For some, the idea of housing a band saw to cut coral frags seems a bit excessive. Having a dedicated saw to precisely trim frags and customize coral size/shape may seem extravagant, but recent advancements in reefing machinery have transformed the way countless reefers tend to their growing colonies.
Before we slice away at the Inland DB 100 Diamond Blade Band Saw, why should you even consider adopting such a powerful tool? Although the idea of operating such an invasive piece of machinery may not align with the tranquil vibe of reefing, once you experience its efficiency and precision you’ll never look at cutting frags the same again.
Author:
As a lifelong aquarist, Yuliya has an endless curiosity about our underwater universe. After graduating with a bachelor’s in Environmental Engineering, she transformed her passion into a successful career. While working at the Institute of Environmental Protection in Moscow, her passion for saltwater and reef aquariums only increased. Moving to the United States in 2013, Yuliya embarked on another impactful journey by sharing her unprecedented experience for all aquarium hobbyists ... Read More.
It’s easy to assume all band saws are essentially the same. While the end result may be similar, the design durability and safety features among coral-specific saws are just as varied as the species itself.
As an engineer, I naturally gravitate toward equipment where machinery is refined to solve hyper-niche situations. Over the past several years, the reefing marketplace has adopted a variety of tools and technologies geared toward simplifying and automating various tasks.
The majority of these “revolutionary” devices tend to life-giving elements (nutrient export, dosing, lighting, flow rates, etc.), and while these advancements are literally changing the way reefers create their underwater universe, they aren’t the only noteworthy hacks.
This raises the question, is a band saw worth your time and money? Let’s see…
Cutting Past Expectations - Inside Inland Craft.
Think buying a cheap band saw is a good idea? If so, answer this: how attached are you to your fingers?
Okay, that’s a bit extreme.
In all seriousness, quality and precision are paramount whenever dealing with robust machinery, like band saws. In the reefing marketplace, there’s many devices that perform just as well regardless of whether you spend $500 or $50. This, my dearest reefer, isn’t one of them.
I’ve spent a lot of time researching and working with an assortment of fragging band saws. In doing so, I’ve been impressed and horrified. So, where does Inland Craft rest along this spectrum? I’ll let their company history answer this for you.
For over 30 years, Inland Craft has held the moniker of being one of the top manufacturers of diamond grinders, band saws and similar machinery for hobbyists, artists and creative professionals. Unlike other companies, who’ve branched out into this specific niche, Inland Craft was founded to support the unique needs of nontraditional projects (like cutting frags).
Now, I’m not going to pretend that this brand is the epitome of fragging-specific saws. They aren’t perfect. Actually, what company or product is? What is perfect, however, is their dedication to improving. It’s rare to find a brand that’s just as committed to the industry as they are to making a sale.
Just because the DB 100 isn’t the “absolute best” band saw in the world doesn’t mean it’s worthless. These statements aren’t intended to thwart your decision, but rather to give accurate expectations.
Here’s what you can expect from Inland Craft:
- Quality Craftsmanship - All products are manufactured in the United States.
- Coral-Specific Designs - As a hobbyist-centric brand, their products take the unique needs of reef keeping into consideration.
- Effective Support - From a solid customer service system to a myriad of videos on their YouTube Channel, you’ll never be left out in the dark. Check out their How-To Guides to see what I mean.
Okay, now that we’ve talked about the brand, let’s slice open the features, benefits and drawbacks of the DB-100 Diamond Blade Band Saw.
Diamonds are a reefer’s best friend? DB-100 Diamond Blade.
Are you afraid of cutting yourself? Does the notion of operating any type of table saw turn your stomach?
You aren’t alone.
Many reefers I’ve talked with over the years understand the benefits of a band saw, but are less than thrilled to actually operate such a dangerous machine. If you fall into this category, then get ready to change your perception.
Instead of a sharp blade, the DB-100 combines the brilliance of diamonds with the precision of steel. Yes, you read that right: diamonds.
Is a diamond blade actually beneficial or is it just another advertising gimmick?
As much as I adore calling out asinine gimmicks, this is one of the few opportunities where I’m even more pleased to say, no, this isn’t a sham. The DB-100 Band Saw effortlessly slices through frags, rocks and coral skeletons with a 37.7-inch diamond blade.
It’d be easy to assume Inland Craft chose this blade solely for the marketing possibilities, but the reason couldn’t be further from the truth.
Here’s a brief rundown of why diamond blades are perfect for cutting frags:
- Diamond crystals are bonded to a stainless steel blade for stability, precision and durability.
- Designed to be used as a “wet saw,” which makes it ideal for cutting frags, glass and hard minerals.
- Slices through frags by grinding away at the material instead of cutting like a standard blade. I love this feature as it nearly eliminates the risk of injury. The diamond crystals aren’t sharp enough to cut your skin. Even briefly touching the blade during operation won’t suddenly leave you with one less finger.
- The grinding action results in extreme precision and non-fractured cuts, which makes it perfect for corals.
Diamond Blade Hacks for Better Results.
Thankfully, mastering the art of diamond blade cutting is relatively straightforward. As long as you adhere to the following hacks, every cut will be just as you want.
- Don’t Force It - One of the biggest mistakes made by novice users is pushing too hard while cutting a frag (or anything else, for that matter). Diamond tools won’t cut faster by pushing material harder into the blade, that’s not how they work. The blade abrades material at a uniform rate, regardless of pressure. Keep doing this and your blade will wear much faster.
- Monitor the Water Drip Hole - Keep an eye on the water drip guide hole. If you’ve been placing too much pressure on the blade, this hole will close. Should the opening become blocked, use a safety pin or needle to reopen.
- Close the Polyps - When cutting an established coral, such as a Zoanthid, gently tap its surface to ensure all polyps are safely closed up. Regardless of coral type, return corals back into water as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of shock. We will cover how to frag corals in more details soon.
The Shape of Precision - Inland DB-100 Design Highlights.
Unless you’re an avid saw aficionado, you’re probably not well-versed in band saw designs. Moreover, knowing what to look for in a quality design may feel as foreign as knowing how to calculate spacetime.
I’ll be the first to admit this isn’t the most seductive product. Honestly, how many ways can you slice up the basic specifications of a band saw? Since I’m not in the business of boring you, dear reader, let’s jump right in and highlight what you need to know about the Inland DB-100:
Motor Specs - Redefining Power and Accuracy.
The DB-100 comes with a surprisingly robust DC magnet motor. With a maximum speed of 3,400 rpm’s and a built-in speed control system, this motor is strong enough for a variety of projects, while smart enough to pull back the power when necessary.
Spring Tension System for Safety and Stability.
Stability is one of the most important qualities you must look for in a band saw. Even though the diamond blade uses grit instead of teeth, an unevenly balanced machine is an accident waiting to happen. I was quite impressed with the stability, and subsequent wheel alignment, offered by the 5-part spring-loaded tension system.
Because the tension system is molded directly into the frame of this machine, it offers:
- Wheel alignment for accuracy and safe operation (the wheel is what turns the blade).
- Consistent tracking, which means even after hours of cutting, its direction won’t waver.
- Prolonged blade life by reducing vibrations (also reduces some of the noise, but it’s still relatively loud).
Integrated Coolant System and Water Drip System.
If you weren’t aware, diamond blades require water to efficiently cut through material without overheating. What I appreciate about the Inland DB-100 band saw is its integrated coolant system, which safeguard the diamond crystals from getting too hot due to its extreme friction.
For the most part, the entire coolant system is pretty good. The water reservoir is located in the rear of machine. Water flow rates are controlled via a valve and water is drained out of the bottom. While this is fairly common practice, I feel the placement of the drains aren’t ideal.
Since the motor is directly under the draining tray, there’s an increased risk of water exposure. While this isn’t the biggest drawback, it’s worth bearing in mind during operation. This leads into another design flaw: its frame isn’t 100% waterproof. Never submerge the machine or spray it down with a high-pressure hose.
Before closing out, be sure to only use sterile/purified water. Even though frags are exposed to the cooling water for a brief moment, you run the risk of contaminates if you use tap water. I personally recommend using RO/DI water, if possible. Most important, however, is to NEVER use saltwater as this corrodes the machine.
The Tailor of Coral Frags - Inland DB-100 Final Thoughts.
Overall, the Inland Craft DB-100 Diamond Blade Band Saw is a solid option for reef keepers. Although it’s relatively messy to use and not being the easiest to clean, the positives absolutely outweigh the negatives. If you have a larger budget, then you should keep your options open. However, for the price, this is one of my top recommendations for both novice and professional reefers.
What’s your experience with band saws? Are you just now considering this machine or are you looking to replace your old saw? Head on over to our Facebook page and let us know your thoughts! As always,
Happy Reefing!
by Yuliya Ivanova for ReefHacks.