Diamond Blades for Hand-Held Saws

Segments can be loosened if the material and/or the saw are not held firmly and the blade is allowed to twist or jam in the cut. Always secure the material and hold the saw firmly.

Failure to properly align the saw will cause the operator to “overcorrect” the cutting line. This overcorrection can cause the saw blade to twist or jam,which in turn can cause the segments to loosen. Always properly align the saw to permit square cutting, avoid twisting the blade in the cut.

Segment loss has been traced to overheating due to inadequate supply of coolant (water or air). In addition to segment loss, overheating of blades may cause core cracks and is usually accompanied by discolorations, which appear on the core in the area of segment loss. When wet cutting, provide adequate water flow to both sides of the blade. Look for line blockages. On concrete saws, temporary loss of water can result from equipment running over water feed hoses. When dry cutting, periodically allow blades to run out of the cut. The blade will cool in a few seconds so that sawing may continue.

Another cause is related to cores worn thin as a result of undercutting by abrasive fines generated during cutting. (Core wears to a “knife” edge, which weakens the core and causes a segment to be separated.) If fines created during the cutting operation are highly abrasive, wear-resistant cores should be used to retard undercutting. Blades must be inspected periodically during use. When wet cutting use sufficient water to flush fines out of cut.

The use of defective, undersized or mismatched flanges may cause the blade to “flutter” in the cut or fail to adequately support the blade in prefect alignment. Use the machine manufacturer’s recommended diameter and type of flanges. Always clean foreign material from flange surfaces and replace any flanges that are bent or deformed.

A blade that is too hard for the material being cut can become dull. This excessive dullness can cause a blade to lose its segments due to impact or fatigue. Also, frictional heat can cause the melting of brazing solder. To prevent excessive blade dullness, use the proper blade specification for the material being cut.

Segment loss can be caused by a blade that is out of round causing a pounding impact. These abnormal forces can be corrected by replacing worn saw parts such as spindle bearings, spindle, etc.

Exceeding the blade’s maximum operating speed produces high pressure on the segments. This additional pressure can cause the failure of the brazed joint, core, or segment. Before mounting the blade onto the saw, check the maximum RPM marked on the blade and make sure the spindle RPM is at or below the blade’s RPM. Also, the spindle speed should be checked with a tachometer to ensure that the blades RPM is never exceeded.

When mounting a blade, check for directional arrow and use blade as indicated. If the diamond steel blade has a directional arrow on it,always operate in the direction of the arrow.

Do follow manufacturer’s recommendation concerning specification for material to be cut and suitability for dry cutting applications.

Do inspect the diamond saw blade for damage during shipment or previous use.

Do inspect diamond saw blade for core flatness, fatigue cracks, segment damage, undercutting and arbor hole damage.

Do check mounting flanges to ensure that they are of equal and correct diameter, that they do not exhibit excessive wear, and that they are relieved and not distorted (flat).

Do ensure that the diamond blade is mounted on a correct diameter shaft between proper blade flanges and is securely hand tightened.

Do check for proper saw machine condition. Spindle bearings should be free of end and radial play. Consult the operating manual from the saw manufacturer for proper machine maintenance conditions.

Do follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for operating speeds for specific blade diameters.

Do maintain a firm grip on hand held saws during cutting operations.

Do wear proper safety equipment. Always wear safety glasses, safety footwear, snug-fitting clothing, hearing, head and respiratory equipment where required.

Do ensure that all safety guards on the blades and belts are in place before operating the saw.

Do allow the blade to cool, when dry cutting, by frequently removing it from the cut.

Don’t cut dry except with a blade specifically designed for dry cutting by the manufacturer.

Don’t force blade onto machine shaft, alter the size of the mounting hole, or tighten mounting nut excessively. Use of bushings to reduce the arbor hole size is not recommended for diamond blades used on high-speed saws.

Don’t exceed the maximum operating speed established for the diamond blade.

Don’t operate a saw without proper safety guards in place. Never operate any saw, wet or dry, without a blade guard.

Don’t cut or grind with the sides of a diamond blade.

Don’t force the blades into material; allow the blade to cut at its own speed.

Forcing the blade may cause overheating and blade damage.

Don’t make long continuous cuts with a dry diamond blade. Allow blade to cool by turning in air every few minutes. The harder the material being cut, the more often the blade should be allowed to cool.

Don’t use the blade to cut material other than that recommended by the manufacturer for that specific blade type.

Don’t use the blade on a type of saw other than that specified by the manufacturer.

Don’t use blades dry on concrete saws over 11hp.