When drilling with dry diamond cores, it is essential that the dust is not allowed to build up within the hole during drilling. If the dust is allowed to build-up, it can lead to a number of issues.
The most serious, is the core becoming ‘jammed’ within the hole. This will cause the machine to ‘kick’ and potentially injure the user if the machine is not fitted with a safety clutch. In order for the safety clutch to operate correctly, the manufacturer supplied side handle, must be fitted to the machine.
There is an increased risk of the core jamming in the wetter, winter months when the bricks and blocks have absorbed moisture. The damp dust can form a paste around the core body during the drilling process, increasing the risk of the core becoming stuck. To reduce the risk of this happening – periodically withdraw (almost completely, making sure that the core continues to spin) the bit from the hole and allowing the debris to fall away and disburse. This should be done for every inch of material penetration. In drier, less problematic conditions clearing the hole every couple of inches is sufficient, as the dust is less likely to bind to the core body.