kokosnood
starting to shine!
Member since April 2020
Posts: 37
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Post by kokosnood on Oct 17, 2021 16:48:03 GMT -5
Hi, I received the SKIL tile saw as a gift for my 50th birthday. I used it today for the first time, and it works well. Thank you for the advice on both the saw and the blades. I watched this video: So I wore my dark glasses and earplugs. But is silicosis a real threat if I'm cutting one or two rocks? I'm using the saw going away from me and outdoors. Now I'm all paranoid. What about the wet rock dust on my shirt? Could that dry out and give me silicosis after I'm done cutting? What kind of breathing protection do you all use for cutting rocks on a wet tile saw outdoors??? Also, what do you think about this guys "brick trick" to prep the blade??? Thanks!!!!!
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hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 434
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Post by hypodactylus on Oct 17, 2021 18:52:36 GMT -5
I have never seen the point of wearing a face mask with a wet saw. I wear ear and eye protection, but the whole main (edit) purpose of cutting wet is to avoid airborne dust (thus negating the need for respiratory protection). I cut with water and clean up the mess with water. It is my understanding that OSHA's rules support my position. For dry cutting/drilling, you should absolutely use respiratory protection (and probably dust mitigation). Edit: I use a dressing stone when I want to 'prep' or 'sharpen' my blades (like this one: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B2YMEM/). I have heard of people using bricks, but I haven't tried it myself. Plus, red bricks will likely turn everything red... If I wanted to do that, I could just cut some hematite 😁.
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kokosnood
starting to shine!
Member since April 2020
Posts: 37
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Post by kokosnood on Oct 17, 2021 19:56:00 GMT -5
I use a dressing stone when I want to 'prep' or 'sharpen' my blades (like this one: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B2YMEM/). I have heard of people using bricks, but I haven't tried it myself. Plus, red bricks will likely turn everything red... If I wanted to do that, I could just cut some hematite 😁. How do you use that dressing stone?
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stuckinohio
starting to shine!
Member since September 2021
Posts: 31
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Post by stuckinohio on Oct 17, 2021 21:08:14 GMT -5
Wear a mask. Spend a little on some 3M disposables or spend a lot on a full face respirator, but for the love of rocks, wear a mask in addition to the plugs and goggles. Cutting wet is good, yes it does cut down on airborne particulates, but it does not eliminate all risk. I started cutting wet with the same saw in my basement and very foolishly went without a mask the first couple go-rounds. Within two weeks I had a hearty hacking cough that would keep me up at night. Upon further inspection I noticed my basement workshop had collected a fine coating of rock dust on every surface, despite my lazy efforts to wipe up afterwards. That same rock dust gets in your lungs and can mess you up fast. I’m a dummy, learn from my mistake, and don’t be like me. Like someone said on this forum in another dust-related thread, a doctor will tell you: lung cancer is a relatively fast death. Lung disease is a long, slow, suffering way to go.
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Benathema
has rocks in the head
God chased me down and made sure I knew He was real June 20, 2022. I've been on a Divine Mission.
Member since November 2019
Posts: 703
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Post by Benathema on Oct 17, 2021 21:11:45 GMT -5
I did the brick thing for a bit when I got the skil saw last year. I don't think it's worth it, and stopped doing it. That may depend on what blade you have in it though, I'm not an expert. Feed pressure seems to matter more.
Only issue so far is I had the front bearing of the motor seize on me. Any spin I was getting was from the outer race of the bearing spinning in the housing. I did a complete teardown and by a stroke of luck got the bearing spinning again. I couldn't get it off to replace it.
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hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 434
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Post by hypodactylus on Oct 17, 2021 21:18:43 GMT -5
I use a dressing stone when I want to 'prep' or 'sharpen' my blades (like this one: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B2YMEM/). I have heard of people using bricks, but I haven't tried it myself. Plus, red bricks will likely turn everything red... If I wanted to do that, I could just cut some hematite 😁. How do you use that dressing stone? When the blade feels like it is not cutting as well, make a couple of 1" or so cuts into the dressing stone. With a secure grip on the stone, make the cuts firmly and quickly; but not so firmly and quickly that you bog down the saw. Edit: I usually don't have to do this very often (if ever) when doing smaller cuts and trimming. I see/feel the most benefit when cutting through larger rocks.
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Post by stephan on Oct 17, 2021 23:05:01 GMT -5
If cutting wet, and doing it properly, you do not need a mask. It is one of the points of cutting wet. I know whereof I speak. I run the respiratory protection program at work. OSHA requires a mask when cutting/grinding concrete, unless the work is done wet. If you are cutting outdoors there is even less danger. If you are cutting “a rock or two,” even less.
Also, as I’ve mentioned before on this forum, just wearing a mask is not sufficient in cases where it is called for. It must be the right size, properly fitted, and there must be no hair in the sealing zone. And I mean none. A single hair will drop the protection significantly. A beard will render a mask completely useless.
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Post by stephan on Oct 17, 2021 23:11:09 GMT -5
Wear a mask. Spend a little on some 3M disposables or spend a lot on a full face respirator, but for the love of rocks, wear a mask in addition to the plugs and goggles. Cutting wet is good, yes it does cut down on airborne particulates, but it does not eliminate all risk. I started cutting wet with the same saw in my basement and very foolishly went without a mask the first couple go-rounds. Within two weeks I had a hearty hacking cough that would keep me up at night. Upon further inspection I noticed my basement workshop had collected a fine coating of rock dust on every surface, despite my lazy efforts to wipe up afterwards. That same rock dust gets in your lungs and can mess you up fast. I’m a dummy, learn from my mistake, and don’t be like me. Like someone said on this forum in another dust-related thread, a doctor will tell you: lung cancer is a relatively fast death. Lung disease is a long, slow, suffering way to go. If cutting wet properly, there is no dust. A full face mask is completely unnecessary, and most people wear masks in a way that render them useless. I hate to tell you, but if you were up coughing, either something else was wrong, or you were using the saw incorrectly. The fine coating of rock dust on every surface points toward improper use. Properly wetted swarf should not travel far. That (and cooling) is the point of cutting wet.
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Post by stephan on Oct 17, 2021 23:28:53 GMT -5
When the blade feels like it is not cutting as well, make a couple of 1" or so cuts into the dressing stone. With a secure grip on the stone, make the cuts firmly and quickly; but not so firmly and quickly that you bog down the saw. Edit: I usually don't have to do this very often (if ever) when doing smaller cuts and trimming. I see/feel the most benefit when cutting through larger rocks. It depends on what is being cut. Jade can glaze blades pretty quickly.
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afterburnt
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2021
Posts: 152
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Post by afterburnt on Oct 18, 2021 9:16:44 GMT -5
I wear a respirator and a vinyl apron, which gets covered in rock sludge. If it's getting on your shirt you better believe it's getting into your lungs. Why take the chance, 50 is miserable enough as is?
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afterburnt
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2021
Posts: 152
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Post by afterburnt on Oct 18, 2021 9:18:45 GMT -5
I have never seen the point of wearing a face mask with a wet saw. I wear ear and eye protection, but the whole purpose of cutting wet is to avoid airborne dust (thus negating the need for respiratory protection). I cut with water and clean up the mess with water. It is my understanding that OSHA's rules support my position. For dry cutting/drilling, you should absolutely use respiratory protection (and probably dust mitigation). Edit: I use a dressing stone when I want to 'prep' or 'sharpen' my blades (like this one: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B2YMEM/). I have heard of people using bricks, but I haven't tried it myself. Plus, red bricks will likely turn everything red... If I wanted to do that, I could just cut some hematite 😁. The purpose? How about cooling a lubricating?
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hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 434
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Post by hypodactylus on Oct 18, 2021 11:28:23 GMT -5
I have never seen the point of wearing a face mask with a wet saw. I wear ear and eye protection, but the whole purpose of cutting wet is to avoid airborne dust (thus negating the need for respiratory protection). I cut with water and clean up the mess with water. It is my understanding that OSHA's rules support my position. For dry cutting/drilling, you should absolutely use respiratory protection (and probably dust mitigation). Edit: I use a dressing stone when I want to 'prep' or 'sharpen' my blades (like this one: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B2YMEM/). I have heard of people using bricks, but I haven't tried it myself. Plus, red bricks will likely turn everything red... If I wanted to do that, I could just cut some hematite 😁. The purpose? How about cooling a lubricating? I'm not sure what you are referring to... (probably not the mask part 😉). Yes cooling and lubricating is also a benefit of cutting wet.
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hypodactylus
spending too much on rocks
Member since July 2021
Posts: 434
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Post by hypodactylus on Oct 18, 2021 11:37:24 GMT -5
I wear a respirator and a vinyl apron, which gets covered in rock sludge. If it's getting on your shirt you better believe it's getting into your lungs. Why take the chance, 50 is miserable enough as is? Well, your saw must be different than mine. The only parts of me that really get wet are my hands and lower arms from holding the rock(and my shoes get a bit of overspray/splash from the process); all of which are easily and safely cleaned. I am by no means saying you can't wear a mask. You could even wear a helmet if you so desire. Everyone's needs (and perception of needs) are different and each individual can make decisions accordingly. I am merely providing a position supported by professionals based on a proper setup; as stephan mentioned above as well.
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afterburnt
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2021
Posts: 152
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Post by afterburnt on Oct 18, 2021 12:36:51 GMT -5
The purpose? How about cooling a lubricating? I'm not sure what you are referring to... (probably not the mask part 😉). Yes cooling and lubricating is also a benefit of cutting wet. This "the whole purpose of cutting wet is to avoid airborne dust".
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afterburnt
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2021
Posts: 152
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Post by afterburnt on Oct 18, 2021 12:48:28 GMT -5
I wear a respirator and a vinyl apron, which gets covered in rock sludge. If it's getting on your shirt you better believe it's getting into your lungs. Why take the chance, 50 is miserable enough as is? Well, your saw must be different than mine. The only parts of me that really get wet are my hands and lower arms from holding the rock(and my shoes get a bit of overspray/splash from the process); all of which are easily and safely cleaned. I am by no means saying you can't wear a mask. You could even wear a helmet if you so desire. Everyone's needs (and perception of needs) are different and each individual can make decisions accordingly. I am merely providing a position supported by professionals based on a proper setup; as stephan mentioned above as well. The "really wet" part is not what concerns me, it's the stuff that you don't see that is the issue. My apron doesn't get really wet but the aerosols are evident on it and everything in the area once completely dry like the fine dust the OP cited. Also just to be clear, I wear a cartridge respirator not a "paper" mask. My respirator has bright pink filters that easily reveal the build up of what would have entered my lungs. You should try one and see how clean the filters look after you done some cutting.
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Post by stephan on Oct 18, 2021 14:56:20 GMT -5
I wear a respirator and a vinyl apron, which gets covered in rock sludge. If it's getting on your shirt you better believe it's getting into your lungs. Why take the chance, 50 is miserable enough as is? "If it's getting on your shirt you better believe it's getting into your lungs." That is like saying if A=B, then C=D. It getting on your shirt does not mean that it's getting into your lungs by any means. Some may get into your nose and give you excessive boogers (that's what mucus and nose hairs are there for), but wetted material is highly unlikely to get into your lungs. I'll believe OSHA and NIOSH on this. If you are good without a respirator for an 8-hour workday, then far less frequent/shorter-term exposure is absolutely fine. For some people, wearing a respirator can actually do more harm than good. In the workplace you actually need to pass a medical clearance to wear a respirator. An N-95 (yes, they are considered respirators) is obne thing, but a full face is quite another. Smokers, asthmatics and others with compromised lung function should NOT wear those for an extended period of time. BTW, I'm 54, and I don't find it miserable at all.
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afterburnt
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2021
Posts: 152
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Post by afterburnt on Oct 18, 2021 17:08:56 GMT -5
I wear a respirator and a vinyl apron, which gets covered in rock sludge. If it's getting on your shirt you better believe it's getting into your lungs. Why take the chance, 50 is miserable enough as is? "If it's getting on your shirt you better believe it's getting into your lungs." That is like saying if A=B, then C=D. It getting on your shirt does not mean that it's getting into your lungs by any means. Some may get into your nose and give you excessive boogers (that's what mucus and nose hairs are there for), but wetted material is highly unlikely to get into your lungs. I'll believe OSHA and NIOSH on this. If you are good without a respirator for an 8-hour workday, then far less frequent/shorter-term exposure is absolutely fine. For some people, wearing a respirator can actually do more harm than good. In the workplace you actually need to pass a medical clearance to wear a respirator. An N-95 (yes, they are considered respirators) is obne thing, but a full face is quite another. Smokers, asthmatics and others with compromised lung function should NOT wear those for an extended period of time. BTW, I'm 54, and I don't find it miserable at all. "In the workplace you actually need to pass a medical clearance to wear a respirator." I had 30 years of SCBA's and just about every kind of respirator imaginable so I am somewhat familiar with them. I trust OSHA as far as I can pay them off. I have known people that have still been injured complying with OSHA "guidelines". I prefer to err on the side of caution, I have enough problems. BTW, I'm 60, and every single injury that I ever had has come back to haunt me. Miserable, I guess that's relative. I feel great compared to some of my peers and feel like crap compared to my ute.
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Post by stephan on Oct 18, 2021 17:36:02 GMT -5
Feel free to do what you feel is right. I am just giving information to the person who asked. They do not need to be scared needlessly.
And.. let's not go off on another "the government is corrupt" tirade. I've seen about enough of those, lately.
ETA: just because you see stuff on the filters does not means it's respirable, especially not PM2.5 to PM10, which are the sizes of concern.
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afterburnt
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since June 2021
Posts: 152
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Post by afterburnt on Oct 18, 2021 17:36:45 GMT -5
Regarding the "brick trick" you may find this interesting:
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stuckinohio
starting to shine!
Member since September 2021
Posts: 31
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Post by stuckinohio on Oct 18, 2021 23:18:13 GMT -5
If cutting wet properly, there is no dust. A full face mask is completely unnecessary, and most people wear masks in a way that render them useless. I hate to tell you, but if you were up coughing, either something else was wrong, or you were using the saw incorrectly. The fine coating of rock dust on every surface points toward improper use. Properly wetted swarf should not travel far. That (and cooling) is the point of cutting wet. I’m sure I was doing something wrong! Most noobs do- that’s how you learn. I’m tying to understand why we wouldn’t advocate for each other’s safety. Few of us will ever develop a perfect technique.
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