Diamond band tile saws....

[smokingtable]

Danny,

Man, those are some expensive circles. I sold the first piece above for
$400!

Jerimiah

[Marge]

Jeremiah,

Construction Complete is $930 now with free shipping. You can buy a blade for about $125 if you look around (costs more from CC). I only bring it up because they have a great reputation and for about $20 more (with a blade purchased elsewhere) you could buy through them.

Also, you might want to consider asking around for a demo model. Every now and again one is available, but rarely offered without asking. Usually a couple hundred less.

We started our mural this weekend and I hope to fire up the DL tomorrow for some of the first cuts.

Marge

[smokingtable]

I've spoken with Rick from construction complete. They're on backorder for the 5000. They're willing to work out a deal to match Tracy's glass workshop with the extra blade, so I like them already. They suggested that with the amount of abuse I'll put it through to concider the Diamond laser 7000. Another $500....
better to go too heavy duty than not enough.

Jerimiah

[Marge]

Rick is a helpful guy. and I've found the service from CC to be excellent. My only complaint is they sent an XL T-Shirt (like all these construction places seem to do with freebies). Us wee folk get lost in those.

From what you have been saying, the 7000 may be the way to go for you. I have to haul mine around (and I am a weakling) so the 5000 works great for me. Did you ask him about inches per minute? Just curious.

Let us know what you decide.

Marge

[smokingtable]

Marge,
as stupid as it sounds, I didn't think to ask Rick about inches per min with the 7000. I'll find out tomorrow. The spec sheet lists the 5000 at 30 in/min with 3/8 ceramic, is that true? The 7000 is rated in 3/4 grannet.
Can you post some pics of stuff you've done with the 5000?
Jerimiah

[Marge]

I've only played. I have started a cabin bath surround mural but nothing to show of any value at this point (my leisure time has been pretty non-existent). I've attached a pic of the template below. It is about 4 1/2' wide x 3' tall. The bottom will be "lake" and I'll carry that over to the front (faucet wall) and back sections of the surround, with trees framing the outside edges. It's going to be a challenge but I'm sure any frustrations will be alleviated by the support from this group. Well, that and an adult beverage.

Marge

[Marge]

Jeremiah,

Thought I had deleted this pic, but here is shot of how tight the radius cuts are using granite tile.

Marge

[smokingtable]

Marge,

Thanks for the pics. I'm dead set on the 7000, just have to raise the $1600! I can't wait to see how your bears turn out. Keep us informed!

Jerimiah

[smokingtable]

I promised to give my experience if I had purchased a Laser 7000, and here's what happened.
I purchased one in late 2006 and immediately began to use to cut ceramic and porcelain tile. I also purchased an extra blade ($189)
Found the cuts to be relatively quick, painless and great. Good turns on curves.
Within about 25 hours of use, the first blade broke, and replaced. Ordered another. The on/off switch also stopped working, fell apart. New switch ordered.
10 useage hours later, 2nd blade broke, replaced. My helper was using it, so I really don't know how it was being used when the blade snapped.
On closer examination, I found that the baerings on the blade guides were very rough and were locking up (which I believe caused the expensive blade to bind and lock up) Also the guide is made of very soft metal (possibly aluminum) which easily gets chewed up and the back of the blade will cut a groove in which catches the blade and causes brakeage.

The Diamond tech immediately shipped replacement guides with baerings and a new switch and fuse. They were very kind and helpful, but said would not ship any more baerings. The tech gave specific instructions on setting the guides. Said that the blade should never touch the guide. I tried setting the saw as directed, but the saw cuts extreamly slow if you push tile so gently that it does not move the blade into the guide. So I set somewhat closer so the blade will touch the back guide intermittengly.
Blade arrived, wrong size. I was initally told by Diamond Tech I did not install right. I took several photos of the blades with measurements and submitted. They immediately apoligized and admitted to getting a bad shipment of blades and sent me 2 (I ordered 1) which fitted nicely. Awsome people.
Started using again a month ago to cut thin stained glass. Again 3 baerings initally turned, then locked up while in use, broke another $190 blade. I took the baerings to Purvis Baering of San Antonio, who told me the baerings were not sealed, where water and sand can enter the baering and cause them to seize putting a huge strain on the blade. Unfortunately it's hard to tell when it will happen until the blade is broke. I purchased sealed baerings for approx $10 apiece which will replace the old ones. I am also in the process of replacing the guide with stainless steel guides. (The baering is pressed into the guide which rolls with the blade if it is touched)

To sum up my experience: 5 out of 10. I have put approx 60 hours on the saw cutting ceramic, porcelain and thin stained glass. The people at Diamond Tech are terrific, as are everyone at Construction Complete where I purchased the saw. Hard to believe anyone can put up with all my calls and questions. I think the quality of the saw matches the price (relatively cheap) and equivalent to buying Black and Decker. This saw is great for the occasional or light use, but is not built for constant or hard use. Keep in mind that the blade stays in great condition and takes a heck of a lot of punishment and strain, until the baerings lock up. Would I buy another? Yes, but I would not use it until ALL of the baerings have been replaced with a quality brand, along with the on/off switch, and hardened steel guides.
(Side note: I have spent several years using, repairing, and rebuilding power tools and equipment such as band saws, compressors, and other power hand tools. I have a good understanding of the function and limits of power tools and equipment.)

Well, that's about it.


Jerimiah

[Tool Guy - Kg]

Thanks for the review, Jerimiah. There are at least 3 other members who have a diamond band saw (I think they all have the DL5000) and they all have had blade breakage as a big (and expensive) issue.

[Bill Vincent]

Kurt, I don't know that I'd go quite that far. I've had blades break on me, but only because I've tried to push the machine past its limits. I've had 3 blades break on me, and in all three cases, I know it was me, and not the saw.

[Marge]

A few of us test drove the Revolution XT ring saw at Coverings. Bill, I like that saw a bunch. Definitely an improvement over the ring saws of a few years ago. Nice little $1K price tag though.

[Bill Vincent]

What's the diameter on the ring?