How to Choose a Lapidary Saw
Saw type, blade diameter, depth of cut, feed system and coolant: the decisions that determine whether a lapidary saw fits the way you work.
Start with what you cut
The right lapidary saw depends on the size of the material and what you want to make. Large nodules and rough call for a big saw; slabs and cabochon blanks call for a small one. Decide what you cut most often before you compare models.
The four saw types
- Slab saws cut large rough into slabs. Example: the Hi-Tech Diamond 10 Inch Slab Saw.
- Trim saws cut slabs into blanks and trim away waste. Example: the Covington 6 Inch Trim Saw.
- Ring saws use a ring-shaped blade for curves and intricate shapes with little waste. Example: the Gemini Apollo Ring Saw.
- Band saws follow curved outlines and suit carving preforms.
If you want both slabbing and trimming in one machine, a combination saw such as the Covington 14 Inch Combination Trim & Slab Saw does both. See Slab Saw vs Trim Saw for the detail.
Blade diameter and depth of cut
Blade diameter sets the depth of cut. Once the flanges and vise are accounted for, the usable depth is roughly a third to two-fifths of the blade diameter, so a 10 inch blade suits fist-sized rock and larger blades handle bigger pieces. Buying a bigger saw than you need costs more and takes more room, while a saw that is too small limits what you can cut.
Feed system
A power feed advances the rock into the blade at a steady rate, which produces straighter, more consistent cuts and reduces blade wear. Manual feed saws are cheaper, but they depend on your hand to keep the feed even.
Coolant
Saws run wet. Some use cutting oil and others use a water-based coolant, and the right choice depends on the machine, so follow the manufacturer's recommendation. See Lapidary Saw Safety and Choosing a Coolant.
Beginner considerations
- Check the bench space, electrical supply and water or oil setup you need.
- Budget for the blade: many saws are sold without one. See our diamond saw blades and the Diamond Saw Blade Guide.
- Consider a vise that holds the material securely.
Maintenance
Keep coolant clean, clear slurry from the tank, check the blade for damage and keep the vise slides clean. A well-maintained saw keeps cutting accurately for years.