Where do you buy cutting oil for slab saw?

[lizziebird]

For those with a big slab saw, where do you buy your oil?
Do you just use mineral oil or do you use special cutting oil?
I am acquiring a big ole 14" slab saw that's full of crud right now. Once that's all cleaned out, I'll be looking for the best deal on cutting oil for it, and any suggestions/recommendations are appreciated.

(also need a good source for saw blades?)

Thanks!

[ira]

Your local lapidary or rock shop should have pretty much everything you need.... rock oil and blades.

I run diamond (impregnated blades) and redress (clean off the edge of the blade with a grinder or with a whetstone) whenever I feel that it's taking longer than it should to cut. Most of the rocks I slab are agate, which is really hard on the blades so I probably redress every 15 to 20 hours of use or so... depending.

Have fun!... you're going to find that slabbing is very addicting.

Ira ;D

[snuffy]

I've got a 14 and 18 in. saw and use hydraulic oil with no problems. I've bought it at Tractor Supply, O'reillys auto parts,Carquest. About the cheapest route to go, 5 gallon buckets, generally around 7 bucks a gallon.
Check Daniel Lopacki for blades. I bought one from him,havent used it yet
maybe someone here can comment on them.About half the price of all the major brands.

snuffy

[lizziebird]

I don't have any sort of local lapidary or rock shop.
I do have farm/lawn/garden supply type places, Lowe's, Home Depot, Walmart...

I have boxes or rocks just waiting to be cut though

[kap]

I use minerial oil in mine it cost more but you dont have the oil smell and it is not rough on your hands. I get it at tractor supply it cost $12-14 a gallon.
Keith

[rockshine]

lizziebird, one of my rock hunting buddies uses in his 18 incher --- BABY OIL. Not only does it smell good, it is gentle on his hands and buying it in bulk at wallyworld is not much more expensive than hydraulic fluid. He is selective with his slabbing, so he only has to change oil every year or so. Also, sometimes he uses straight mineral oil (11 bucks for one half gallon)
I slab everything that will clamp up so I have to change/replace oil about every thirty days. Among types I have used that suffice are oil change dirty motor oil, transmission fluid, motor oil somewhat diluted with diesel or kerosene, and good ole vegetable oil. Vegetable oil will spoil and sour and rot in just a day or so, so it isn't much good except in emergency.
As to the use of the other fuel oils, they are odorous and somewhat dangerous indoors, plus dirty oil is carcinogenic, etc., so my mentioning them is NOT a recommendation for anyone , anymore than I would recommend someone to breathe the air. Another tip: veggie oil makes a wonderful handcleaner for mechanics, painters, and rockslabbers. Just rub into hands and wipe with dry towel before using soap and water.

[scott]

You can get some here as well:

www.kingsleynorth.com/skshop/product.php?id=87802&catID=112

[rockshine]

re my above blurb on lubricant choice , I neglected to state that I am using a thick kerf fifty dollar diamond blade from Home Depot. Were I using a thinner lapidary blade I would choose a better quality oil. Shine on.