Looking back on my first real rock saw choice

About five years ago, I had to pick between a cheap tile saw from a hardware store or saving up for a proper lapidary saw. I went with the tile saw because it was only $120 and I was just starting out. It worked okay for soft stuff like shale, but the first time I tried a piece of agate from a trip to Oregon, the blade chipped and ruined the slab. I ended up buying the better saw a year later anyway, and it's still running strong. Anyone else have a story about a tool they cheaped out on and regretted?