The Design and Repair Center

The Geology department's 18" rock saw was originally designed to use oil as a coolant. That's fine but the oils unwantedly tint the slides the geologists are making.

The answer is to use water as a coolant. Unfortunately the saw was not made to run using water as a coolant.

In order to make the cleanest slides possible converting over to water is needed. Truth be told the saw is in need of refurbishing as well.

The job entails dismantling the saw, cleaning out as much oil as possible and painting steel surfaces. The Rustoleum company makes a great product called Rust Reformer tm that actually likes! rust.

A fresh coat of paint, reassembled using new stainless steel bolts and nuts it's maybe better then new.

A water borne preservative and the paint should go a long way to keep the saw going for years to come. This saw is 50 years old, and with the right service and care who knows how long it can last... We will keep you informed.