Be Safe When Dry-Cutting

There is always danger involved when cutting with any type of tool. Whether wet-cutting, or dry-cutting, the diamond blade is no exception.

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Wet-cutting is when you use diamond blades with sufficient water making a cut. Water is used to wash away the dust that could otherwise harm the body. It also extends the life of the blade. But at times where there is a shortage of water, you may still be able to cut. This is dry-cutting, and for the aforementioned reason, it calls for much caution. Other reasons for doing dry-cutting are: the workplace has to be kept dry, and when the use of water is prohibited as in electrical power tools. Truth is, dry-cutting even has advantages over wet-cutting: no need to clean slurry, you can actually make cleaner cuts, and of course, you can cut even without a reliable water source.

Here are a few pointers for when you have to use your diamond blade in the absence of water:

Get a blade that is made specifically for dry-cutting. Yes, there are diamond blades that are specifically made for dry-cutting, and this you have to ask the store personnel. The reason behind it is that water for water-cutting effectively cools the blade, and may ultimately weaken the blade. If the segments break off in the middle of an operation, the worker may get injured.

Dry-cutting entails a different kind of cutting. Naturally, the process of cutting will differ from wet-cutting. What you need to do is cut a portion at a time, and sporadically take the diamond blade out to let it cool down.

Never forget to wear the necessary safety gears and equipment. As I have highlighted countless times in the past (something I will never get tired of doing), always wear the proper safety gear when doing any type of work. When dry-cutting, for example, wear a respirator. Because of the absence of water to wash away dust, you will have to wear a respirator or face mask to avoid the inhalation of dust. Of course, dust inhalation can cause unimaginable health problems for you and the people around you.

Like I said, dry-cutting also has some advantages, and there may come a time when you really have to cut without water. I hope this blog helps to get you ready and keep you and your loved ones out of harm’s way.

Come on, Remodel that Kitchen

To many people, the kitchen is the most popular part of the house simply because it is where you dine. Some even call it the heart of the home. But really, there is more to a nice kitchen than just fulfilling your gastronomic cravings.

Indeed, whether a kitchen is big or small, you will see its importance at how people do everything to make it look good and presentable.

Here are a few reasons why many consider it the most important part of the house.

• It is where meals are cooked. 

Oh yes, and this should be high on the list. It is where we have a first look of the food before it is served on the dining table and to our body. For centuries, the kitchen essentially filled in the stomachs of friends and families the world over. It has not only fed tummies, it has, more importantly, fed minds and souls.

• The kitchen offers therapy. 

If a family member has some problem, he goes to the kitchen and put his hands on anything he can chew on. It may sound funny but really, this just shows the kitchen’s therapeutic abilities. It is capable of lifting people who are down. It provides comfort for people who need it.

• It’s a good place to socialize. 

Cooking can be a great bonding activity for families and friends. At times they gather around the kitchen and talk. Only a couple will do the cooking while the rest just stay there and talk. I would say a family that cooks together stays together, and would definitely say the same for friends.

• The styling possibilities are endless. 

Even if you are too fond of cooking, a nice-looking kitchen will say a lot about your personality. How proud you will be if you have a kitchen where your friends can go and just have some talk. If you have some remodeling to do, be sure you have the necessary tools like the diamond core bit. See if you have to do some remodeling or repair to make your kitchen look better, it will still incite some bonding moment.

There you go. That’s about how important the kitchen is to any home. If you are confident about how your kitchen looks, then you will have no problem letting people in. Hey the best kitchen can even serve as your additional receiving area.

Concrete Cutting Essentials

As you may already know, all diamond blades aren't created equal. There's a variety out there intended for different jobs. In cutting concrete, for example, you will need a specialized diamond saw blade.

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If you are set to cut concrete by using a diamond saw blade and isn't sure how to go about things, well here are some pointers:

The first and perhaps the most important thing is that you should first identify the type of concrete you will cut as there are different types of equivalent diamond saw blades. If cutting depth is around 4 inches or even deeper, then meeting the Rebars halfway is a good idea. For rebars, there are specific types of diamond blade you can use. The curing time must also be taken into consideration. Green concrete is more abrasive while cured concrete is different. Also, you need to look into the aggregate and the sand used in the concrete. These are vital in choosing the appropriate diamond blade to use.

Of course you need to choose the appropriate diamond blade. Know the diameters of diamond blades that your saw is able to accommodate. What else should match? The arbor hole on the blade and the arbor size of the saw blade. Keep these things in mind when choosing the right diamond blade when cutting concrete. Asking the store personnel is always advisable as they have a good knowledge of the tool.

Because you are cutting with a diamond blade, it is important to determine whether you are dry cutting or wet cutting. Remember to use sufficient water when wet cutting as it will take care of dust dispersal. By doing this, you are essentially prolonging the life of your diamond blade as well as decreasing the danger it poses to your health as well as those around you. It also makes cutting more efficient. If it is impossible to get water in the area you are in, then you have to resort to dry cutting. This can get shallow and irregular. It may take a few more passes than usual, if you are deep cutting.

Be sure you have these concrete cutting essentials dialed before actually doing it. It is just the absolute way to go. A lot has failed because of neglecting the basics, and really, lives have been endangered because of improper practice. Always make sure you have a good working knowledge of the tool you are about to use. For more tips, all you need to do is keep to this page.

Top Construction Jobs for 2014

The construction industry has showed much promise after experiencing a decline during the Great Recession. Today it continues to show great momentum and gives hopes to workers all across America.

A single construction project gives jobs to numerous people. This blog post is meant to encourage more people to get into construction by listing the available jobs there are in construction. These jobs also pay well and are highly sought after. Many companies are in dire need of them so those who are qualified just need to look around and see if a job vacancy is just around the corner waiting for them.

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Jobs in Construction Industry

• Construction Manager

One of the highest-paying of them all, the construction manager oversees everything from the planning and budgeting of a project to its full execution. As a construction manager, you will be dealing with everyone from the ground up, so to speak, so be sure you have the right type of attitude. A good understating of the construction industry, is of course, highly essential, and it’s for this reason why firms would most likely hire someone who has a degree in construction science or any related course, instead of just a business management guy.

• Cost Estimator

As the title implies, a cost estimator deals a lot with numbers. For this reason, the job doesn’t exactly require manual labor but he certainly goes out in the sun on occasion. Budgeting is a cost estimator’s main concern so it is imperative that he has very good knowledge about financing, especially in a construction setting.

• Skilled mason

Brickmasons and blockmasons are an important component of a construction project as these are jobs the call for very particular skills. A firm does not have time to rigorously train workers for specific jobs so it is understandable that they go for the skilled ones.

• Carpenter  

Carpenters are a versatile breed, and this is why there will always be room for carpenters in a construction setting. Perhaps this stems from the fact that it is one of the oldest, if not the oldest profession, in the construction industry. Because of their versatility, carpenters are seen as one of the more secure practitioners in the field of construction. The master carpenters earn a lot as attaining such level is nothing easy and takes years and years of experience.

• Electrician

Just like a carpenter, an electrician looking to land a good-paying job should be highly skilled. An electrician that has amassed enough experience through apprenticeship and actual work should be good enough to get hired by the better firms. Of course, it is expected that he has a great understanding of tools like the diamond core bit.

How to Restore Glazed Over Diamond Blades

Some people, especially those who don’t have sufficient knowledge about tools like the diamond blade will readily throw the tool when they feel it’s damaged. That’s without even looking at wiser options like restoring it. Some don’t know how to, while some just don’t want to go through the hassles of restoration and don’t mind shedding a few bucks for a new one.

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Well, for those think other wise and opt to see first if their tool in their hand, particularly the diamond blade, may still be fixed or restored, before they throw it away. When your diamond blade stops working or when you feel that it is cutting more slowly than usual, then it is already worn out, if not glazed over.

If your diamond blade is really worn out, then you are left with no other choice but to replace it. There is just no way it can be restored. If you keep using a worn out diamond blade, you will endanger people’s lives, that’s if it is still usable. As we know, diamond blades that are worn out will not work properly, if at all. So when your diamond blade is worn out and terribly damaged, then don’t even think about using it and just purchase a replacement.

On the other hand, a diamond blade that is just glazed over, can still be used. As remedy, what you need to do is run it through an abrasive material. You probably have heard of someone say that when your blade is glazed over, all you need to do is “dress” it. This is the way to do it. Examples of abrasive materials are asphalt, garnet, and sandstone.

When the blade gets glazed over again, then “dress” it again. But keep in mind that repeatedly doing it will affect the performance of the blade, so have a good feel of your blade so you’ll know when enough is already too much. If you insist on dressing over and over again, the blade will cut more slowly and ultimately it will worn out faster than expected. Then a softer abrasive may be what is best when you are dressing your blade.

If you see yourself constantly dressing your blade, then you may need to do a little adjustment. For harder materials, a softer blade is more appropriate. The reason behind it is that hard materials cause blades with a softer bond to wear out faster.

Essential Core Drilling Techniques

For sure you hear it a lot and perhaps more often than you want to that at times it can get irritating. But most definitely not as much as you  need to: people telling you how to use a particular tool.

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I understand that it can really annoying as if people think you don’t know anything about the tool you have on your hand. When using the core drill, for example, it is very important that you have a good, working knowledge of it. Otherwise, you are just increasing the probability of an injury tenfold. Bear in mind that there are injuries that can be fatal. You may think it is just a core drill and a diamond core bit, but really, a professional understands the risks.

When drilling, please do yourself, the tool, and the people around you a favor and heed these tips:

• Before starting any operation, be sure that the diamond core bit is properly fitted into the drill. If not, it may cause unimaginable problems.  

• Always wear the proper safety gear and equipment. This one advice can save people from any injury. Be sure you are wearing safety eyewear, footwear, head  and hearing protection, and some fitted clothing,

• When cutting or drilling a hole, be sure to start slowly. Do this before putting added pressure when you are already into the cut. Be sure that the pressure is controlled at all times. A good grip of the drill will do the trick. Avoid unnecessary movements when you are already in operation.

• When the blade is already working its way to the hole, never stop the water flow. Just do not interrupt the rotation of the blade.

• Never ever force the core bit into the material. This is important advice also if you are using other tools like the diamond blade.

If during operation the speed at which the blade cuts decreases, then stop and check for problems. If you spot any problem, then you must discontinue working and take a look at any damage if there is. Be sure you have it fixed before using it again. If it needs to be replaced, then don’t push it and just have it replaced.

That’s about it. In one of my future blog posts, I’ll give you some safety pointers when you are using a diamond core drill. Until then, be safe always! Remember that it is always good to have a working knowledge of any tool before you actually being using it.