Cut further, faster by selecting the right diamond blade for your cutting application. The best way to stay efficient on your job site is by minimizing downtime. If you have to stop and change your diamond blade every few cuts, you lose a lot of valuable time. Selecting the right diamond blade is crucial for several reasons, and it can significantly impact the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall success of the project. Taking the time to understand the specific requirements of your project and choosing the appropriate diamond blade can make a significant difference in overall project success.

1. What Material Are You Cutting?

Diamond blades are made with different levels of bonded segments, ranging from soft to hard. To get the most out of your diamond blade, the segment and blade should be matched to the material it will cut. Being able to identify the type of material to be cut and the aggregate of the material can extend the life of your diamond blade drastically.

If you are cutting hard material like granite, stone, or brick, you want a softer-bonded blade like our Ol' Blue Blade. If you are cutting softer material like asphalt or concrete, you want a harder-bonded blade like our Boss Blade

2. What Equipment Are You Using?

Understand that the horsepower you are cutting with impacts the productivity and longevity of your diamond blade. The size of the blade should match the saw’s maximum horsepower. Cutting with a saw that runs too fast can cause the diamond blade to glaze over and get too hot. Cutting with a saw that runs too slow greatly affects the productivity and effectiveness of your diamond blade.

3. What is Your Depth of Cut?

Knowing how deep you need to cut before selecting your diamond blade allows for a more precise and accurate cut. The maximum cutting depth of a blade depends on the saw type and the saw’s components. Blade guards and motor housings can decrease the maximum depth of cut you can make with a blade. Check out our Diamond Blade Cutting Depths Gude for an overview of your maximum depth of cut based on saw type and blade diameter.

4. Are You Wet Cutting?

Knowing whether you need to use water with your diamond blade is important when selecting a blade. Any blades that are designed to cut wet MUST be used with water, while blades that are designed to cut dry can be used to cut both wet and dry.

Wet cutting is one of the most effective ways to cut concrete, masonry, stone, or even asphalt. Dust exposure is kept to a minimum and your diamond blade is less likely to overheat. The key is using the right amount of water. The slurry should almost have a chocolate milk consistency to it.

Phil White- Esch Construction Supply | Diamond Blade Expert

5. Can I Get More Longevity From This Blade?

A diamond blade's life depends on many different variables. One key factor of a diamond blade's life is the quality of the diamond blade. Diamond blades have different concentrations and quality of diamonds within the segments. A blade with a higher concentration and quality of diamonds will perform better and last longer.

Another factor is the blade specs. Make sure that your blade's segments are designed for the aggregate you are cutting. Cutting a hard material like old concrete will need a softer bonded segment on the blade than one used when cutting a more abrasive material like asphalt. A harder material requires more diamonds to be exposed in the segment. Soft bonded segments allow the diamonds to rise to the top to be exposed and grind away the material quickly. You could use a blade designed for hard material for asphalt, it will cut fast, but the diamond blade won't last long. 

The type of saw that is being used also makes a difference in the life of your blade. A saw with a higher RPM will wear a blade faster than a saw with a low RPM.

The saw operator plays a big role in the longevity of the blade. Applying too much pressure on the blade tends to wear the segments down faster than someone applying minimal pressure. 

Final Tips For Diamond Blade Production

1) Use a wet blade only when wet cutting

2) Don't bury the blade, let the saw cut by itself.

3) Make sure the blade is installed correctly