Gemini Revolution XT Ring Saw Only

This review is for an XT we bought 4 years ago. Just purchased a new one. The XT is one of a very few saws that allows for curved cuts in stone & tile, which it does fairly well once you figure out how to recut from a different angle on large format tiles. It's achilles heel, however, is the short life span of the bearings. We have devised a double-bucket slurry system to help with that, but the bearings still need to be replaced fairly often, and they are pricey! However, this newer version of the saw has felt backers & plastic caps to protect the bearings, so maybe they will last longer now? Most recommend as a project saw, definitely challenging as a production saw.

Why settle for straight lines? I have cut an 18' long vine through a bathroom shower, cut trim around curved edges of fixtures, and this winter plan to cut large elliptical curve patterns in a stone floor. The vine was for fun, the trim is because I can, and the curves in the floors will mask the totally unsquare footprint of my 200 year old farm house. If I didn't have the Gemini I wouldn't even consider it. Besides, it's fun to see the reactions :).

Hi Very pleased with purchase and the people with whom I contacted. They are very customer friendly and able to listen and help. I really thank you again!! :) Greetings from the green Slovenia Matjaz

This saw was recommended to me and I own the Taurus 3 by the same maker so I was very disappointed when I received the saw and realized that the water system was so poorly designed. The 39+ pound saw must be completely removed (including the working area) to clean the water supply. This alone was a deal breaker for me but, also, the water container is opaque and completely enclosed with an opening just big enough for the blade. This makes it very difficult to see the sludge in order to clean it. Not the fault of contractorsdirect.com, they were very helpful in assisting the return. In addition to the reviews on this site, I read several reviews at other sites and none mentioned this problem. I am a smallish women so this is a particular problem for me, but 39 lbs. seems a lot of weight for anyone to have to lift every time the saw is used. Can't figure why no one else mentioned it.

If you know your way around small tools and have the time to do the frequent maintenance you might like this saw but you will also need lots of spare cash for belts and blades. We found it cut glass very well but it simply did not go long between maintenance problems. And it weighs a ton when you have to lift it off the bed to get at the gears and grommets and belt. Blades are pretty fragile so always have a spare.

I owned the previous Revolution saw. It was great. The new version breaks belts frequently. The bearing wheels also break. All very pricey. Forget the little covers they fall off.