Scope of application
This guide applies to flat segment diamond blades with diameters from 300 to 420 mm, used on:
- Petrol saws - chainsaws for cutting concrete, asphalt, stone
- Electric saws - hand-held electric cutting machines
EN 13236 marking - what does it mean?
Each certified diamond blade is marked according to EN 13236 with 10 mandatory elements:
| № | Marking element |
|---|---|
| 1 | Usage restrictions (e.g. "not for grinding", "wet cutting only") |
| 2 | Maximum operating speed (m/s) |
| 3 | Direction of rotation (arrow) |
| 4 | Dimensions (mm) |
| 5 | Declaration of Conformity EN 13236 |
| 6 | Manufacturer / brand |
| 7 | Supplier name or brand name |
| 8 | Maximum speed (rpm) |
| 9 | Traceability code |
| 10 | PPE pictograms (mandatory in France) |
10 Safety Rules: WHAT TO DO and WHAT NOT TO DO
1. Check the EN 13236 marking
✅ CORRECT: Make sure the disc is marked EN 13236.
❌ WRONG: Never use a diamond blade without the EN 13236 marking.
2. Read the instructions for the disc and the machine
✅ CORRECT: Always read the blade safety instructions and the manual for the gas cutter/cutter.
❌ WRONG: Don't throw away instructions without reading them.
3. Inspect the disk for damage
✅ CORRECT: Before each use, inspect the disc for cracks in the steel body, damaged or missing segments, deformation (beating).
❌ WRONG: Never use a damaged diamond blade.
4. Correct mounting hole and direction of rotation
✅ CORRECT: The disc's mounting hole matches the machine shaft exactly. The disc is installed in the direction of rotation (as indicated by the arrow).
❌ WRONG: Do not use a disc with an incorrect mounting hole. Do not ignore the direction arrow.
5. Secure the workpiece
✅ CORRECT: The workpiece must be securely fastened and stable.
❌ WRONG: Never cut an unstable workpiece - the blade may jam.
6. Personal protective equipment
✅ CORRECT: When working with a chainsaw, the following are mandatory: a safety helmet, goggles or a shield, headphones, gloves, and a respirator.
❌ WRONG: Never cut without a full set of PPE.
7. For cutting only
✅ CORRECT: Diamond blades are intended exclusively for cutting.
❌ WRONG: Never grind with a diamond disc - this destroys the segments and can cause them to break off.
8. Allow the cut part to fall freely
✅ CORRECT: Make sure the cut-off part can fall freely from the disc.
❌ WRONG: Never support the workpiece from both ends and cut in the middle - this will cause the blade to bind and cause kickback.
9. Cut straight
✅ CORRECT: Always hold the disc straight, make a straight cut.
❌ WRONG: Never twist the disc in the cut - this causes jamming and kickback of the gas cutter.
10. Don't push too hard
✅ RIGHT: Let the diamond blade cut itself - feed evenly and smoothly.
❌ WRONG: Never apply excessive pressure. If the disc starts to "wobbling" - stop immediately and check the condition of the disc.
Wet cutting – whenever possible
When cutting concrete, stone, and brick, a large amount of quartz dust is formed, which causes silicosis, an incurable lung disease.
Wet cutting:
- Suppresses up to 95% of dust
- Cools the disk - extends its life
- Reduces noise
- Improves cut quality
Kickback
A chainsaw is a heavy and powerful machine. If the blade jams, it will kick back and could pull the machine out of your hands. To avoid this:
- Cut straight only
- Do not twist the disc
- Do not cut between two supports.
- Don't start the cut in the middle of the disc - go in from the edge
Frequently asked questions
Can I grind with a diamond disc?
No. Diamond blades are intended for cutting purposes only. Grinding will damage the segments and can cause them to break off at high speed, which is extremely dangerous.
What is kickback?
Kickback is a sudden kickback of a chainsaw when the blade jams in the cut. The machine can escape from the operator's hands. The main causes are: twisting the blade in the cut, cutting between two supports, excessive pressure. To avoid it, cut straight, do not twist, and allow the cut-off part to fall freely.
Why is wet cutting important?
When cutting concrete and stone, quartz dust is formed, which causes silicosis - an incurable lung disease. Wet cutting suppresses up to 95% of dust, cools the disc (extends its service life), reduces noise and improves the quality of the cut.
What does the EN 13236 marking mean?
EN 13236 is a European safety standard for diamond (superabrasive) tools. The marking contains 10 mandatory elements: usage restrictions, maximum speed, direction of rotation, dimensions, compliance with the standard, manufacturer, etc.
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