Diamond Blade safety tips - Do's and Don'ts

DRY CUTTING DO'S
1. Do follow the manufacturers recommended blade specifications for material being cut and suitability for dry cutting applications
2. Do inspect the diamond blade for damage that may have occurred during shipment or due to previous use.
3. Do inspect the diamond blade periodically during use for core flatness, fatigue cracks, segment damage, undercutting and damage to the arbor hole.
4. Do check mounting flanges for equal and correct diameter, excess wear or flatness. Mounting flanges must have adequate relief around the arbor.
5. Do be sure that the diamond saw blade is mounted on a correct diameter blade shaft between proper blades flanges and is securely hand-tightened with the wrench provided or an adjustable wrench no longer than 8'.
6. Do check for proper saw machine conditions. Spindle bearings should be free of end and radial play. Consult the operating manual from the saw manufacturer for proper machine maintenance conditions.
7. Do follow the manufacturer's recommendation for operating speeds for specific blade diameters.
8. Do maintain a firm grip on hand-held saws during cutting operation.
9. Do wear proper safety equipment at all times. Always wear safety glasses, footwear, snug fitting clothing, hearing and head protection and respiratory equipment where required.

DRY CUTTING DON'TS
1. Don't dry cut except with a blade specifically designed for dry cutting by the manufacturer.
2. Don't force blade onto machine blade shaft, alter the size of the mounting hole, or tighten mounting nut excessively. Use of bushing to reduce arbor hole size is not recommended for diamond blades used on high-speed saws.
3. Don't exceed the maximum operating speed established for the blade.
4. Don't operate a saw without proper safety guards in place. NEVER OPERATE ANY SAW, WET OR DRY, WITHOUT A BLADE GUARD!
5. Don't stand in direct line with dry diamond or abrasive blades during start-up or operation.
6. Don't cut or grind with the sides of a diamond blade.
7. Don't force the blade into the material; allow the blade to cut at its own speed. Forcing the blade may cause over heating or blade damage.
8. Don't make long continuous cuts with a dry blade. Allow the blade to cool by turning in air every 10 to 15 seconds. The harder the material being cut the longer the cooling periods should be.
9. Don't use the blade to cut material other than that specified by the manufacturer.
10. Don't use the blade on a type of saw other than that specified by the manufacturer.
11. Don't allow the blade to deflect in the cut.
12. Don't attempt to cut curves or a radius.

WET CUTTING DO'S
1. Do follow the manufacturers recommended blade specifications for material being cut
2. Do inspect the diamond blade for damage that may have occurred during shipment or due to previous use.
3. Do check mounting flanges for equal diameter, excess wear or flatness. Mounting flanges must have adequate relief around the arbor.
4. Do be sure that the diamond saw blade is mounted on a correct diameter blade shaft between proper blades flanges and is securely hand-tightened with a wrench.
5. Do check the saw for proper operating conditions:
   A. All fluids are at proper level.
   B. Blade shaft bearing should be free of end and radial Play.
   C. V-belts should be properly tensioned and pulleys checked for excessive wear.
   D. Lead off adjustment is set correctly, to allow the blades to travel straight.
   E. Do operate with blade guard in place and properly secured.
6. Do be sure there is a continuous water flow to each side of the blade. Gravity feed does not supply a sufficient water flow. The water pumps on concrete saws are 'booster' pumps only and are not adequate as a primary pressure source. An adequate coolant supply is required for wet cutting blades to maintain blade life and cutting efficiency.
7. DO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOM-MENDED PULLEY SIZES AND OPERATING SPEEDS. FOR SPECIFIC BLADE DIAMETERS, REFER TO MANUFACTURER'S OPERATING MANUAL.
8. Do operate saw with proper safety attire, i.e. safety glasses, safety helmet, safety shoes, hearing protection.
9. Do examine blade periodically for cracks in the steel center or segments, or excessive wear under the segments.

WET CUTTING DON'TS
1. Don't use a diamond blade without checking manufacturer's recommendations for the material to be cut. Improper selection can cause excessive blade wear and possible damage to the diamond saw blade and/or machine and create and unsafe operating condition.
2. Don't use a new diamond blade or remount a used blade which has a core that is not flat or is cracked, which shows segment damage or loss, or which has a damaged arbor hole.
3. Don't use mounting flanges on which the bearing surfaces are not clean and flat.
4. Don't force blade onto machine blade shaft or mount blade on undersized blade shaft. Either condition can result in unsafe operating conditions and excessive blade wear.
5. Don't mount blade on machine that does not meet the mini-mum requirements set forth in the manufacturer's machine