Diamond wire saw

I needed the capability to cut small opal and my Inland saw was pretty useless due to the huge diamond blade. So I stripped a few parts from it, bought a piece of clear plexi-glass and built a new frame, Ordered a .35mm diamond loop blade for $52 shipping included. I figured since I couldn't afford $5000.00 for a new saw from MTI, I bought their replacement blade and made my own. I've got one part to build for the upper pulley and it controls the tracking, I cut grooves in the wheels to hold the blade in position and replaced the Inland springs with a lighter set. It's coming along nicely.

Making Jumprings

Using a needle file handle, wrap the wire around and keep the wraps snug.

Then I slide them off and take my cutters and cut a straight line down the coil, I usually cut 4-5 at a time.

I lightly harden them with a small hobby hammer and they are ready to use.