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Hi, A while ago I sent out a message asking if there were distributors of rock prep equipment in the eastern USA. I also asked what sort of coolant people use in their big saws. Thanks to those who responded to me, and I wanted to briefly let you know what I have learned. I believe it was Norm Winters who suggested to me that I check out the Lapidary Digest (I lost the email and so apologize if it was not Norm). I did and it was very helpful. Check it out - they have extensive archives: http://www.lapidarydigest.com/ First, Raytech in Connecticut carries saws up to 10 inches. If you want a 24 inch saw it looks like you will need to shop in the west. I ended up ordering from Dimond Pacific in California. They now make the most modern version of the Contempo saw, which was in its turn an updated version of the Highland Park, Beacon Star and Frampton saws. Good bloodlines, but the most expensive saw around at a list price of $5600. Other 24 inchers that are very good but a bit lighter duty can be had for as little as $4000. You can find descriptions of some of these saws at Dad's Rock Shop (http://www.dadsrockshop.com/products.html). As for coolants in big saws, I have found that people generally use one of three types: Propylene or Ethylene Glycol, mineral oil, and other heavier petroleum products. Transformer oils are also in use now - they use to be deadly, but the new ones appear to be ok. I am not sure exactly what sort of oil they are, but they should be checked carefully for PCB's or dioxin. Apparently, the FDA lists Propylene Glycol as "safe" - but make sure the one you use does not contain carcinogenic additives. Some people say it is mostly water and so does not protect well against rusting. On the other hand, Ethylene Glycol - the antifreeze used in cars - is apparently nasty poisonous stuff. I am not clear on the details, but it might be a good idea to check it out before using off-the-shelf antifreeze. Either way, masks should be worn to protect from the mists. I have come down on the side of mineral oil, which is a highly refined oil (one- or two-stage hydrocracking process) designed for raw bases in manufacturing things like rubber and plastic, and also for lubrication of machining and cutting tools (particularly for cutting metal). It is highly oxidation stable, prevents rusting, is clear, has relatively low misting, little to no odor, low toxicity, and a high flash point averaging around 300-400 degrees F, depending on the product. It is used as baby oil, veterinary oil, laxitive, etc. Some products are considered "edible", believe it or not. When you finish cutting you can put a bit on your corn flakes... Here are a few products and approximate prices by the 55 gallon drum. There are no doubt many more manufacturers - these are the ones I can get easily from a distributor here in Maine. Petro-Canada Paraflex HT 22 - 185 dollars. Texaco AlMag (used my many rock cutters) - 245 dollars. Texaco White Oil 22 (extremely clear, non-staining, used in sewing machines etc) - 325 dollars Exxon Faxxam 22 - 240 dollars Drawbacks - inhaling oil mist can lead to "chemical or lipid pneumonia". Wear a mask and use covers on saws cooled with oil. Also, some products may carry rock dust in suspension for quite some time. There is some question as to how this might effect blade life. AlMag apparently is ok in this regard, but I do not know about the others. One person on the Lapidary Digest reported minor allergic skin reactions with AlMag. Other comments: I have heard that Shell Pella cutting oil mists more heavily than AlMag, and that it smells. Saw makers/sellers are selling mineral oil these days (e.g. Dimond Pacific and Lortone). A good source for small portions, but you will save money by going directly to a lubricant supplier or petroleum company in your area. Do not use vegetable oil - it gums up and causes major problems. PLEASE NOTE - I have not used any of the mineral oils yet, and so am NOT recommending any of them. Ask the manufacturers or distributors for details and specs. Owing to its popularity I thought I might go with AlMag, but they all seem pretty similar. Cheers - Scott ************************************************************************* Scott E. Johnson Department of Geological Sciences 5790 Bryand Global Sciences Center University of Maine Orono, ME 04469-5790 USA email: [log in to unmask] phone: (207) 581-2142 Fax: (207) 581 2202 http://www.geology.um.maine.edu/user/scott_johnson/HM.html ************************************************************************* %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%