5 Best Lapidary Saws of 2024 Reviewed

A lapidary saw is one of the must-have instruments for those looking to work with semi-precious minerals, ores, and rocks. They come with a wide variety of blade offerings, and can easily cut through even solid rock.

However, due to the large number of options available in the market, it becomes tough to make the right choice. And, as is often the case, most users end up with a product that they don’t really need.

To ensure that the same fate doesn’t befall you, we’re here today with a list of the eight best lapidary saws in the market. What’s more, we’ve even gone ahead and added a buyers’ guide that can further aid in the task of making a choice.

Let’s cut to the chase and dive in.

Listed below are the 5 best lapidary saws from our list:

• Hi-Tech Diamond 6-inch Lapidary Trim Saw - Best for Precise Material Trimming. The Hi-Tech Diamond 6-inch Lapidary Trim Saw tops the list with its portability, precision, and variable-speed motor making it optimal for trimming semi-precious rocks, minerals, or glass.
• Hi-Tech Diamond 10-inch Lapidary Slab Saw - Best for Large Material Slabbing. The American-made Hi-Tech Diamond 10-inch Lapidary Slab Saw stands out for slabbing larger materials into manageable workpieces while maintaining a consistent cutting speed aided by a 1/3 HP motor.
• SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw - Best for Tile Installation. The SKIL 3540-02 7-inch Wet Tile Saw shines in the tile installation department with its corrosion-resistant stainless steel tabletop, offering precise tile cuts and a blade-cooling reservoir that keeps dust and debris minimal.
• Hi-Tech Diamond 4-inch/5-inch Lapidary Trim Saw. Small but efficient, the Hi-Tech Diamond 4-inch/5-inch Lapidary Trim Saw manifests its strength in cutting semi-precious stones, minerals, and glass, made more flexible by its variable cutting speeds.
• Mini Table Jewelry Saw With Polishing Lathe. The Mini Table Jewelry Saw With Polishing Lathe, the most affordable on the list, features both a trim saw and a polisher in one package, proving its versatility with adjustable cutting speeds and a handy angle ruler.

Lapidary saws are an essential tool for gemstone cutting or polishing. They are designed to provide a precise and accurate cut while also preserving the integrity of the material. If you are looking for the best lapidary saws, then here is the list of 5 best lapidary saws that can help you get the job done.

1. Hi-Tech Diamond 6-inch Lapidary Trim Saw - Best for Precise Material Trimming

A prime example of American craftsmanship, the 6-inch Lapidary Trim Saw from Hi-Tech Diamond is just the thing you need for cutting hard materials. Portable, smart, and accurate, this is a product that can get the job done, and fast.

Whether you’re trying to trim semi-precious rocks, shape minerals, or cut glass, this is the ideal trim saw for all your needs. We were impressed by how easily and cleanly this product can trim facet material, and cut out cabochon preforms.

We also like that it comes with a 1/4 horsepower, heavy-duty, ball-bearing motor, which runs at variable speeds. This allows you to cut materials at any speed ranging from 800 to 3400 RPM.

What’s more, it even includes a vise, a couple of 6-inch diamond saw blades, a spray shield, and an Allen wrench. Add to this the fact that it’s made from lightweight, rust-resistant material, and you’ve got the perfect product that you can take anywhere.

Finally, we must mention the fact that this saw comes with complete written and visual instructions. This makes learning to use the product a simple process. Plus, it’s all-American, which is something we’re proud of.

We don’t like the fact that this saw can only use 6-inch blades, as this limits the usability of the product to a large extent. Plus, there’s no drain for dumping the coolant water, which means you’ll have to do it by hand.

2. Hi-Tech Diamond 10-inch Lapidary Slab Saw - Best for Large Material Slabbing

If you were impressed with the first item on the list, then you’ll love this second one. Also from the house of Hi-Tech Diamond, this is a 10-inch lapidary slab saw that’s ideal for cutting, slabbing, and sawing.

Just consider this: a 10-inch lapidary saw made entirely in America! That had us hooked from the very start. Simple and economical, this product is the best choice for slabbing larger materials into more manageable workpieces.

Powered by a ⅓ HP motor, it provides sufficient strength for making larger cuts and delivers a consistent speed of 1725 RPM. It also includes a vise attachment and completes written as well as visual instructions.

We were genuinely impressed with the high quality of the two 10-inch blades included in the package. It also consists of a spray shield and an Allen wrench, which means you’ll not have to worry about accessories.

And yes, we must mention that the product comes with a one-year warranty (similar to the previous item). Not that you need it for this unbreakable, impact-resistant, and rustproof unit.

The weight, which at 35 pounds, is a bit too heavy if you ask us. This, we think, takes away significantly from the portability factor of the product. Other than that, there’s nothing faulty with this device.

3. SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw - Best for Tile Installation

The third spot on the list is occupied by the SKIL 3540-02, which is a 7-inch wet tile saw. Best for installing and replacing floor tiles, this is an affordable device constructed with quality materials for long-term use.

One of the significant problems with wet saws is that they get corroded after some time of use. This product doesn’t have that problem, as the stainless steel tabletop works to resist corrosion even after repeated and long-term operation.

We were particularly impressed with the adjustable rip fence and miter gauge that the product comes with. This allows the users to make accurate and straight cuts, making the process of tile shaping easier. 

In case you’re looking to make more complex designs, then the table can be tilted to provide 0 to 45-degree bevel cuts. This offers unmatched flexibility for making a wide variety of cuts that can shape tiles with impeccable precision.

Finally, the blade-cooling reservoir helps to keep the blade from heating up. Also, the regular water flow manages to keep the dust and debris to a minimum. This ensures that your work area doesn’t get dusty and dirty.

While this saw is excellent for making tile cuts, we don’t recommend it for gemstones and precious materials. Also, the blade precision levels make it a bit tough to cater to very small cuts.

4. Hi-Tech Diamond 4-inch/5-inch Lapidary Trim Saw

Next up, we have another model from Hi-Tech, this time a mini trim saw with smaller 4 and 5-inch blades. And though this model doesn’t allow for larger cuts, it’s powerful, efficient, and ideal for working with minerals, glass, and cabochon preforms.

The slim and compact design of the product is what attracted us to it in the first place. On closer inspection, however, we fell in love with the perfect cuts that this device allows on rocks, glass, and minerals.

The two diamond blades that come included with the product make cutting tasks, such as trimming out cabochon preforms, an easy job. Add to that the powerful ¼ HP ball-bearing motor, and you’ve got a machine that can take care of all your semi-precious cutting needs. 

And we cannot fail to mention that it can cut with variable speeds, ranging from 800 RPM to 3400 RPM. This allows the user to cut materials at any speed that’s needed. We reckon that only Hi-Tech can offer such unmatched flexibility when it comes to cutting options.

The device is made of lightweight material that is impact-resistant and rustproof. This gives it a long service life, and at the same time, lends it a portability feature. Plus, it comes with the usual 1-year Hi-Tech warranty so that you can have complete peace of mind.

We were a bit disheartened to find that the company had not deemed it necessary to include a drawer for collecting the mud and debris produced during sawing. Also, we'd have given this product better marks had the lid been designed to channel the water back into the well.

5. Mini Table Jewelry Saw With Polishing Lathe

This lapidary saw from the brand ANGELLOONG is probably the best budget buy on our list. And the best thing about it is that it’s not just a trim saw but incorporates buffing, grinding, and carving functions as well. It also works as a sander, which is an added advantage.

This table saw is equipped with a 110V motor, which delivers impeccable speed and quality. The speeds are adjustable between 0-10,000 RPM and make for easy and time-efficient operations.

The variable cutting speed makes this saw perfect for cutting large pieces. It also has an adjustable angle ruler, which provides precise maneuvering ability. Add to that the multifunctional design, and you’ve got a bargain at the price.

We were impressed to find that the blade comes with a blade guard that helps to stop dust from getting into the eyes. Plus, the compact yet efficient design of the machine allows you to take it anywhere for portable operation.

Did we forget to mention that it comes with a pair of 4-¼ inch buffing wheels? What’s more, the device can accommodate wheels up to 6 inches in diameter. Also, the threaded mandrels allow easy replacement of the buffing wheels as and when required.

Although this is a rather well-made machine, it doesn’t come with explicit usage instructions. This means we had to adopt a trial-and-error method to make sure we got a good handle on it. Such an approach may not be suitable for all users.

Buying Guide for the Best Lapidary Saw

Whether you’re a professional or a DIY-er, when buying a lapidary saw you’d want to invest in a good one. After all, this is going to be a significant investment, so why not get the best bang for your buck?

With so many different options to consider, the trouble is how you can settle on the best saw for your needs. After all, every job has different requirements, and you’d surely want a device that can serve you well under all circumstances.

To ensure that you face no problem making the right choice, we’ve compiled this buyer’s guide with a list of all the factors that influence the choice of a lapidary saw. With these factors in mind, you’ll be able to settle on the right option.

Let’s take a look.

Size of the Saw

The first thing that one has to keep in mind when buying a lapidary saw is the size of the device. As you might have noticed from our list, the weights and sizes of lapidary saws vary greatly, and it’s very important to understand which one will be suitable for you.

In general, the larger the stone size that you’re looking to work with, the larger the size of the lapidary saw you’ll need. The size of the saw also depends on your work area, and whether you’ll be using the saw on a tabletop or a sawhorse.

Tool Weight

The weight of the device must also play a role in your selection. If you don’t need to move the saw often and are going to use it in a fixed place, then a heavyweight saw would do. However, for those looking for extra portability, we suggest going for a lightweight model.

Blade Dimensions

Next, you need to consider the dimensions of the saw blade. For cutting small gemstones and fine lapidary work, you’ll need a thin blade that can make intricate cuts. Tile cutting and shaping can be done with thicker blades, however.

Quality of Construction

This, of course, goes without saying. When you’re buying a lapidary saw, make sure you choose one constructed from durable material, such as stainless steel. Also, it’s best if you go for powder-coated bodies, as this will help prevent rust and corrosion.

Motor Speeds

When it comes to lapidary saw motor speeds, faster isn’t always better. In fact, at slower speeds, you’ll have greater control and more torque while cutting. This will allow you to handle denser materials easily. It’s best that you choose one with a variable motor speed that can be adjusted according to your requirements.

What is a Lapidary Saw?

A lapidary saw is an essential tool used to cut, shape, and polish hard materials like stones and gems, a mandatory tool in jewel crafting. It has a motor-driven metal blade mounted in a frame.

Lapidary saws come in a range of sizes from tabletop models to large commercial lapidary saws but the most popular type is the diamond blade saw which has, as the name suggests, diamond-coated blades for improved performance. These saws are used to cut cabochons, faceted stones, and gemstone beads.

Can I use a regular circular saw as a lapidary saw?

While it is theoretically possible to use a standard circular saw, it is not recommended, as it may not produce the desired precision and could harm the material. Lapidary saws are specifically designed for cutting gems and rocks.

Can I use a lapidary saw to cut glass or other materials?

Yes, lapidary saws can cut glass and other hard materials, like ceramics or porcelain. Use a suitable blade type to ensure a clean cut and to avoid breaking the material.

What accessories do I need for my lapidary saw?

Accessories may include additional blades, a blade dressing stick, safety equipment, and maintenance tools. The exact accessories you need depend on your project requirements.

What safety precautions should I take when using a lapidary saw?

Wear proper eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask while operating the saw. Keep fingers away from the blade, and ensure your workspace is well-ventilated during use. Also, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe operation.

What is the recommended cutting fluid for lapidary saws?

There are various cutting fluids available, but water-soluble oils, such as mineral oil, are commonly used for lapidary saws. They provide adequate lubrication and cooling, reducing wear on the blade and stone.

How often should I change the cutting fluid in my lapidary saw?

Change the cutting fluid when it becomes dirty, contaminated, or less effective at cooling and lubricating. The frequency depends on your usage and the types of materials you cut.

How do I maintain my lapidary saw?

Regularly clean your saw, lubricate moving parts, replace worn-out blades, and always use the appropriate fluid for cooling and lubrication. Store your lapidary saw in a dry, safe place when not in use.

Now you know all about the five best lapidary saws, and we’re sure you’re all set to go out and get the one that’s best. Before we leave, however, we’ll take time out to share our recommendations with you.

The overall best option is the Hi-Tech Diamond 6-inch Lapidary Trim Saw, which is a very versatile model. In case you’re looking for a bigger option, you can go with the 10-inch variant from the same manufacturer. And if you’re looking for something extremely affordable, nothing beats the SKIL 3540-02 7-Inch Wet Tile Saw.

And with that, we’ll take your leave. Till next time!