! How would you say this Lortone compares with Raytechs saw? I just got a barely used Raytech L6-S

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

About three to four times per day, I check facebook marketplace, craigslist and ebay. Do that for years and you will find good deals. The quality of these stainless lortone saws is very high. If you see one you should grab it.

[@patriciamckean4186]

Nice test...nice new to you saw! Sometimes you just have to go with the best you can do, those thundereggs are very unique and beautiful.

[@trevorallen2274]

What a find! Congratulations! Would RV antifreeze work as a liquid coolant/lubricant?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I guess it would but I don't think I would that all over my hands and misting into the shop.

[@trevorallen2274]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding It's non toxic

[@estycki]

Does your disc rust if you use water?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Saw's with water in them need to be emptied and cleaned after every use.

[@frontiervirtcharter]

I wonder if it would be worth someone's while to crowdfund building a batch of that awesome saw, with the improvements you mentioned. Someone with a metalbending and welding shop could probably crank out a bunch of them, the real question would be what price level they could achieve on it.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I'm sure someone could do just that if they were so inclined to do so.

[@sfbfriend]

I absolutely love the all metal construction and using stainless, that alone to me makes it worth the price. Yes, it definitely is a high dollar saw but totally worth it. When you drained it first thing that came to mind was a valve and hose arrangement. If it was in a dedicated position you could set up a hose to container, going one step further your container could have a vacuum source and it would suck out the water leaving nearly nothing behind. I realize that is a far stretch, my mind wanders..that is the way we would drain equipment where I worked. I don't like the dedicated position for the vise and also agree with changing out the mild steel rod with an aluminum rod. Very nice saw, makes you wonder why it was discontinued! Probably was a poor seller due to price? Don't know. I do prefer oil but realize the practical reasons for not using it. You could also replace the bearings in the pillow blocks with sealed bearings and not have to grease them. Again its a price situation. I also wonder on the type of bearings used! They are probably ball bearings, but I think a roller bearing would be superior. Sorry, over thinking things, this video got my mind hopping on things. Thanks, good video

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think some upgrade to the drain will happen for sure as the little hole is pretty lacking. The subject of bearing is one I have thought a lot about and I'm not really sure where I land on the subject, on one hand greaseable pillow blocks I think are good cause you can maintain them with ease but sealed are also good since you don't have to do anything with them but the grease in them does break down...

[@sfbfriend]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding A higher quality grease wouldn't, at least not for a very long time, especially at the lower rpm this turns. I'm talking aviation grade. More expensive though. The bearing in these machines do not turn at a high rpm though, so should last a long time. Thinking out loud. Love your machine.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@sfbfriend I guess I never really thought about this topic a whole lot. Pretty much every lapidary machine runs at 1725 rpm or so, and all of the ones I have have greaseable bearings and I check them every 3-6 months and spin them by hand to see if they feel messed up or dry and top them off. Maybe there's a better option out their for me.

[@sfbfriend]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Apologize if I have carried this a bit far, I have worked a lot with bearings in blowers, pumps and winches. The blowers and some electric motors ran at 30K rpm. Would be a better topic in an email.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@sfbfriend Oh not at all. I enjoy a deep dive into topics like this

[@roman11469]

Why do companies discontinue a good thing? I have Lortone tumblers and they are great.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have no idea why they would stop making this great saw.

[@vance7354]

I am so Jealous Bro, like what an AWESOME FIND! I so need to find a trim or tile saw.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I start with a cheap used tile saw.

[@vance7354]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding I am aiming for a 7in Skil Wet Tile saw

[@EarthCoLap]

If you put water on the cover of it , it will make it so the spray will disperse without effecting visibility as much

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Good tip! I will try that.

[@kylegawron5358]

i have a raw red jasper i found a while ago while fishing and was curious what the inside of a red jasper looks like?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think you will find on the inside what you see on the outside.

[@kylegawron5358]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Ah ok XD

[@gregderksen1996]

Christmas came early to Jared! Nice find. How many hours have you spent cutting since you recorded this? Lol!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I have done sooo much cutting with. I have a lot of rocks that were too big for the 6" saw but didn't clamp well into my oil saw so they have just been building up for too long.

[@slipline4threcon688]

Do you live in Oregon?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I do not live in Oregon.

[@khymchristensen1237]

Where did your egg cluster come from? Im a thunderegg fan ❤

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I believe it to be a Richardsons Rock Ranch Blue Bed thunderegg.

[@khymchristensen1237]

I'm excited to start cutting some Richardson thundereggs that I picked up this past summer, I wanted to thank you for putting GPS coordinates on your videos as I was able to stop at many locations in Washington and Oregon on my way home from Alaska this past fall.

[@jaykirschenman]

...for forty years has Ahab forsaken the peaceful land, for forty years to make war on the horrors of the deep! Glad you got your White Whale, and the boat didn't even sink.

[@wonyankeesays5661]

beware aluminum it can bind in some applications,,,stainless too,,,,I convert all horizontal vise's to vertical,,also counter block and wedge appropriately,,and the best vise set up is a complex vise,,,being vertical and horizontal vise's,,my own rule for height of material is TWO thirds of blade height,,,I have an older lortone 10" slab saw no trim top,,it came with a vertical vise,,I will part with only from my cold dead hands

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

That is true about aluminum and stainless but I don't think that is an issue here at all.

[@fourwheelingforgems5940]

That one on the right looks like that Pokémon who looks like a fish FRAME 18:49

[@TheRogueRockhound]

Gratz bro. What's the next whale?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

A bigger shop! :)

[@TheRogueRockhound]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding 100%

[@peytonwoodruff1371]

Hoping you see this. Looks like they’re making it again. Calling it the TS 10C . Do you know anything about it?

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I did see this. Lortone went out of business, so if you see them, you are seeing something old.

[@peytonwoodruff1371]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding thank you!

[@stratkatman]

highland park makes a great clone of this lore tone

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Do you own one? I wouldn't say it's great but they do make a copy of this.

[@BonesFPV]

They've got stacks of these still on the shelves in Australia if you have a spare AU$2250. Wonder How I'd go with a hacksaw and a jar of Crisco...

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Who has stacks of them?

[@BonesFPV]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Google "Aussie Sapphire". I think if I try and link it the result will be blocked. Cheers & totally dig your channel.

[@rockdaddio69]

Yes, you can push a rock through a 10” saw quickly, but overheat and warp that nice blade. 301 or 303’s are my favorite and impatience is a problem. Those blades are not thick. I don’t have good luck running (pushing) thicker material through that blade. If I can keep my patience and go slowly, The 303 works fine. I do have warped high quality blades that I should throw away.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

You might want to re-read your comment here. I have no clue what it is exactly that you're trying to say here.

[@DonariaRegia]

I like to read all the comments here, there are some wise and experienced lapidary artists in the audience. As I read them I make sure to give each one a like to help the algorithm so more enthusiasts see your videos in their recommendations.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Thank you so much! :D

[@AgateJeweler]

The 6 hi tec is 1200 on amazon in canada

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Why exactly are you saying this here?

[@AgateJeweler]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding you mentioned it being 600 us and I just found it curious that there was such a price gap in canada.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@AgateJeweler Don't things generally cost more there?

[@dukecitybandit]

I'll buy that from you 🤣

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Ha!

[@chuckfarley567]

Like Butter !!...

[@DanaerysRiverborn]

instead of putting tubing for your arms to rest on, splice up a pool noodle. Much more comfortable 🙂

[@dollybelfiore7628]

💖💝💖

[@jamespaw742]

direct an electric fan into the hood to evaporate the mist. make sure the residue from cutting the rocks remains wet for health safety reason.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I don't know how well that would work but it could be worth trying.

[@gvet47]

I wonder how many people have been injured on saws of this type. Seems like wet fingers holding a rock is an accident waiting to happen.🤔

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Almost none, the blade is smooth diamond and will not cut you.

[@gvet47]

@@CurrentlyRockhounding Please make a video where you are pushing your fingers up against the turning blade. I want to see that!

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

@@gvet47 Sounds like a dull video a little. It's not exactly a secret that lapidary blades won't cut you. It's not really a blade since its doesn't have an edge the cuts material but rather it's like a really thin grinding wheel.

[@bmz3748]

Agreed. Same with tile cutting saws. I installed tile for a couple of years. They simply will not hurt you.

[@Ontario_Rockhound]

Cue the contrarians and the very opinionated masses, lol just kidding usually this community only has a couple bad eggs. Nice purchase, like you said basically brand new, I can understand your excitement.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Ha! Yeah there might be a few people around like that.

[@alexaraneda6461]

6:30😂

[@joniangelsrreal6262]

👁👁 🍿 🍺….👏👏

[@CacklingChick]

I love your consistent thrifty info. and sharing how you save money in this hobby! Do you have a respirator recommendation to wear while slabbing? Many thanks! 😁👍🏻🪨⛏️

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

I think the most important part is the fit, I would only buy something that comes in sizes and you can get a proper seal on your face.

[@mray8519]

These are still manufactured by Lortone for ~$800, however the hoods are not available. I have one, it vibrates a lot and the dust laden mist is terrible. Overall not a bad machine.

[@CurrentlyRockhounding]

Where are you seeing them for sale at? It shouldn't be vibrating a lot, perhaps its time to take it apart some and check everything.