This blade wears in a very different way than conventional diamond or abrasive blades.  It has one row of permanently imbedded carbide chunks.  It is the sharp jagged leading edges of these carbide chunks that provide the cutting action which is very similar to the action of a carbide tool on a lathe.  As the blade wears these leading edges become dull, rounded and smooth to the appearance, and touch, and the cutting action will slow significantly.  At this time, reverse the direction of the blade and re-mount the blade to use the new sharp leading edges of the carbide.  The blade can only be “reversed” once to expose new sharp leading edges.  When these leading edges of the carbide chunks are worn smooth, the blade will stop cutting and is now completely worn out.  Use of the blade when it is worn will result in a serious personal injury.  Always comply with ANSI code B7.1, B7.5, and OSHA regulations, particularly the use of blade guards.  Always wear personal protective equipment and respiratory devices.  Use only on equipment that complies with OSHA regulations.  Use the blade in compliance with ANSI code.   

This blade is designed to cut polyurea, urethane and other joint sealant materials. Do not attempt to cut hard and dense materials such as mortar, concrete, stone asphalt, brick, steel, etc…  Make sure the blade guard is operational and the blade is mounted correctly.  Personal safety equipment must be used while operating this blade.  A full face mask during the blade’s operation is recommended.   Hearing protection, gloves, hard hat, steel toe shoes, protective chaps and a dust mask should be used during the operation of this blade.   

This blade is intended to cut joint materials only.  Coming in contact with hard substrate materials such as concrete, mortar or steel will prematurely dull the blade and cause cracking of the segments or to the steel saw blade body.  This could result in segment loss or destruction of the steel saw body, which may cause serious personal injury.  Keeping the blade from coming in contact with the substrate material will greatly increase the cutting action and the life of the product.  When removing joint sealant materials, do not touch the sides or the bottom of the concrete joint.  Always check the blade periodically for cracking of the segments or steel saw body.  If cracks appear in the gullets, body of the saw or segments, stop using the blade and dispose of it.  Always remove any build-up of residue on the blade to maintain peak cutting efficiency.    

The height of the carbide chunks remain constant through the life of the product and does not determine the usable life remaining on the product.  The dulling and the rounding of the leading edges of the carbide chunks determines the amount of life remaining in the product.