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3. Additional Health and Safety Guidance 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 and safety at Work etc.
Act 1974’, and the ‘Provision and 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 and safety Executive and available
from their website www.hse.gov.uk.
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