Wet or Dry?
What's right for you?
A look at DRY...
Dry cutting blades are designed to be used without water. They are designed to be cooled by constant airflow around the blade. This is usually aided by cooling holes or waves built into the blade. Dry blades eliminate the need for hoses, water tanks, and a wet, muddy mess. Water can be used if desired.
Continuous use of a dry blade will cause exessive heat build up, thus reducing the life of the blade, and increasing the chance of blade failure and possible damage to the blade or even the user. After about 15 seconds of cutting, pressure should be removed and the blade allowed to spin up to full speed. This will allow air to flow around the blade and the cutting surface, dissipating the heat. Use Dry blades for short cuts, shallow cuts, or stepped cutting.
A look at WET...
Wet cutting blades MUST be used with water. Air flow will NOT adequetly cool a wet blade. Using water also reduces the amount of dust produced, and helps to keep the cutting area clear.
Using a wet blade without water, even for a short time, causes excessive heat build up. This will damage the blade, shorten its life drastically, and even create a safety hazard. As always, be cautious when working around water. Make sure your saw or tool is safe to use under wet conditions.
