A rock saw is an important tool for any hobbyist or professional geologist. Rock saws are essential tools for cutting different rocks and minerals, but not all rock saws provide the same quality performance for your needs. With many options on the market today, it’s important to understand what makes a good rock saw. Use this article as a guide in selecting the best rock saw for your personal or professional needs.
Operability
Similar to portability, an easy-to-operate rock saw will make your life easier when you’re in the field. If a rock saw is difficult to operate and clean, you won’t use it as often as other models. An easy-to-operate rock saw will also save time and effort, allowing you to focus more on your work instead of how to operate the next tool that catches your eye. You should note that an easy-to-operate saw is not necessarily a cheap rock saw, so consider the feature in light of your budget.
Number of Teeth
The number of teeth per inch (TPI) is one of the most important factors. For general cutting, each tooth should be 1/16 to 1/8 inches apart. The larger the TPI, the softer the material you can cut through. If too many teeth are packed together, it will cause a jagged and messy cut, and the blade will become dull much more quickly.
Noise level
If you intend to use a rock saw regularly, then it is advisable to purchase one that makes less noise. In other words, you might not want your neighbors to complain about the sound of the machine, so this should be taken into account when making a decision. Further, if you will be using it for long periods, you will want to have a relatively quiet model not to damage your ears.
Length of the blade
The length of the blade is largely dependent on what you want to cut and where you want to cut it from. The longer the blade, the more stable it will be and the less likely to hurt yourself. Normally, a blade between 4-6 inches should suit most people’s needs. However, if the blade is too long, you might struggle to maneuver it into certain spaces.
Size of Teeth
The size of teeth also has an impact on what you can cut. For softer materials such as stone, you can use a blade with smaller teeth. As for harder materials such as tiles, the larger the teeth, the better. Although this can depend on what you want to use it for and where you wish to use it from. For instance, equipment experts who offer Rock Saws Denver-based recommend that you stick with one side of the tooth and not jump between the two.
Maintenance
Maintaining a rock saw can be an overwhelming task when you don’t have the right tools. The best rock saw will be easy to maintain with little fuss or hassle for you. It should also provide durable parts that are easy to replace. Most importantly, a durable rock saw will not break or wear down easily, providing longevity, leading to more consistent results. Additionally, a durable rock saw should also be reliable and safe to use, ideally true for all rock saws.