Husqvarna K 970 Rescue Operation Manual - Page 9

CUTTING BLADES Abrasive blades for different materials Blade type Concrete blade Metal blade Material Concrete, asphalt, stone masonry, cast iron, aluminium, copper, brass, cables, rubber, plastic, etc. Steel, steel alloys and other hard metals. WARNING! Do not use abrasive blades with ! water. The strength is impaired when abrasive blades are exposed to water or moisture, which results in an increased risk of the blade breaking. Diamond blades General WARNING! Cutting plastics with a diamond ! blade can cause kickback when the material melts due to the heat produced when cutting and sticks to the blade. WARNING! Diamond blades get very hot ! when used. An overheated blade is a result of improper use, and may cause deformation of the blade, resulting in damage and injuries. • Diamond blades consist of a steel core provided with segments that contain industrial diamonds. • Diamond blades ensure lower costs per cutting operation, fewer blade changes and a constant cutting depth. • When using diamond blades make sure that it rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow on the blade. Diamond blades for different materials • Diamond blades are ideal for masonry, reinforced concrete and other composite materials. • Diamond blades are available in several hardness classes. • Special blades should be used when cutting metal. Ask your dealer for help in choosing the right product. Sharpening diamond blades • Always use a sharp diamond blade. • Diamond blades can become dull when the wrong feeding pressure is used or when cutting certain materials such as heavily reinforced concrete. Working with a blunt diamond blade causes overheating, which can result in the diamond segments coming loose. • Sharpen the blade by cutting in a soft material such as sandstone or brick. Diamond blades for dry cutting • Diamond blades for dry cutting can be used both with and without water cooling. • When dry cutting, lift the blade out from the cut every 30- 60 seconds and let it rotate in the air for 10 seconds to let it cool. If this is not done, the blade may be overheated. Diamond blades for wet cutting • Diamond blades for wet cutting must be water cooled. If this is not done, the blade may be overheated. • Water cooling cools the blade and increases its service life while also reducing the formation of dust. Toothed blades, carbide tipped blades and emergency situations Government regulation requires a different type of guarding for carbide tipped blades not available on power cutters - a so called 360 degree guard. Power Cutters (this saw) use Abrasive or Diamond blades and have a different guarding system which does not provide protection against the dangers presented by wood cutting blades. Use of this power cutter with a carbide tipped blade is a violation of OSHA regulations. Due to the hazardous nature and exigent circumstances involved with fire fighting and rescue operations conducted by the various highly trained public safety forces, safety professionals (fire departments), Husqvarna is aware that they may use this power cutter with carbide tipped blades in certain emergency situations due to the ability of carbide tipped blades to cut many different types of obstructions and materials in combination without having to take time to switch blades or machines. When using this power cutter be aware at all times that carbide tipped blades are more kickback prone than abrasive or diamond blades if not used properly. Carbide tipped blades can also throw pieces of material away from the blade. For these reasons, a power cutter equipped with a carbide tipped blade should never be used except by highly trained public safety professionals who are aware of the risks associated with its use and then only in those exigent circumstances when other tools are deemed inefficient and ineffective to for fire or rescue operations. A power cutter equipped with carbide tipped blade should never be used to cut wood in non-rescue operations. Transport and storage • Do not store or transport the power cutter with the cutting blade fitted. All blades should be removed from the cutter after use and stored carefully. • Store cutting blades in dry, frost free conditions. Special care should be taken with abrasive blades. Abrasive blades must be stored on a flat, level surface. If an abrasive blades is stored in humid conditions, this can cause imbalance and result in injury. • Inspect new blades for transport or storage damage. English - 9