Diamond blades are often used to cut through some of the toughest materials we have, including concrete, stone, and metal. The edge of these blades is coated with a mixture of powdered metal and crushed synthetic diamonds. The reason for this is that diamonds are capable of easily cutting through these hard materials. But the ability to cut through substances as hard as concrete comes with an increased risk of injury for the user. It is therefore important to understand the risks associated with diamond blades and to take the necessary steps to minimize them.

How to Be Safe When Using Diamond Blades

Any high powered cutting tool that uses blades carries a risk of injury if not used correctly. However, because of the cutting ability of diamond metal blades, the user needs to be even more careful. The experts at Devour Tools explain that it is especially important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when using any type of blade, and to only use blades designed for the tool that you are using.

Make sure that you use the correct size of blade and be sure to fit it properly in the machine. If you choose a blade that is too big, it will not fit or else will rub up against the guard. Do not be tempted to use the saw without the guard as this can further increase the risk of injury. You should also be sure to securely fit the blade to the saw and fully tighten the fixings.

When using a new blade for the first time, it is recommended that you open the diamonds by first using it to make shallow cuts on a soft yet coarse material such as limestone. Doing this will stop the blade from skipping when you are cutting another material.

Never force a diamond blade into any material. Diamond blades are strong enough to cut through the harshest materials. Provided you have the right blade for the specific material being cut, it should do the job with minimum pressure. If you force the blade, it could damage it or even cause it and the machine to overheat.

Most diamond blades are designed to be used with wet cutting. Dry cutting causes wear and tear of the blade and produces excessive dust, which can be a hazard, especially if inhaled. Cutting with water reduces the amount of dust and debris in the air and prevents the blade from overheating.

The Importance of Safety When Using Diamond Blades

Safe operation of a diamond blade helps to prevent accidents. Failure to follow manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the safe use of a diamond blade could result in serious injury such as cuts. Remember, diamond blades can easily cut through metal and concrete so human flesh and bones would be just as easily cut. Unsafe use of diamond blades can lead to amputations.

A kickback is caused when a diamond blade gets stuck in the material being cut while the machine is still operating. This is more likely to happen if the user puts excessive force on the machine. It could result in the operator losing control of the saw and result in a serious accident.

Conclusion

Safety is always important when using power tools, but those fitted with diamond blades can be dangerous if not used correctly. It is therefore important to make sure that precautions are taken when using these blades. They should be fitted correctly to the machine and used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Never use a diamond blade without a guard in place to prevent injury.