Do's and Don'ts of Chop Saw Wheels

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Type 1 chop saw wheels, when used correctly, are a safe and effective cutting tool. Accidents with this product have been related to misuse and abuse. One important way of avoiding wheel breakage and injury is to follow these Do’s and Don’ts for chop-saw wheels.

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Do's
  • Do check all wheels for cracks or damage before use.
  • Do check machine speed against established safe operating speed marked on the wheel.
  • Do mount chop-saw wheels only on chop-saw machines.
  • Do use proper mounting equipment with chop-saw wheels. Flanges must be of equal size, relieved, at least one-fourth the wheel’s diameter. Flanges must be in good condition (not warped or damaged in any manner).
  • Do use all wheels at the proper grinding angle (90 degrees to the work-piece).
  • Do clamp all work-pieces. Allowing work-piece movement could cause the wheel to “bind in the cut” and break.
  • Do avoid twisting, cocking, pinching, cramping or exerting any pressure on the side of the wheel.
  • Do feed the wheel into the work-piece at an even speed. Attempting to cut too fast will cause excessive strain on the wheel and may result in breakage.
  • Do cut only materials designed for the chop-saw wheel.
  • Do keep hands and other body parts clear of the cutting wheel and spark stream.
  • Do always use properly adjusted wheel guard furnished with machine.
  • Do run wheel in protected area for one minute before grinding.
  • Do maintain your tools as if your life depends on it.
  • Do always handle and store grinding wheels in a careful manner.
  • Do wear proper personal protection such as eye and face protection, apron, gloves, safety shoes, etc.
  • Do shield bystanders and any flammable materials from the spark stream.
  • Do follow any symbols and warnings located on the wheel.
  • Do review all applicable MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) before using this product.
  • Do comply with ANSI B7.1, OSHA and all safety materials provided with the wheels and the tools.
  • Do visit the abrasive manufacturer’s website for additional safety information.
  • Do contact your abrasive manufacturer if you have any safety questions.
Don'ts
  • Don’t use chop-saw wheels on gas saws, angle grinders or any machine that is not an abrasive chop-saw machine.
  • Don’t mount chop-saw wheels on machines with worn, damaged or non-approved mounting equipment.
  • Don’t alter a chop-saw wheel. If it does not fit on the tool, then get the correct tool or wheel.
  • Don’t use wheels that have been dropped or otherwise damaged.
  • Don’t use excessive downward pressure while cutting.
  • Don’t exceed the speed marked on the grinding wheel.
  • Don’t use on any machine NOT equipped with the proper wheel guard (chop-saw machines only).
  • Don’t remove the tool’s guard or clamping device.
  • Don’t twist, cock, pinch, cramp or exert any pressure on the side of the wheel.
  • Don’t cut wood or other non-approved materials with an abrasive chop-saw wheel.
  • Don’t create a fire hazard, shield any nearby flammable materials to prevent ignition from the spark stream (shower) or from latent sparks.
  • Don’t jam the wheel into the work.
  • Don’t allow the wheel to “load up” with the material you are cutting.
  • Don’t grind on the side of a chop-saw wheel.
  • Don’t pinch, bind or twist the chop-saw wheel.
  • Don’t use this wheel if you have not reviewed all of the safety materials and have not been properly trained in the use of the tool and wheel.

 

For additional information on this topic or if you need any other abrasive safety information, please review ANSI, OSHA and all literature provided by the coated abrasive and machine manufacturer. You may contact the Saint-Gobain Product Safety Department at (508) 795-2317, Fax (508) 795-5120 or contact your Saint-Gobain Abrasives representative with any safety related questions.

 

The Product Safety Department 

Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc.