The 3hp granite-top SC is 505 net lbs, the equivalent cast-iron model is 460 lbs — not a huge difference. Granite stays dead flat and is rustproof. According to SC it’s more wear-resistant than cast-iron. I don’t see why it would need sealing.
Some traditional accessories are bound to be a problem, e.g. magnetic guides, and feeders. Don’t know the answer to that one.
Jim
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Wine ,
Other benefits of the rock top , great for cooling fudge and candy on.
The sun is out here .
dusty , from the shop
Granite is THE material of choice when it comes to stability. My friend who was a designer and maker of instruments that went into satellites said that granite was the best material when it came to stability for things like laser/optic bases. It has been pre-stressed for many millions of years. As far as the question of the chase for miter gages, he was wondering why they don't simply glue an appropriate metal insert. Specific glues for that sort of application would not fail in those circumstances.
When I mentioned the magnetic problem he mentioned that that certainly was not a problem as he has had to use granite bases that would have this incorporated into it. Mind you we are talking about cutting edge research experiments here that need the best material. Still, it is available out there.
Cheers,
Peter
Better life through Zoodles and poutine...
Interesting. I've never actually asked the SC rep if magnetic capability was built in; I just assumed it wasn't. Most magnetic aids are based on the premise that you can place them anywhere on the table, so I guess that would mean a solid layer of metal under a very thin layer of granite. Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of having a solid granite top?
The chase for the miter gauge isn't that much of an issue. S.C.'s gauge is metal with a longer T-slot washer so that there's no undue pressure on the chase if the gauge is pulled back far enough to tip. It's simple enough to modify other brands of gauge to work on the granite top.
Jim
Oh, I doubt that the magnetic capability is built into those. I was simply mentioning that it is possible to do so. Without compromising the granite. Probably too expensive for commercial applications for now. Who knows?As far as the chase, I was referring to a solution that would have permitted the use of all miter gages, not only the SC one. I am sure that it will happen sooner or later.Cheers,Peter
Better life through Zoodles and poutine...
Hi, Peter. We discussed the miter gauge and granite top issue awhile back. Take a look at the 3rd and 4th paragraphs in this post from Jimurock.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Thanks for the link. Memory ain't what it used to be when you get to be my age. Ah, the good old days when I remembered why I had just picked up my hammer.Cheers,Peter
Better life through Zoodles and poutine...
I remembered why I had just picked up my hammer.
Hell, even then I usually forgot were I put my car keys! EDIT Where?
Edited 5/10/2008 4:29 am by WillGeorge
Granite optical tables are usually custom-built for specific applications: http://www.newport.com/Granite-Structures/139776/1033/catalog.aspx
That way, tapped holes, localized steel plates for magnetic bases, etc., can all be installed at the factory.
General-purpose optical tables, on the other hand, are almost universally made of a steel honeycomb structure, with magnetic tops and (usually) a series of drilled and tapped holes on a regular grid: http://www.newport.com/Optical-Tables-and-Vibration-Control/1033/603252/product.aspx
-Steve
That is fascinating. Thank you.Cheers,Peter
Better life through Zoodles and poutine...
I’ve heard a lot about granite being used as a cabinet saw top but don’t understand its benefit to the user,
I'd say Granite mountins do NOT disappear very fast and really stable! Untill the next great Earth Plate movement!
I think a part of using granite is an advantage to the manufacturer. They don't have to use better quality cast iron and allow it to season. Nine out of ten kitchens I build use granite countertops. I don't touch them. They can be tough but they can also fracture easily. Most experienced folks won't attempt to drill it. I would hate to clamp some feather boards or other accessories to it. It could be a major mistake if you used the top for a workbench, did a little hammering or spilled a can of stain.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
I agree you wouldn't want to be swinging a hammer around granite, but a really dense dark true granite doesn't absorb liquids readily, so spills aren't much of a problem. That's why you don't have to seal them, because they don't absorb the sealant either. Cheaper grades or granite substitutes are a different story.
Jim
The wisdom of a granite TS top eludes me and makes me wonder if the ends are captured or otherwise protected ?
Like glass most stone when an edge fracture occurs may run into a full on crack / split .
It would be flat for sure but what do we do that the cast iron is not flat enough for ? Personally I think folks obsess over flat table tops for little reason.
dusty
I don't have any problem with rust so I'm not about to buy one myself, but I can see where it would work for someone in a very humid environment. Too many downsides for me. Apart from those already mentioned it would be difficult to add a router table to the left, as I have to to save space. On the prototype I saw there was nothing protecting the edge, though the T-fence gives some at front and back. You could add side tables I suppose.
Jim
Apart from those already mentioned it would be difficult to add a router table LOL LOL.. Good one!
You never know , when times are slow you'll never go hungry .
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