Diamond Blade Safety

Trow & Holden does not manufacture diamond blades, but in the spirit of promoting a safe stoneworking environment, we have assembled this list of Do’s & Don’ts from the Diamond Wheel Manufacturer’s Institute.

Diamond Blade Cutting Do’s

1. Always refer to manufacturer’s operating manual for proper blade specifications and setup, as well as blade and machine maintenance.
2. Inspect the blade often for damage or fatigue.
3. Check mounting flanges for equal diameter, excess wear or flatness.
4. Mount the blade correctly and securely.
5. Check the saw for proper operating conditions such as:
   • All fluids are at proper level.
   • Spindle bearing should be free of end and radial play.
   • V-belts should be properly tensioned and pulleys checked for excessive wear.
   • Lead-off adjustment is set correctly, to allow the blades to travel straight.
   • Blade guard is in place and properly secured.
6. Wear proper safety attire when operating saws and grinders, including: safety glasses and helmet, proper safety shoes and gloves, and hearing protection.
7. Maintain a firm grip on hand-held saws during cutting operation.
8. For wet cutting, ensure continuous water flow to each side of the blade. An adequate coolant supply is required for wet cutting blades to maintain blade life and cutting efficiency.

Diamond Blade Cutting Don’ts

1. Never operate a saw, wet or dry, without proper safety guards in place!
2. Don’t use a diamond blade without checking manufacturer’s recommendations for the material to be cut.
3. Don’t dry cut unless a blade is specifically designated to do so by the manufacturer.
4. Don’t use a new or used diamond blade with a core that is not flat or is cracked.
5. Don’t force blade onto machine blade shaft, alter the size of the mounting hole, or tighten mounting nut excessively.
6. Don’t use mounting flanges on which the bearing surfaces are not clean and flat.
7. Don’t mount blade on a machine that does not meet the minimum requirements set forth in the manufacturer’s manual.
8. Don’t exceed the maximum operating speed established for the blade.
9. Don’t stand in direct line with diamond or abrasive blades during start-up or operation.
10. Don’t cut or grind with the sides of a blade.
11. Don’t force a cut, allow the blade to deflect, or attempt to cut curves.
12. When dry cutting, don’t make long, continuous cuts. Allow the blade to cool by turning in air every 10 to 15 seconds.