In the "No Comment #2" build video around timecode 39:40, I processed a large piece of Onyx I scored from a local granite shop's dumpster, I mean, showroom. The first email I received after releasing the build video was "what's that wet bandsaw all about?"
The next build video in the "No Comment #2" series (Tim Burton Table) will cover all the Onyx work for the top cap. Since that relies on this Gryphon wet bandsaw, I thought to review it first so I don't have to do that part in the build video.
This saw is popular among artisans since it is so well designed and fits well in a studio. Cutting tile, stone slabs, rough stone, and glass is all very easy to do. Its glass-cutting ability would make it a fantastic tool for stained glass work. In my case, my interests were in being able to add stone accents to projects and possibly moving into some Pietra Dura, which is marquetry with stone.
The version I have is from Paul Schürch, who modifies them to have a beveling table on the deck for the bevel cuts needed to inlay stone or do Pietra Dura; he uses one for his work as well as for teaching Pietra Dura classes. First chance I get, I'll take that class! They are special order from his store; if you get the saw from another distributor, it won't come with that addition, which may or may not interest you.
Part 2 includes demos with thick glass, porcelain tile, and natural travertine tile.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Gryphon C-40 Wet Bandsaw - Review
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Naturally, I like woodworking as a hobby, but an ice hockey tournament will easily get me out of the shop :)
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are you sure that's legal. I mean a woodworker cutting stone.
Aren't you afraid of the woodworking police raiding your shop?
I did take a lapidary class once and learned about cutting and polishing stone. There are times I think about doing some of that again.
I heard no sirens, Andrew, but if I did, I'm probably more in violation using a video camera than a diamond bandsaw!
The grinding is slow, for sure; I tinkered with the diamond saws and grinders in high school... all those things are likely gone now because some kid might, you know, nick themselves and need a bandaid while suing the school for $4M. It's a loss.
I didn't want to just go cutting random curves in those granite and marble pieces so I need to get some stock for the curves video; maybe work it into a small project. Something to ponder.