robbiejohn
starting to shine!
Member since July 2010
Posts: 36
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Post by robbiejohn on Oct 4, 2010 1:55:55 GMT -5
Hi all, I have a 7" wet tile saw which I'm using to slice and trim a lot of badly polished larger stones. The plan is to polish the forms in a vibe. Some may be cabbed on a flat lap. The stones I'm cutting are mainly smooth on the surface and about 2" x 4" x 2". I'm amazed at how easy it is to cut and trim them into suitable cabbing and polishing shapes. I cut two lot-o barrel's worth today. My concern is about "finger safety". It seems a little risky to feed all these stones by hand to cut them. My fingers were coming within a 1/4 inch of the blade. Is there some kind of pusher or gripper available to get fingers back from the blade? I saw one comment elsewhere that said diamond tile blades won't cut hands---they'll just give interesting manicures. I'd like that same reassurance from folks in this forum before believing that. I'd be most grateful for any advice available from members with more experience. Cheers to you all! Robbiejohn
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Oct 4, 2010 5:39:33 GMT -5
Sticking your hands into rotating power equipment is just an unnatural thing to do It's true that a diamond blade won't eat your fingers like a wood saw blade, you can get an abrasion or nick from it if you try hard enough, should the rock crack while your cutting it and you loose your grip. Nothing to alert the hospital about tho. Eye protection is more important. Segmented blades can take nip out of you, but you really shouldn't be using those for small cuts anyway. If you want to take the time, you can dop up the rock on pieces of wood to hold it with. Just be cautious and always aware of your surroundings and watch for flying rocks/ Dr Joe .
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Post by rockmanken on Oct 4, 2010 6:36:44 GMT -5
Diamond blades just burn flesh. It WILL cut the fingernail instantly. I wouldn't worry if you stay 1/16" from the blade. I am constantly touching the blade with my flesh part of my fingers because I need to steady the blade because it is so thin. I have an extremely thin 10" trim blade and it will deflect very easily if I don't steady it with my finger on it. No pressure, just enough pressure to keep it from wobblling. Like Dr. Joe said, eye protection and a mask are more important. P.S. fingernails do grow back. Hee hee Ken
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Post by 150FromFundy on Oct 4, 2010 9:14:27 GMT -5
This is probably the only saw that you will ever use that you can't cut yourself on. My fingers are brushing against the blade on may cuts. If I leave my finger in one place too long, I may get a friction burn and I have ground a few fingernails a little short, but never required a band aid.
The danger of a tile saw is that it will teach you sloppy saw safety. Sloppy saw safety can be an issue on any saw other than a tile saw. A few members have cut themselves using real saws after learning bad habits on their tile saw.
Darryl.
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Post by johnjsgems on Oct 4, 2010 9:33:19 GMT -5
Rock and tile "blades" are really thin grinders. Be careful of thin plated blades with diamonds applied to surface.
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robbiejohn
starting to shine!
Member since July 2010
Posts: 36
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Post by robbiejohn on Oct 4, 2010 23:38:24 GMT -5
Huge thanks for all the replies. I'm greatly relieved, but will remain cautious and vigilant. I've seen a few examples of skill saw carnage. Glad to know that tile saws aren't quite in the same league. I'm just home from buying ear, eye and lung protection. Tonight's dreams should be a little calmer. Thanks to all again. Cheers! Robbiejohn.
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Oct 5, 2010 7:39:27 GMT -5
Sweet Dreams of shiny rocks!
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