What To Do Before You Operate A Masonry Saw
Correctly and safely operating a masonry saw requires a great deal of effort on the front end. In fact, before you even turn the saw on, you must complete several steps to ensure a precise finish, as well as to reduce the risk of any safety hazards. Learn what you can do to ensure you're ready to use your masonry saw.
Clear the Work Area
Before you operate the saw, your first task should be to clear the work area. Clutter around the work area can present serious safety hazards. For instance, a small piece of material left behind from a previous job can make contact with the blade. Depending on the angle at which the piece of masonry hits the blade, it could damage the blade or bounce off and ricochet towards you or another person in the area.
Inspect the Conveyor Cart
Ensure the saw is powered off, and then open the conveyor cart. Just as the work area should remain clean, so should the conveyor cart. During operation, it's common for sand and debris to collect inside the cart. However, this debris can affect the stability of the object you're cutting since too much debris in the cart makes it easier for the piece of masonry to move. As a result, the cut won't be as precise. As a general practice, make it a point to clean the cart after each use.
Adjust the Backstop
Skill is important, to cut precisely, but stability is even more important. You want to ensure the backstop is adjusted correctly to ensure that your object remains stable during the cutting process. As a part of the process, ensure the object you plan to cut is rested firmly against the conveyor cart's backstop so that it stays in place. Keep in mind, if the piece of masonry you plan to cut is small, you might need to adjust the backdrop.
Inspect Blade Collars
Always look at the blade collar before you begin to cut. When the blade collars begin to wear, they will not cut as precisely. Not only can you expect it to take longer for you to complete your projects, but you might also damage the masonry. Either way, you will end up spending more time on the job and possibly incurring extra costs from wasted materials.
If you have any concerns about using masonry saws, it's always best to speak up and ask any questions. You want to ensure that you are using the saw correctly for the best results, and to keep safety in mind.