Barranca Diamond HP18 User manual

SLAB SAW SERIES
OWNER'S MANUAL, OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS & PARTS LIST
MODELS:
HP18
HP20
HP24
Caution: Read all safety and operating
instructions before using this equipment.
This manual MUST accompany the
equipment at all times.
Revision 117 06.2017
Manual Part No. 164269 Barranca Diamond Products, Inc.
1315 Storm Parkway
Torrance, CA 90501
Toll-Free: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.barrancadiamond.com
MADE IN USA
MADE IN USA

2
Thank you for selecting the Barranca Diamond Slab Saw. We are certain that you will be
pleased with your purchase. Barranca Diamond takes pride in producing top quality products
for hobbyists and commercial lapidary users throughout the world. This product is manufac-
tured in the United States.
This owner’s manual contains information necessary to operate and maintain your Slab Saw
safely and correctly. Operated correctly, your Slab Saw should provide you with years of ser-
vice. Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the Slab Saw by reading and reviewing
this manual.
If you should have questions concerning your Slab Saw, please call Barranca Diamond at
[phone] or Toll Free [phone].
INTRODUCTION
NOTE THIS INFORMATION FOR FUTURE USE:
MODEL NUMBER:
SERIAL NUMBER:
PURCHASE PLACE:
PURCHASE DATE:

3
SAFETY
Safety Precautions 4-6
California Proposition 65 Warning 7
Electrical Requirements 8-9
Product Specifications 10-11
SETUP
Unpacking & Assembly 12
Contents 12
Transport 12
OPERATION AND ADJUSTMENT
Pre-start Inspection 13
Startup 13-14
Adjustment & Operation 15-17
MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING
Maintenance Following Use 18
General Maintenance 19
Monthly Maintenance 19-20
Troubleshooting 22
EXPLODED VIEW & PARTS LIST
HP18 Explored View & Parts List 24-27
HP18 Vise Assembly & Parts List 28
HP18 Hood Assembly & Parts List 29
HP24 Explored View & Parts List 30-33
HP24 Vise Assembly & Parts List 34
HP24 Hood Assembly & Parts List 35
WARRANTY, RETURN, & CUSTOMER SERVICE
Warranty 36-37
Return & Customer Service 38
TABLE OF CONTENTS

4
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Read and follow all safety, operating and maintenance instructions. Failure to read and follow
these instructions could result in injury or death to you or others. Failure to read and follow these
instructions could also result in damage and/or reduced equipment life. In order to prevent injury, the
following safety precautions should be followed at all times!
READ OWNER'S MANUAL BEFORE USE
Before using this equipment, ensure that the person operating this machine has read and
understands all of the instructions in the manual. Precaution is the best insurance against accidents.
Read and understand all safety precautions, messages, warnings and hazard symbols. You are
responsible for your own safety.
ALWAYS USE SAFETY GLASSES
Safety glasses should always be worn when working around power tools. In addition, a face, dust
mask or respirator should be worn if a cutting operation is dusty. Everyday eyeglasses only have
impact resistant lenses and may not prevent eye injury - they are NOT safety glasses.
USE PROPER APPAREL
Do not wear loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets or other jewelry that may be caught in
moving parts. Non-slip footwear is recommended. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
Hand protection (plastic gloves) and a shop bib are recommended during sawing to prevent stains to
clothing. Avoid prolonged exposure of skin to the sawing lubricant and wash skin immediately after
contact. Do not touch the work material until the motor is off and the machine has come to a complete
stop.
ALWAYS USE HEARING PROTECTION
To reduce the possibility of hearing loss, always use hearing protection when operating power
equipment.
KEEP GUARDS IN PLACE
In order to prevent injury, never operate the saw without the guards in place!
REMOVE ADJUSTING KEYS AND WRENCHES
Form a habit of checking to see that keys and adjusting wrenches are removed from the power tool
before
it is turned on.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Never touch electrical wires or motor components while the motor is running. Exposed, frayed or worn
electrical wiring and plugs can be sources of electrical shock that could cause severe injury or burns.
DISCONNECT TOOLS
Power tools should always be disconnected before servicing or when changing accessories, such as
blades, bits, cutters and the like.
SLAB SAW SERIES SAFETY

5
REDUCE THE RISK OF UNINTENTIONAL STARTS
Make sure the ON/OFF switch is in the OFF position before plugging in a power tool.
ROTATING OR MOVING PARTS
Keep hands, feet, hair, and clothing away from all moving parts to prevent injury. Never operate the
engine with covers, shrouds or guards removed.
MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE
Keep tools clean for the best and safest performance. Always follow maintenance instructions for
lubricating and when changing accessories.
KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN
Cluttered work areas and benches invite accidents.
DO NOT USE IN DANGEROUS OR HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENTS
Do not operate equipment in dangerous or hazardous environments. Do not use power tools in damp
or wet locations nor expose them to rain. Always keep the work area well lighted. Always work in a
well ventilated area.
KEEP CHILDREN AWAY
All visitors and children should be kept a safe distance from the work area. Keep power cords
disconnected when tool is not in use.
MAKE THE WORKSHOP KID-PROOF
Make the workshops kid-proof by using padlocks, master switches and by disconnecting all power
cords.
USE THE RIGHT TOOL
Do not force a tool or an attachment to do a job that it was not designed to do.
SECURE WORK
Clamps or a vise should be used to hold work whenever practical. Keeping your hands free to operate
a power tool is safer.
DO NOT FORCE THE TOOL
A power tool will do a better job and operate more safely at the feed rate for which it was designed.
USE THE RIGHT TOOL TO SERVICE THE SAW
Do not force a tool or an attachment when servicing or operating the Slab Saw. Use the correct tools
for service or adjustments.
DO NOT OVERREACH
Keep proper footing and balance at all times by not overreaching.
DO NOT OPERATE A TOOL WHEN TIRED
When tired, take a break and relax.
SLAB SAW SERIES SAFETY

6
DIRECTION OF FEED
Always feed work into a blade or cutter in the direction shown in this manual. All blades, grinding
wheels or polishing belts should always be installed such that rotation is in the direction of the arrow
imprinted on the blade, wheel or belt.
ONLY OPERATE AT THE PROPER SPEED
Severe personal injury and damage to the motor or equipment can result if operated at speeds above
maximum.
NEVER LEAVE A TOOL RUNNING UNATTENDED – TURN POWER OFF
Do not leave a tool until it comes to a complete stop. Always turn the tool off, and disconnect the
power cord to its source, when leaving the work area or when work is finished. Do not leave extension
cords attached to the power cord or power receptacle (wall outlet) when leaving the work area.
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR WORN PARTS
Before using a power tool, check for damaged parts. A guard or any other part that is damaged
should be carefully checked to determine if it would operate properly and perform its intended
function. Always check moving parts for proper alignment or binding. Check for broken parts and
mountings and all other conditions that may affect the operation of the power tool. A guard, or any
damaged part, should be properly repaired or replaced.
USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES AND PARTS
Consult the owner’s manual for recommended accessories and parts. Using improper parts and
accessories may increase the risk of personal and/or bystander injury.
USE THE PROPER EXTENSION CORD
If using an extension cord, make sure it is in good condition first. When using an extension cord, be
sure to use one heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw. An undersized cord will
cause a drop in line voltage that will result in a loss of power and overheating. The table on page 8
shows the correct AWG (American Wire Gauge) size to use depending on cord length and nameplate
ampere rating. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the
cord.
USE THE PROPER POWER SOURCE
This tool is only to be used with a 120 volt 60 HZ power source. Ensure power source is at least 15
amps and 110 to 120 volts. Low voltage current can adversely effect electric motor performance and
overall life.
USE THE RECOMMENDED COOLING AND LUBRICATING FLUIDS
Never operate a tool dry that requires coolant or lubricant. This can lead to shortened tool life, tool
damage and personal injury.
MAINTAIN TOOLS WITH CARE
Keep the diamond blade sharp, the sawing lubricant clean and reservoir filled to the correct level
for the best and safest performance. Always follow the maintenance instructions for sharpening the
blade, lubricating and servicing the Slab Saw.
SLAB SAW SERIES SAFETY

7
SLAB SAW SERIES SAFETY
Sawing and drilling generate dust. Excessive airborne particles may cause irritation to eyes, skin and
respiratory tract. To avoid breathing impairment, always employ dust controls and protection suitable
to the material being sawed or drilled; See OSHA (29 CFR Part 1910.1200).
WARNING
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 MESSAGE
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities con-
tain chemicals known (to the State of California) to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive
harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
•Lead, from lead-based paints
•Crystalline silica from bricks, cement and other masonry products
•Arsenic and chromium, from chemically treated lumber
For further information, consult the following sources:
http://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/silicacrystalline/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/96-112/
http://oehha.ca.gov/prop65/law/P65law72003.html
http://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/sub4.html
Your risk from these exposures varies depending on how often you do this type of work. To reduce
your exposure to these chemicals, work in a well-ventilated area, and work with approved safety
equipment, such as dust masks that are specially designed to lter out microscopic particles. Where
use of a dust extraction device is possible, it should be used. To achieve a high level of dust collec-
tion, use an industrial vacuum cleaner.
SILICA DUST WARNING
Grinding/cutting/drilling of masonry, concrete, metal and other materials with silica in their composition
may give off dust or mists containing crystalline silica. Silica is a basic component of sand, quartz,
brick clay, granite and numerous other minerals and rocks. Repeated and/or substantial inhalation of
airborne crystalline silica can cause serious or fatal respiratory diseases, including silicosis. In ad-
dition, California and some other authorities have listed respirable crystalline silica as a substance
known to cause cancer. When cutting such materials, always follow respiratory precautions.
Use appropriate NIOSH-approved respiratory protection where dust hazard may occur. Paper masks
or surgical masks without a NIOSH approval number are not recommended because they do little to
protect the worker. For more information about respirator programs, including what respirators have
received NIOSH approval as safe and effective, please visit the NIOSH website at:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/respirators
Observe OSHA regulations for respirator use (29 C.F.R.§1910.134 and §1503.1).
Visit http://www.osha.gov for more information.
ON
(
(
))

8
SLAB SAW SERIES SAFETY
WARNING
In order to prevent electrical shock and injury, the following electrical safety precautions and symbols
should be followed at all times!
If permanently connected this tool should be connected to a grounded metal permanent
wiring system; or to a system having an equipment - grounding conductor.
In case of a malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electrical
current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This tool is equipped with an electric cord which has an
equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into a matching
outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
• DO NOT modify the plug provided - if it will not t the outlet, have the proper outlet
installed by a qualied electrician.
• Improper connections of the equipment-grounding conductor can result in a risk of electric
shock. The equipment-grounding conductor is the insulated conductor that has an outer
surface that is green, with or without yellow stripes. If repair or replacement of the electric
cord or plug is necessary, DO NOT connect the equipment-grounding conductor to a live
terminal.
• Check with a qualied electrician or service personnel if the grounding instructions are not
completely understood, or if in doubt as to whether the tool is properly grounded.
• Use only 3-wire extension cords that have 3-prong grounding plugs and 3-pole receptacles
that accept the tool’s plug.
• Repair or replace a damaged or worn cord immediately.
This tool is intended for use on a circuit that has an outlet that looks like the one shown in Sketch A.
The tool has a grounding plug that looks like the plug illustrated in Sketch A. A temporary adapter,
which looks like the adapter illustrated in sketches B and C, may be used to connect this plug to a
2-pole receptacle as shown in Sketch B, if a properly grounded outlet is not available. The temporary
adapter should be used only until a properly grounded outlet can be installed by a qualied electri-
cian. The green-colored rigid ear, plug, and the like, extending from the adapter, must be connected
to a permanent ground, such as a properly grounded outlet box.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS AND GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE:
ON
(
(
))
Grounding
Means
(A)
Metal Screw
Cover of
Grounded
Outlet Box
(D)
ADAPTER
(C) Grounding
Pin
Grounding
Pin (B)
Circuit and Adapter Information
Use of a temporary adapter is not permitted in Canada.NOTE:

9
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS AND GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS
To avoid the possibility of the appliance plug or receptacle getting wet, position the saw to one side
of a wallmounted receptacle. This will prevent water from dripping onto the receptacle or plug. A “drip
loop," shown in picture below, should be arranged by the user to properly position the power cord rela-
tive to the power source.
The “drip loop" is that part of the cord below the level of the receptacle,
or the connector, if an extension cord is used. This method of positioning
the cord prevents the travel of water along the power cord and coming in
contact with the receptacle. If the plug or receptacle gets wet, DO NOT
unplug the cord. Disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker that supplies
power to the tool. Then unplug and examine for presence of water in the
receptacle.
Use only extension cords that are intended for outdoor use. These
extension cords are identified by a marking “Acceptable for use with
outdoor appliances; store indoors while not in use." Use only extension
cords having an electrical rating not less than the rating of the product.
Do not use damaged extension cords. Examine extension cords before using and replace if damaged.
Do not abuse extension cords and do not yank on any cord to disconnect. Keep cords away from heat
and sharp edges. Always disconnect the extension cord from the receptacle before disconnecting the
product form the extension cord.
To reduce the risk of electrocution, keep all connections dry and off the ground. Do not touch the plug
with wet hands.
Use of undersized extension cords result in low voltage to the motor that can result in motor burnout
and premature failure. Barranca Diamond warns that equipment returned to us showing signs of being
run in a low voltage condition, through the use of undersized extension cords, will be repaired or
replaced totally at the customer's expense. There will be no warranty claim.
To choose the proper extension cord:
• Locate the length of extension cord needed in the table below.
• Once the proper length is found, move down the column to obtain the correct AWG size required for
that length of extension cord.
SLAB SAW SERIES SAFETY
MOTOR SPECS EXTENSION CORD LENGTH
Motor Voltage Amps 25' 50' 100' 200’
161099 115V 1 Ph 14.4 12 ga 10 ga 8 ga 4 ga

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Model# HP18 HP20 HP24
Motor Baldor Baldor Baldor
Horsepower 1.5 Hp 1.5 Hp 1.5 Hp
Voltage 120V / 60 Hz 120V / 60 Hz 120V / 60 Hz
Amperage 8 8 8
Motor RPM 1725 1725 1725
Blade RPM 700 700 500
Arbor Size 1” 1” 1”
Blade Capacity 16”- 20” 16”- 20” 20”- 24”
Depth of Cut 7-1/2" (w/ 18" Blade) 8-1/2" (w/ 20" Blade) 10” (w/ 24" Blade)
Oil Capacity 9-1/4 gal. 4-1/4 gal. 19 gal.
Vise Opening 8” 8” 17”
Blade Included 18" 301 or 303S 20" 301 or 303S 24” 301 or 303S
Saw L x W x H 51” x 37” x 49” 51” x 37” x 49” 65” x 37” x 48”
Dry Weight 580 lbs. 580 lbs. 720 lbs.
Part Number 8302018 8302020 8302024
MOTOR
Single Phase, Continuous Duty commercial grade motor with automatic thermal overload protection.
Manual reset button on HP18, HP20 & HP24 Baldor motors. Export motor 230 volts 50Hz can be or-
dered with either saw.
FEED MECHANISM
Stainless steel screw rod with silicon bronze threaded clutch block engagement system. Silicon bronze
spur to hardened steel worm gear to belt pulley drive.
LUBRICATING SYSTEM
Blade splash system using petroleum or mineral oil based lubricant. Water should NEVER be used as
a lubricant in any of the series saws as it will adversely affect cutting performance, blade life, power
feed, iron/steel components, and create bearing problems with the saw.
LUBRICANT REFERENCE
HP18: 9-1/4 gallons with 18” blade
HP20: 4-1/4 gallons with 20” blade
HP24: 19 gallons with 24” blade
Refer to Oil / Coolant page 13
SLAB SAW SERIES SPECIFICATION

11
CARRIAGE FEED ENGAGE/DISENGAGEMENT
Lever operated clutch system using silicon bronze shoe with block (adjustable set screws).
INDEXING OR ROCK CUT WIDTH CONTROL
Crank handle operated stainless steel screw system.
TANK & HOOD COVER CONSTRUCTION
11 gauge steel box-construction 12 gauge hood with acrylic plastic viewing window.
TANK LEGS
11 gauge steel construction with locking casters on slab saws.
OIL SLUDGE DRAIN
2” drain cap on HP18 and HP24 saws. Drain placement is on bottom of saw tank.
ON/OFF AUTOMATIC POWER CONTROL
HP18 and HP24 saws have adjustable chain for automatic shut-off control of power on/off switch.
DEPTH OF CUT
24” blade: 10 inches,
20” blade: 8 inches
18” blade: 7.5 inches
MATERIAL TYPES
Barranca Diamond Slab Saws can cut a variety of material types including lapidary rock, natural and
artificial glass, and gemstone minerals.
NOTE: Slab Saws are not designed to cut wood, ice, synthetics, graphite carbon, plastics, or ferrous
metal materials.
UNPACKING & ASSEMBLY
Your Slab Saw has been shipped from the factory thoroughly inspected and tested. The blade has
been factory installed and arbor nut securely tightened. No assembly is required. Do not over-tighten
the arbor nut prior to use.
Remove the saw from the pallet by unbolting legs from crate pallet and place it on a flat surface using
a forklift. Install casters on legs – one at a time - on slab saws prior to operation.
SLAB SAW SERIES SPECIFICATION
CARRIAGE & VISE MATERIAL
Cast Iron.
CARRIAGE RAILS
Steel rod.
SHAFT BEARINGS
Sealed flange mount ball bearings with zerk fittings for grease lubrication.

12
SLAB SAW SERIES SPECIFICATION
Slab Saws weigh between 550 (HP18 & HP20) and 750 (HP24) pounds dry.
Do not attempt to move a saw that is not mounted on casters without a forklift
or floor jack.
Place the hood in the DOWN position and latched when transporting.
Be sure power cord is disconnected.
TRANSPORT
WARNING
CONTENTS
In the wood crate, you will find one (1) Barranca Diamond Slab Saw, one (1) 303 segmented diamond
blade, one (1) owner’s manual, one (1) warranty card, and 4 leg casters (SLAB SAW SERIES).

13
SLAB SAW SERIES OIL/COOLANT
Roc Cut
Roc Cut from Diamond Pacic is a new synthetic water soluble cutting additive with rust inhibitors. Mix 30 to 1 (water to
Roc Cut).
Never run a diamond blade dry as this can immediately damage your blade. Use one of the oils/coolants recommended
below. Coolant should be kept clean and below 100° F. Sludge should be removed periodically and replaced with fresh
coolant so that your cuts will be clean and your blades will not be damaged.
Non-hazmat replacement oil for electrical transformer cooling. Excellent lubricating properties for blades and saw parts.
Flushes sludge from rock easily, degreases easily, and sludge settles in saw tank well. In Southern California, Shell Diala
Ax can be purchased from Dion and Sons, Inc (www.dionandsons.com).
Food grade mineral oil. Non-hazardous lubricating oil for bakeries, breweries and food processing machinery. Good lubri-
cating properties, degreases and settles sludge well. Can go rancid over time (1 year or less).
Food grade mineral oil, excellent for slab sawing in all our slab saws.
Pure petroleum based machining cutting oil. Good for slab sawing but very strong odor. Often the cheapest priced oil
available but odor is tough to eliminate.
Ethylene glycol based automotive antifreeze and its vapors are considered hazardous and toxic. Propylene glycol based
antifreeze is nontoxic but has practically no lubricating properties; it functions as a coolant only and its use will lead to
rapid blade wear and dulling.
Does not have adequate lubricating proprieties for our saws; vapors are considered hazardous and toxic.
A good coolant but has no lubricating properties and causes rust and degradation of exposed iron and steel parts. Causes
rapid blade dulling and premature wear. Use of water voids the warranty on all Barranca Diamond saws.
Water soluble synthetic coolants (i.e. Valenite or Cimtool) are often mixed in a 20:1 blend with water. Fluid vapors are
considered hazardous. These uids do not have adequate lubricating or rust inhibiting properties for the cast iron and
steel parts in our slab and trim saws.
Very ammable with a low ash point. At least 3 of our commercial cutting customers in Arizona and Pacic Northwest
have burned down their shops using these uids. Can be very tough to degrease the residue and aroma out of the cut
slabs. These uids are cheap, but very hazardous to use. Diesel is a benzene compound which is carcinogenic. All these
uids can cause severe skin rashes and other ailments.
Shell Diala Ax
Chevron Superla #5
AVATEC 80
Texaco ALMAG
Automotive Antifreeze Coolant
Automotive Transmission Fluid
Water
CNC Machining Fluids
Diesel, Heating Oil and Kerosene
Electrical transformer cooling oil. A highly rened petroleum product, available from some non-Shell oil distributors, typi-
cally only in 55 gallon drums. Same properties and performance as Shell Amber Neutral 100.
Hyvolt II
A chlorine-free cutting oil with reduced sulfur and fat content. Light in color and low in odor.
Chevron Texaco Bright-Cut
Roc-Oil
Roc-Oil from Diamond Pacic is an oil coolant for heavy duty cutting. Provides excellent blade protection and will not
cause rust to your blade or saw.
Under NO circumstances should any of the following fluids be used in any of our lapidary saws:
RECOMMENDED CUTTING OILS

14
STARTUP
Saw Lubricant
The saw tank reservoir should be filled with oil to a point 1/4" to 3/8" of the bottom of the blade. This
ensures adequate lubrication for the blade’s diamond notched segments and allows for splashing of
the oil onto the rock carriage, vise, rails and screw thread
for lubrication and rock mud flushing into the tank. Never
place more than 3/4 inch of oil over the bottom of the
blade as this overfilling will result in more friction and
work for the blade and motor to overcome the excess oil
causing motor and belt overheating. Periodically check
the oil tank level after each day of use to ensure an ad-
equate level of lubricating oil in the tank. Expect loss of
cutting oil over time due to misting, absorption into the
rock material and heat evaporation.
Power Switch (SLAB SAW SERIES)
The motor requires no special preparation or adjustment prior to use of the slab saw. The on/off power
control toggle switch is located on the front of the saw. Pull the toggle switch away from the saw to
start the electric motor. Push the toggle switch toward the saw to stop the electric motor.
PRE-START INSPECTION
The pre-start inspection should be performed before beginning any job.
SLAB SAW SERIES STARTUP & ADJUSTMENT
CAUTION
1. Check Oil Level
Oil should always cover at least 1/4" to 3/8" of the bottom of the blade (Kerf should be completely cov-
ered). Do not overfill the reservoir tank!
2. Check Blade
Check blade signs for core or segment cracks, uneven segment wear, pounding
out of round arbor hole, undercutting, segment loss, dishing or loss of tension.
If the diamond blade shows signs of any of these problems the blade must be
replaced before starting work. A damaged blade will not cut correctly and could
cause physical injury.

15
Automatic Shutoff (SLAB SAW SERIES)
Once a rock specimen has been securely vised inside of
the saw, the operator can adjust the automatic shut-off
control switch by moving the link chain to the desired
position where the rock and vise are anticipated to
complete the desired cut. By moving the vise forward
with the rock in place, the operator can see where the
chain slack needs to be adjusted to stop the unit
automatically. Movement of the vice will tension the chain
to a point where it will pull the ON/OFF switch to the OFF
position and shut-off the power feed and blade shaft motor
automatically. Slab saw power switch
New Blade Break-In Procedure
Be sure to wipe off any and all carbide or abrasive grit particles
from the cross and main feed screw rod and rails. It is recommend-
ed, upon initial use of the slab saws, to cut material that is abrasive
yet soft such as carbide brick or cinder block to remove the factory
paint and open the blade’s diamond segment for optimal cutting
performance. Use of a sharpening stone such as aluminum oxide
or carborundum is acceptable only if the sharpening brick is placed
securely in the vise.
Slab saw automatic shut-off chain
& adjustment to carriage hook
SLAB SAW SERIES STARTUP & ADJUSTMENT

16
Never operate the saw with the hood up, or hold a sharpening stone to the blade by hand. Use of the
vise is mandatory under all operation conditions. Never over-sharpen the blade too much as it will cut
down the blade life. Periodically, the diamond blades should be "dressed open" or sharpened by mak-
ing several passes through a green carbide brick, aluminum oxide (60-100 grit), or abrasive stone such
as cinder block or red brick.
Should the saw experience difficulty in cutting, inspect the diamond blade for loss of tension, temper,
wobble, pounding, dishing, or glazing of the diamond cutting edge (kerf). Resharpening of the blade
may be required periodically when cutting dense and hard material. Segmented rim and continuous
rim 303 Pro blades are NOT repairable. Be sure blade flanges are at least 1/6 the blade diameter (i.e.
a 24" blade requires a set of flanges at least 4" in diameter). Undersized flanges will result in blade ten-
sion loss.
Carriage and rock vise
SLAB SAW SERIES STARTUP & ADJUSTMENT
Rock Vise/Carriage Operation
The carriage and rock vise work together to securely hold the rock specimens during movement of the
material in the carriage toward and into the notched rim diamond blade. The rock specimen should
not exceed the maximum material size for the saw you are using (as shown in the table on the saw
specifications page). It is very important that the rock specimen be tightened by use of the hand screw
threaded bolt at the back of the rear vise plate once the spec-
imen has been pushed forward and in firm contact with the
front plate. Both front and rear vise plates are constructed of
1/2" plywood to give firm and tight grip to the rock specimen.
Should replacement be needed due to wear or breakage,
the parts can be ordered from Barranca Diamond Products.
Wedges of wood can be used in the voids between the rock
specimen and vise plates to enhance the surface contact and
pressure hold prior to tightening the vise screw bolt. Be sure
to recheck the tightening screw prior to operation.
DO NOT FORCE the blade to cut, it will do the job better and safer at a rate for
which it was designed.
Cutting Setup:
ADJUSTMENT AND OPERATION
CAUTION

17
Handle Crank Cross Feed Adjustable Rock Cut Index Control
To use the crank cross feed index wheel, simply clamp and
secure the cutting material into the vise by using the clamp
screw to tighten the vise and turn the wheel crank until the
desired slab thickness is achieved You can measure the
slab thickness with a ruler prior to cutting, but remember,
depending on blade thickness, the amount of waste material
from the rock specimen will vary. Always allow the rock cut to
go to completion before opening the hood of the saw. Do not
over crank the vise to the far left or right position on the
carriage. Cross feed index, crank the handle
and clutch lever assembly
Clutch lever in disengaged position Clutch lever in engaged position
Clutch Adjustment
The clutch system is comprised of a lever to cam assembly that raises and lowers a bronze clutch
shoe. Should the clutch not fully engage and move the carriage, loosen the countersink screw below
the vise table inside of the carriage and tighten the two allen head screws to depress the bronze pres-
sure block. Adjust set screws in one-half turn increments. Be sure to retighten countersink screw after
each adjustment. Re-engage the clutch and restart saw to check if feed is working properly. If not,
readjust set screws another 1/2 turn, retighten countersink screw and restart saw to check feed.
SLAB SAW SERIES STARTUP & ADJUSTMENT
Automatic Feed Engagement/Disengagement System
Slab saws are designed for operation with an adjustable clamping vise and self-feeding carriage
mount. The clutch engagement/disengagement lever should be positioned in the straight upward
(12 o'clock) position to disengage the clutch and allow the carriage to move freely along the rails. To
engage the clutch, simply turn the lever in the downward (3 or 9 o'clock) position to securely engage
the bronze shoe and block with the stainless steel thread. Should the carriage not move freely on the
rails, clean the rails with a clean rag and place a liberal amount of wheel bearing grease on all sur-
faces of the steel rails to assist in the free movement of the carriage.

18
Adjusting countersink screw Adjusting allen head screw
This adjustment will help the clutch block shoe to snugly engage the stainless steel feed screw by ap-
plying pressure to the brass pressure block below the carriage casting. Should you have trouble with
this adjustment, call Barranca Diamond at [phone] for factory assistance in clutch adjustment.
Brass pressure block, feed
screw & clutch block shoe
Feed screw & clutch block shoe
Periodically, it will be necessary to replace the silicon bronze clutch block shoe once the 5/8"-18
threads are flattened or stripped. You may purchase the clutch block and pressure block direct from
the factory. See parts lists on pages 27 & 33 to order correct parts by part number and description of
part(s).
SLAB SAW SERIES STARTUP & ADJUSTMENT

19
MAINTENANCE FOLLOWING USE
The following maintenance should be performed following each use.
Blade-Shaft Bearings
Remove sheet metal cover over blade shaft
and grease zerk fittings on base mount bear-
ings. Use premium wheel bearing grease to
lubricate all blade-shaft bearings.
Shaft bearings
Cross-adjustment rail system
Cross-Adjustment Rail System
No grease or applied lubrication is required for the
stainless steel screw feed and cross-adjustment
rail system. The slab saw cutting oil splash will
adequately lubricate the vice screw-feed, rails and
clutch parts. If the carriage becomes hard to slide
over the rails, clean the rails with a rag and apply
a liberal amount of wheel bearing grease to the
surface of the steel rails to facilitate travel of the
carriage over the rails.
SLAB SAW SERIES MAINTENANCE
WARNING Place the ON/OFF switch in the OFF position and unplug cord prior to servicing
and when changing accessories, such as blades, belts, and the like.

20
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Oil Sludge Removal from Reservoir
Use plumber's pipe wrench to remove drain cap. Allow free liquid to drain to a pan. Use a spatula to
remove sludge from tank bottom toward drain hole. Use of plumbers tape on the drain pipe threads will
adequately seal the cap to thread contact to prevent leaks.
MONTHLY MAINTENANCE
The following should be performed monthly. Items should be lubricated as directed.
Shaft Bearings
Grease zerk fittings on sealed ball bearing every 20 to 30 hours of use. Rotate shaft periodically while
greasing zerk fittings.
Drive Belts
The belt tension from the motor to blade shaft and worm drive gear are factory preset for immediate
operation. However, the belt tension can be adjusted by adjusting the motor mount plate under the oil
reservoir box with an open end wrench.
Periodically, the belt tension should be checked by removing the belt guard metal cover and ensure
at least 1/2 to 3/4 inch of belt defection is observable. Never over tighten the drive belt as premature
motor, bearing and pulley wear may occur. Even though the
idler pulley contains sealed ball bearings that do not require
lubricant, a small amount of spray oil lubricant or grease
can be used periodically to keep the idler shaft and pulley
in free spinning condition. Do not allow oil or lubricant to
come in contact with the v-belts. Always ensure the spring
on the idler pulley arm is attached and not damaged. Some
periodic lubrication at the idler shaft/pulley will be neces-
sary. Use a light oil for this bearing to shaft contact surface.
Blade shaft to motor worm gear
shaft pulleys and belts
Idler pulley assembly
Belt tensioning assembly
SLAB SAW SERIES MAINTENANCE