Record Power WG250, Original Instruction Manual

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Original Instruction Manual | WG250 Wet Stone Sharpening System | Version 3.0 | November 2012 8
3. Additional Health & Safety for Wet
Stone Sharpeners
Safe Operation
• The wet stone sharpener should be level and stable at all
times.
• The machine should be placed on a suitable workbench.
Depending on the sharpening application, access will be
required to both sides of the grinder, so it is not practical
to fix the machine to the work bench.
• When positioning the machine on the bench, ensure that
there are no objects between the base of the machine
and the bench surface and that all four feet of the
machine make contact with the bench.
2. Familiarise yourself with the machine
• Although the wet stone sharpener runs at relatively
low speed, there are still risks present that can lead to
accidents. Most accidents with this type of machine
involve trapping of fingers or hands between the
exposed sharpening stone or honing wheel and the body
of the machine, or loose clothing being drawn in to the
moving parts. In addition there is the risk of injury from
the sharp edges of the tool.
• The risk of breakage is inherent in every abrasive wheel.
The level of risk is lower with slow speed grinders.
Always handle grinding wheels with extreme care. They
are brittle and the slightest impact can cause fractures
within the stone.
• This machine is designed for the sharpening and honing
of tools, knives, chisels, axes etc made of metal. It should
not be used for any other purpose.
• The machine and particularly the sharpening stone should
be protected from frost. If the water retained within
the stone freezes it can cause the stone to crack. If the
machine is not to be used for long period, empty the
water trough, remove the sharpening stone and store it in
a dry place at temperatures above 5°C.
3. Before switching the machine ‘ON’
• Select the correct jig or fixture for holding the tool to be
sharpened. The manual details all of the jigs available for
the machine and the correct method of using them.
• Take the time to ensure that the jig is set correctly to
achieve the correct sharpening angle for the application
and that the fixings are secure.
• Check that there is sufficient water in the trough to keep
the stone wet whilst sharpening. If the stone is dry, it will
soak up approximately 0.5 litres of water in the first few
minutes
of running.
• Check the condition of the stone. If damaged or cracked
replace the stone immediately.
• Rotate the stone by hand to ensure that it can move
freely without interference from other components.
• Check that the speed control is set to correspond with
the diameter of the sharpening stone mounted on the
machine.
4. Whilst sharpening / honing:
• When the machine is first switched ‘ON’, allow it to run
for up to a minute before applying the work piece.
• Regularly check the water level and top up as necessary.
It may take several minutes before the sharpening stone
is fully saturated and for the water level to remain
constant.
• Certain sharpening applications may need to be carried
out on the side of the stone. It is safe to use the side of
the stone for sharpening providing that the ‘side jig’ is
used for control of the work piece.
• When honing, always have the honing wheel running
away from the edge of the tool. Never attempt to hone
towards the edge as the tool will dig in to the honing
wheel and may be thrown from the machine and the
honing wheel damaged.
5. Maintenance
• Regularly check the condition of the surface of the
sharpening stone. The compound of the stone is quite
soft and grooves can wear in to the face of the stone
quite easily. Dress the stone regularly as described in the
manual. Do not attempt to apply the dressing tool to the
honing wheel.
• If steel is exposed to water for prolonged periods,
rust will form. If rust forms on any of the exposed
components of the machine, they should be cleaned and
lubricated to prevent further damaged.
• The dust from abrasive wheels can be an irritant and a
hazard to your health. As the sharpening stone runs at
slow speed and in water, the risk from air borne dust
whilst sharpening is minimal. However, waste dust will
collect in the water trough and there is a risk of exposure
as the trough dries out. Always use the machine in a well
ventilated area and use additional respiratory protective
equipment when cleaning the machine. When the
machine is dry clean it with a vacuum cleaner to remove
waste material.
6. This machine falls under the scope of the ‘Health & Safety
at Work etc. Act 1974’, and the ‘Provision & Use of Work
Equipment Regulations 1998’. We recommend that you
study and follow
these regulations.
Further guidance can be found in the ‘Safety in the use of
abrasive wheels – publication HSG17’ published by Health
& Safety Executive and available from their website www.
hse.gov.uk.