On Sat, 16 Sep 2006 15:40:03 GMT, "Too_Many_Tools"
discovered a keyboard and, for our
edification and amusement, submitted

Hi,

I have an used Rock Rascal that I wish to use to section rocks and
minerals.

Please don't get in the habit of using a trim saw for sectioning
and/or slabbing. A trim saw blade is designed for just that purpose:
trimming. Hunking off slabs or sections of rock with a thin, delicate
trim saw blade is asking for $100-a-pop blade replacements on a
disgustingly regular basis...

It does not currently have a motor.

From reading supply websites, it would seem that a 1/3 hp 1725 motor is
sold for it.

Is there any advantage to using a more powerful or faster motor?

None whatsoever. If you do, you'll probably just go through the
diamond on the saw blade a lot faster - and the blades are the most
expensive part of the saw...

Is there any advantage of using a variable speed motor?

No more so than using one on a wood saw. Just let the blade do the
work. A steady pace and a steady feed does best.

Thanks for any advice you might have to offer.

TMT


Blessed be, for sure...