Official Luthiers Forum!

Todd, dream up a test that you think might display the issues you are speaking of. Maybe get a block of ebony 2" thick and slice it into slabs? How many? What would be a good objective test?

Mike I seriously doubt you are wrong. My 2HP saw bogged to nearly half speed 2" in to the cut of a 5" tall ebony block. That's pretty black and white. In your case I'm sure it is slicing like a champion or you wouldn't be carrying the banner! As I said before, there is some kind of systemic problem as too many people have issues. For example, we don't see this kind of problem with the Woodmaster CT. I think it is great that you've got a working setup . If you want to videotape in the spirit of sharing knowledge, that's great. But you've got nothing to prove ... well, at least I believe you!

Filippo

Well thats a good offer (put up or shut up ). No need to send me anything. I have a very dense block of wood, cannot remember the name of it... seems it is a relative to teak. I don't think it is mineral laden. But if it is, I will go get some bloodwood on Saturday. Or something hard from the wood store. I'm not cutting anything with rocks in it. I have several new RK blades. I will set up, and video the results. If I am wrong, I will admit it. I was wrong one time before.

I do not have a special setup. I do have a driftmaster fences. I will do all cuts on the outside edge.

Is there a speed of cut requirement? Please explain the cut (like back and sides?)

Mike

Mike,
Spectrum Supply sells the Woodmaster CT at a reasonable price. Depending on your band size probably about $120 I'd guess. As for the Lenox blade, I'm thinking of ordering up what Chas uses (I have a PM to him so I can figure out exactly which blade he's running as there are a few bi-metal choices and none seem to fit his description). I spoke with Wud's company has these blades run about half price of a CT. His come directly welded to size from Lenox which I suspect (assumptions!) should work well. Chas suggested Hastings Saw as well for Lenox, which you can see on their web site.

My thought is that I can get a smooth cut out of the Lenox. I don't have the processing capacity (speed rate, et cetera) needs of Bob C (!!!!!!) so the 2x for a CT probably doesn't make sense. Uncle Bob if you don't agree with my assessment, holler at me ...

Filippo

Nice looking blood wood but quite different than what I'm used to seeing. We usually buy the deep red stuff.

This is the same species as the solid red bloodwood but it is a rare endemic variety that grows at high elevations in the Peruvian Andes.

Uh, I want some of that. Plus, you got any harp guitar sized sets?

Mike

To the forgotten Woods sponsor- nice saw & setup, but that's a bit more rigid and much larger than anything most of us here are likely to have. Is that a 2" blade?

Yes the saw is bigger and more rigid than most home shops are likely to have. But that is my point I would like to make about the RK blades. The blades do work correctly if the saw is adjusted absolutely correct for the blade. That includes having enough rigidity to remain in alignment during the cut. It only takes a couple inches of incorrect alignment to dull the blade. When the blade gets dull it will start to wonder and there is no leeway. It is a 1.25" blade, I think that is the widest RK they offer. FYI after 6 sharpenings the blade is done.