Do's and Don'ts of Using Diamond Blades - Pro Tool & Supply

You want to make sure you do everything possible to extend the life of your diamond cutting blade. Diamond blades vary in size, style, and composition; however, the general best practices mentioned in this article are appropriate for all types of diamond blades.

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DO: Use a hard bond to cut softer materials and a soft bond to cut harder materials

It sounds strange, but it has to do with the process of the diamonds being ground down while the blade spins through the material, sloughing off diamonds to reveal another diamond layer.

Hard bond → Soft material
A harder bond holds diamonds in place longer – meaning it’s more effective when grinding through softer material.

Soft bond → Hard material
When working with hard material, what’s important is to constantly wear away the diamonds to get to the next layer of diamonds beneath them. A soft bond allows this to occur.

DO: Use narrow gullets for hard materials and wide gullets for soft materials

On a segmented diamond cutting blade, the spaces between the segments help to remove the slurry of ground-down diamonds and matrix material. It’s important for the slurry to be removed efficiently, or the friction of the blade against the material can cause overheating.

Soft material → Wide gullets
When the softer material is being cut, the amount of slurry produced requires a wider gullet.

Hard material → Narrow gullets
Harder materials don’t produce as much slurry, so you can get away with using a blade with a narrower gullet.

DO: Consult a cutting tool expert before cutting material of unknown hardness or abrasiveness

Diamond blades are designed and manufactured to cut nearly any type of material, such as:

Asphalt over concrete Granite Rebar Block Green Concrete Reinforced concrete Brick Limestone Stone Ceramics Marble Tile Cured Concrete Pavers (and other masonry) Travertine Glass Porcelain

If you have a material that’s not mentioned here, it’s best to contact a cutting tool specialist to determine the best diamond cutting blade to use.

DO: Check the aggregate type before cutting concrete

“Aggregate” refers to the particles that are combined with the concrete to give it strength. Some aggregate types are harder than others. The most common materials used are crushed stone, gravel, recycled concrete, sand, slag, and geosynthetics (man-made). Once you know the aggregate composition, you can pick the best concrete cutting blade for the job.

DON’T: Allow the blade to overheat

An overheated diamond blade ages prematurely and can crack. If you are running a dry blade, make sure you pause occasionally to allow it to cool down. Otherwise, for a wet job, make sure you have enough coolant (such as clean, cold water). Even when running a wet blade, you may need to allow it to run freely every 10 seconds or so to allow air to cool it down.

Although you can use a dry cutting blade for a wet job, you cannot do the opposite. A wet diamond blade used for a dry job will overheat and possibly break apart, becoming a dangerous flying object.

DON’T: Use a blade designed for a low-horsepower saw on a high-horsepower saw

In this scenario, the diamond blade will wear out much more quickly than it would normally. On the other hand, it’s a bad idea to use a high-horsepower blade on a low-horsepower saw because the blade may damage the material or itself.

DON’T: Allow untrained saw operators to use diamond blades

An experienced saw operator knows how to use a diamond cutting blade so that it’s most effective. Besides properly matching the blade to the job (and the saw), a well-trained operator knows how and when to “dress the blade” (exposing new diamonds by cutting something abrasive).
It’s also important for the saw operator to observe the recommended operating speeds for both the saw and blade. The blade manufacturer will have a recommended speed for its diamond cutting blades as well as a maximum safe speed.

DON’T: Neglect saw maintenance

Besides the saw’s operation, its maintenance is also a factor in prolonging the life of a diamond blade. Although all parts are important, it’s particularly crucial to check the saw’s drive belts, bearings, spindle, water jet flow, and water pump. If you’re unsure which parts your saw is need of, our parts specialists can help.

Not sure which saw blades are right for your upcoming job?

When it comes to tackling tough cutting jobs in the construction industry, having the right tools is essential. Diamond blades are a popular choice for professionals who work with materials like tile, stone, and porcelain. With their superior cutting power and durability, diamond blades are a valuable asset in any contractor's toolbox. In this comprehensive buying guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to select the ideal diamond blade for your specific needs. So, let's get started!

For more information, please visit XMF.

Choosing the right diamond blade

Selecting the right diamond blade is paramount to achieving clean and precise cuts in different materials. Before making a purchase, consider the following factors:

• Material Compatibility: Diamond blades are designed for specific materials. For instance, if you primarily work with tile, opt for a blade specifically made for tile cutting. Consider the hardness, thickness, and type of material you'll be cutting to ensure the blade's compatibility.
• Blade Type: Diamond blades come in various types, including continuous rim, segmented rim, turbo rim, and electroplated blades. Each type has its own cutting characteristics and applications. Continuous rim blades are ideal for smooth cuts, segmented blades provide faster cutting speeds, turbo rim blades are suitable for both wet and dry cutting, and electroplated blades are used for delicate materials. Choose the blade type that suits your cutting needs.

Factors to consider before buying a diamond saw blade

When purchasing a diamond saw blade, it's crucial to consider a few essential factors:

• Blade Size: Choose the appropriate blade size based on the saw's arbor size and the depth of cut you require. Selecting the right size will ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
• Quality and Durability: Look for diamond blades made from high-quality materials and featuring a strong bond between the diamond segments and the blade core. A durable blade will withstand the demands of heavy-duty cutting and provide a longer service life.

Understanding the characteristics of diamond saw blades

To make an informed purchasing decision, it's important to understand the key characteristics of diamond saw blades:

• Diamond Concentration: The diamond concentration refers to the amount of diamond on the blade's edge. Higher diamond concentration blades offer enhanced cutting performance and durability, making them suitable for tougher materials.
• Blade Segment Height: The segment height determines the depth of cut the blade can achieve. Consider the thickness of the materials you'll be cutting and choose a blade with an appropriate segment height for efficient cutting.

Blades for Tile, Stone, and Glass

Blades for Tile

For tile cutting, our collection includes diamond blades with a continuous rim or a segmented rim. Continuous rim blades are perfect for achieving smooth cuts in ceramic, porcelain, and glass tiles. On the other hand, segmented rim blades are ideal for cutting through harder materials such as natural stone tiles or thicker porcelain tiles. These blades provide faster cutting speeds and improved debris removal.

Rubi Tools RED COBRA Diamond Blades

RTC T3 Razor 10" Diamond Blade

Blades for Natural Stone

When working with natural stone, we recommend using diamond blades with a turbo rim design. Turbo rim blades have specially designed cutouts that help to dissipate heat, ensuring cooler cutting and preventing the blade from overheating. They provide excellent cutting performance on materials like granite, marble, and travertine.

Diablo Tools Continuous Rim Cut-Off Diamond Blades for Masonry

Rubi Tools VIP Turbo Mesh Diamond Blades

Blades for Porcelain:

For porcelain cutting, our diamond blades are designed to deliver precise and clean cuts. They are suitable for both wet and dry cutting applications and are specifically engineered to tackle the hardness of porcelain materials. Choose our porcelain blades for superior cutting performance.

Montolit CGX115 4-1/2" Gold Line DNA Blade

Rubi Tools RED COBRA Diamond Blades

Comparing Diamond Saw Blades with Other Blade Types

While diamond blades excel in cutting hard materials, it's essential to understand how they compare to other blade types:

• Carbide-Tipped Blades: Carbide-tipped blades are commonly used for general-purpose cutting. They are more affordable than diamond blades but may not deliver the same level of precision and durability when cutting hard materials.
• Abrasive Blades: Abrasive blades, such as those made from aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, are suitable for cutting softer materials like wood and plastic. However, they are not designed for cutting hard materials like tile, stone, or porcelain.

FAQs:

Can I use a tile blade to cut stone?
It is not recommended to use a tile blade for cutting stone. Tile blades are designed for cutting softer materials and may not withstand the hardness and abrasive nature of stone. It's best to choose a diamond blade specifically designed for stone cutting to ensure optimal performance and durability.

How long do diamond blades last?
The lifespan of a diamond blade depends on various factors, including the quality of the blade, the material being cut, and the cutting technique employed. Generally, diamond blades can last for several cutting hours, but it's essential to monitor the blade's condition and replace it once it becomes dull or worn out. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help prolong the life of the blade.

What safety precautions should I take when using diamond blades?
When working with diamond blades, always prioritize safety. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for blade installation and ensure the blade is securely mounted. Avoid cutting materials that are unsupported or unstable, as they may cause the blade to bind or kickback.

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