How to Properly Use a Diamond Core Bit

In the past I have already showed you some uses of the diamond core bit, even gave you troubleshooting tips. But let me get to the basics of basics for this particular blog post.
So you know how to use a diamond core bit…or do you really?

As with any tool, a sufficient know how of the proper usage of a core bit is heavily important. I cannot overemphasize the importance of knowing the way around the tool you are holding.

Remember, you could endanger people’s health, even lives, if you wrongfully use a construction tool. The tool can be dangerous in itself already so you have to really make sure you know how to use it. 

Tips in Using Diamond Core bit Properly

You have to remember that when drilling, there is an appropriate speed. It is very important that you conform to this as achieving optimum result will depend on it. The reason the speed range of every drill is optimized is to get the most of every drilling project. There is a recommended speed for a specific drilling diameter. You will know this by personally asking the store staff or calling the manufacturer or dealer. 

Of course the manual is there for you to read, and when I say read you don’t just skim and do things as you know you should. I mean read thoroughly and examine. Everything you have to know about the tool is right there. It may even include pointers and recommendations for different projects. Proceeding to use the diamond core bit with little knowledge is just not right.

Irrigation is very important when using a diamond core bit. You use water as a coolant so the diamond segments don’t overheat. You do it constantly in operation. The water’s job is to disperse the dust and other particles out the drill hole. Dust buildup can cause the diamond core bit to wear out so by using water, you are actually prolonging the life of your tool. 

Different jobs require different amounts of water. For vertical drilling, less water may be needed, as opposed to horizontal drilling for the reason that water flows straight out the drill hole. For drilling a hole in a relatively short period of time, as in a reinforcing steel, you also do not need as much water because on this case, water is generally needed almost entirely for cooling, not for dispersing dust.

Be sure you know the basics when using any tool. Do it right and your diamond blade will last longer than expected.

The Fire Scene: Preventing Casualties

Fire is one of the most devastating disasters that can happen to your home. In a couple of hours, everything that you have ever worked for may be reduced to ashes. The worse thing that could happen is a family member being included on the list of casualties.

Image Credit: firechief.com

Good thing the country generally has a decent fire rescue system, with fire departments that have competent, highly qualified firefighters who use reliable, top-of-the-line tools like the fire rescue diamond blade.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), upon recommendations from the US Consumers Product Safety Commission, the US Fire Administration, and the National Fire Protection Agency, enlisted these all-important fire deaths- and injuries- prevention tips:

-    Never leave food unattended on a stove.

-    Keep cooking areas free of flammable objects (such as, potholders and towels).

-    Avoid wearing clothes with long, loose-fitting sleeves when cooking.
-    Never smoke in bed or leave burning cigarettes unattended.

-    Do not empty smoldering ashes in a trash can, and keep ashtrays away from upholstered furniture and curtains.

-    Never place portable space heaters near flammable materials (such as, drapery).

-    Keep all matches and lighters out of reach of children. Store them up high, preferably in a locked cabinet.

-    Install smoke alarms on every floor of the home, including the basement, and particularly near rooms in which people sleep.

-    Use long-life smoke alarms with lithium-powered batteries and hush buttons, which allow persons to stop false alarms quickly. If long-life alarms are not available, use regular alarms, and replace the batteries annually.

-    Test all smoke alarms every month to ensure they work properly.

-    Devise a family fire escape plan and practice it every 6 months. In the plan, describe at least two different ways each family member can escape every room, and designate a safe place in front of the home for family members to meet after escaping a fire.

-    If possible, install or retrofit fire sprinklers into home.

You can afford to lose the priciest furniture in your home but never a loved one. Be sure you heed these tips to avoid any casualty.

Come to think of it. Your home symbolizes many things dear to you. Just thinking about it crumbling down and turning into ashes isn’t the best thing in the world. As a parting tip, be sure everyone in the family knows the number of the fire department in case of emergency.

How to Maintain the Luster of Your Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is known for being durable and easy to maintain. That said, it is still not spared from damages, which is why it is important that you know how to keep its luster.

Here are a few tips you may wanna observe when maintaining your Laminate Flooring:

Image: nancyafink

Firstly, if you have to repair your tiles, be sure you know what to do. Otherwise just hire a professional to do it for you. If you have to bore a hole, for example, use a diamond drill and a diamond core bit and do a little research so you know how it’s done.

The legs of the furniture are one of the most common causes of scratches on laminate flooring. Sometimes we get so lazy and careless that instead of lifting the furniture, we drag them when we want to put them to another place. To cover this problem, install felt pads at the foot of the furniture. Laminate flooring may be scratch-resistant but they aren’t scratch-proof – those are two different things. It would be good to use a dolly if you have one in the house.

In areas of heavy foot traffic, you’re gonna need throw rubs for cover. Don’t get the kind with the rubber backs though as it can discolor your flooring. Those with soft pads are a good choice. Another thing: You are welcome to walk around, but your high heels are not. Remember they can put enough pressure to destroy your flooring when done excessively.  

Avoid spills. When you spill something on your flooring, be sure you clean it right away as the liquid may penetrate the joints and damage the tiles. As much as possible, keep the flooring dry. When wiping off stains, use a soft cloth or sponge. Also, be sure you clean it properly and never use soap-based detergents. Regular cleaning is good for your flooring. This may surprise you but wax should not be applied to your laminate flooring as it may dull its luster.

Be extra careful if you have pets at home. Since really nothing can prevent pets from running around, make sure their fingernails are trimmed so scratches wouldn’t be much of a problem.

Walking around the house barefoot will serve you right as particles from your shoes or slippers may damage your flooring. If you don’t feel like going barefoot, at least have a doormat where people can shed off dust from their feet before entering your home.

Common Mistakes in the Usage of Diamond Blades

As with any tool, it is very important that you have sufficient knowledge when using a diamond blade, this I can never overstate. All the proper care must be observed, keep that in mind.

Image Credit: www.jmu.edu

Especially for first timers, it is easy to get overeager when using a diamond blade. One should know that it requires patience and enough know-how to be able to use it properly. A common mistake, which I will discuss later, is putting excessive pressure to the point that you are already destroying the material. Other common mistakes done when using a diamond blade are as follows:

You see the manual is there for a purpose. It is actually meant to be read, understood, and applied. Follow the instructions and the chances of you having troubles with the blade will be greatly reduced. Funny how many people don’t read manuals when it’s the one thing that will educate them about usage. What’s worse is that there are people who instantly throw the packaging away, along with the manual. My advice is to not throw it away so that you can always get back to it if you have to.

Check for wears only before and after use. Inspecting the blade for any damage is surely beneficial. But you don’t just inspect before and after use. Even while you are using it, you should be aware that it may get damaged, and when it does, quit using it to avoid further damage and avoid any injury.

Apply only for intended use. Because the diamond blade is such a versatile tool, some people feel that it can cut almost anything. Yes it is a multi-purpose tool but never ever use it to cut wood. If you do, you are putting unnecessary pressure on the blade. Diamond blades are of course used to cut through hard materials like concrete, brick, granite, or marble.

Neglect for safety gears and equipment. There will always be people who will give safety a pass. My advice is to not be like them. Prove that you know better by wearing the proper safety gears when using diamond blades. Be sure you have safety goggles, gloves, dust mask, and the likes. Remember that the reasons why those people have a disregard for safety can be summed up in one word – ignorance.

Please take note of these common mistakes and heed the pieces of advice I managed to sneak in. Take care, people!

Specific Safety Guidelines for Cup Wheel Usage (part 2)

In one of my previous blog posts, I shared with you some tips about the safety usage of diamond cup wheel. With the different accidents that can happen, you really should know the tool you have on your hand.

Image Credit: tomcatchippers.blogspot.com

Even if the store personnel are nice enough to give you tips, you owe it to yourself and the people around you to have a more profound understanding of tools like the diamond cup wheel. Here are a few more tips so you will be able to use the tool without harming yourself or anyone else:

Focus on the job

When using the diamond cup wheel, you should keep 100% concentration into it. It is a heavy-duty equipment, therefore you need all the focus in the world when using it. Using it while doing something else, like looking after your kids or your pets can be dangerous. Better yet, do not allow your kids to be in the workshop. They are the last thing you want harmed. Just don’t think of any other things aside from what you are doing. Avoiding any kind of distraction is a must when dealing with power tools.

Turn it off when not in use

A cup wheel that continues to run even if you’re done with it may injure people in the work place. Imagine your kids getting curious and trying to touch the wheel. No, you’re not gonna let that happen of course. Even adults, those who haven’t even tried using a cup wheel, may be drawn to touch it and use it without your knowledge. It’s been said time again: you need to have sufficient knowledge about the tool to be able to use it correctly without inflicting harm to you or others.

Sufficient lighting in the work area

Be sure your work area is well-lit so you can clearly see what you are doing. Be sure the lighting is sufficient because a dimly lit area could spell a whole lot of trouble. A good, powerful lamp is good as it may also help you keep your concentration since it can be focused on a particular spot.

Here goes another set of safety guidelines for the proper usage of a cup wheel. Hopefully you don’t ignore these tips as they are meant to keep you away from harm, while slowly but surely teaching you how to become an expert DIYer.