One of the differences is that, in a slab saw, the blade sits in the water even when it is not in use. Sitting in the water causes the blades and other components to rust. I have used water in a slab saw to cut some large pieces of turquoise type materials. It works, but I had to empty the saw and lubricate it right after so that the saw wouldn't rust. I use just water in my 6 inch trim saw and empty it and clean it right after use (I do quite a bit of trimming). It has worked fine for me for 20 plus years, and the blades I use last as long as they would otherwise. A friend of mine uses the same saw, but in order not to empty it after use, he uses a lubricant so his blade doesn't rust. The oil (particularly in a large slab saw) also lubricates things better which doesn't heat things up as much in the saw and on the rock.

In a grinder the oil would work also, but it is not necessary. One issue with using oil is that you would have an oily mess if you used lubricant in the grinder. The heat build up issue in the grinder is taken care of because the pressure is not constant, and because it is open to the air and cools faster. The rust issue in a grinder is also taken care of because the water runs off and evaporates quickly enough in the machine (unless you have a metal pan) that this is not a problem. Also, those usually cut alot let the grinder run a couple of extra seconds to through any extra water off of the wheels to help with this.

From Rick - November 09, 2009 at 18:51:33

Message: 68513