Ring saw for cutting plates

16 years ago

Hi ladies,

I have read through all the forums discussing ring saws, wet saws, nippers, etc for getting the best use out of old china plates. But I still have one question that I haven't seen come up, and that is - the edge of a plate is curved upwards, so a piece of it would not sit completely flat on the table of the ring saw. Does this cause any problems or does the saw still cut through it ok? The sales rep at Taurus said I should flip the piece over, but I was like dude, I need to see the decorative side because I would be cutting around a specific part of the pattern. Once she understood, she wasn't sure if it would work. SIGH!!!! I am saving up for some kind of saw but I need to know if it's going to do the job I need it to do. Besides plates, I have been collecting china cups and sugar bowls - these are very curved so I don't know how I could use them. Not a fan of random smashing. :) Also, does anyone have advice on what type of bit/drill would put a nice hole through my finished pieces, and if there is a limit on how close to the edge I can drill without breakage? Regarding glass cutting on the ring saw, how thick of a piece can it handle? Surely there is a limit, although the videos make it look freaking awesome and capable of anything!!! Thank you, I am jumping out of my skin waiting to get started on all the projects I have planned...

Featured Answer

texaswild

16 years ago

Hi, CLAIR: Think I remember you from the past. I have two wet saws and the Taurus. The Taurus w/cut the plate, but IMO it is mainly for cutting glass into intricate shapes. I have cut plates w/it, but save it for things like hearts, curves etc. that the tile saw won't do. I use the tile saws for everything you mentioned, plates, cups, bowls, pitchers etc. If I had to choose between the two, I'd choose the wet saw. The large one I bought at Lowes, but I use the smaller one I got from Harbor Freight. For your drill bit, just ask the clerk at Lowes for the diamond bits for ceramics. FLAG ordered them, so she might suggest where you could find the best selection. I seldom use those, since most of the things I make for hanging are on wood substrates, and I attach heavy mirror hooks on those. Hope this helps.

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Comments (9)

mzclassic
16 years ago
I haven't used a ring saw, but for cups and plates I would say a wet saw would be good.

Donna in Florida
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shrty411
16 years ago
The ring saw WILL work on your plates, but it is extremely hard on the blade. There should be enough clearance for the plate to fit even if the edge id raised. There is on my Taurus 3. You can buy a Mega blade for the Taurus. there is one brand...Can't remember which, that comes with a strong enough blade for plates
silvamae
16 years ago
My Taurus 3 ring saw works on the plates, and there is enough clearance to cut the edges that are turned up while positioning the plate design side up. I know it's a lot harder on the blade than stained glass, but I do it anyway. I just go really slow.
wackyweeder
16 years ago
This lady here got a revolution XT tile saw. it does tile glass etc, intricate curvy shapes, heavy duty. Here a link to her flickr set when she got the saw, it looks pretty awesome and has a big clearance area.

Here is a link that might be useful: revolution xt
Calamity_J
16 years ago
Ohhhh Baby!!! NOW you're talking!!! I would sooo love one of those...but the price is keeping me drooling not cutting!ha! I think I saw it was $1200...USA $, so more up here....My Taurus 3 saw has cut 3/4inch marble, 1/2 inch cement,1/4inch glass, porceline. I love my tile saw for plates, bottles, slate,etc. I do have to change my blade now tho, for the Taurus, I bought a mega blade...figured it would last a while!lol! Love all those pics of the Revolution XT in action!!! Even better than the promo videos! (Cuz it's one of us!lol! Look in the background...she has a manniquin!!!)(Plus she is willing to cut outside the ordinary!!!)heh heh!
nicethyme
16 years ago
yeah it will cut the curled edge - things don't have to even lay on the table top. Just like everyone says, as long as it fits between the saw and table.
nicethyme
16 years ago
here are a few pictures to show it. The plate edges are not on the saw table

its slow but great for precision
claireinchicago
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks!!!! :)