Importance of Selecting and Using the Right Diamond Blade
The Importance of Diamond Quality
When it comes to diamond quality, you get what you pay for.There are diamond blades on the market that boast a low cost, but their quality is low as well. A blade with low-quality diamonds has a shorter life, lower cutting rates, and is not as effective when it comes to cutting through hard aggregates. Lower-quality blades are more ideal for smaller jobs or occasional use.
Blades with high-quality diamonds cost more but they last longer, cut faster, and offer high impact strength against hard materials like concrete and steel. They also boast a longer tool life and can withstand higher temperatures. For larger jobs or regular use, it makes more sense to spend a little more on a quality blade as it will perform better and last longer. You'll end up saving money in the long run.
Hard Bond or Soft Bond?
Choosing between using a hard bond or a soft bond involves knowledge about the tool you’re using as well as the bond itself. Generally speaking, the hardness of the blade’s bond or metal matrix and the number of diamonds embedded into the radius determine how fast the blade will wear out and how fast it sheds worn diamond grit. The one thing to remember is that it’s an inverse relationship when it comes to choosing between a hard bond or soft bond.Soft-bonded blades cut hard, dense materials like nonabrasive concrete easier than blades with hard bonds. The matrix erodes easier on soft-bonded blades, which means that sharp new diamonds are exposed often, and fresh diamond grit is uncovered quickly. This results in better cutting performance, even though the blades get used up quicker.
Hard-bonded blades, on the other hand, are best for cutting soft, porous materials like soft concrete because they endure the abrasiveness. Diamonds on a hard bond blade are in for the long haul and the diamonds are used completely before they are shed. As a result, they’re more durable and have more longevity.
Choosing the Right Blade for Your Project
Each project is different, and contractors have different needs for diamond blades. There are many factors to consider when determining if your blade is optimal for your particular application. It helps to know about blade quality levels for use, value, and cutting life.You can waste a quality blade by using it incorrectly, so make sure your operators are properly trained. Remember to let the equipment do the work, use the right amount of water for wet blades, and cut at the optimum speed for the material.
- Best for specialist contractors – A premium blade is ideal for intensive professional use in specialist applications. These top-quality blades provide the highest cutting speed and the most wear resistance when you’re doing heavy drilling, grinding, and cutting.
- Best for general contractors – A decent quality diamond blade is recommended for general contractors who want to use them professionally in general contracting applications. Tools with mid-level quality blades are ideal for cutting asphalt, green concrete, and brick.
- Best for occasional users – If you’re an occasional tool user and looking for a balance between price and performance, go for a basic diamond blade. Average-quality blades are good for multi-purpose common cutting and drilling
