Solving Common Diamond Blade Problems
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Cutting incorrectly or choosing the wrong diamond blade can not only have an effect on the life and effectiveness of your blade, but it can also lead to a potentially dangerous problem with your blade. Have you experienced a loss of tension, segment loss, cracked segments, overheated blade, excessive wear on segments, glazed over segments, cracked core or undercutting on a diamond blade? The following will explain the most effective way to prevent these diamond blade problems.
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Loss of Tension
When a diamond blade is said to have a loss of tension or "out of tension" this means that the bend or curve of the blade is not correct. This causes the blade to wobble from side to side while cutting. A diamond blade with a loss of tension needs to be re-tensioned.
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Cause: You are running the diamond blade at the wrong RPM. |
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Prevention: Check your saw's RPM to make sure it aligns with your diamond blade's maximum RPM. |
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Cause: The diamond blade has been dropped or thrown. |
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Prevention: Handle your diamond blade with care, put the blade back in its box, or hang the diamond blade on a hook. |
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Cause: The blade has overheated, normally caused by excessive force on the blade. |
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Prevention: Let the diamond blade cut at its own pace. Don't push down on the blade when you are cutting. Try step-cutting instead! |
DON'T USE YOUR BLADE UNTIL IT HAS BEEN RE-TENSIONED! |
Segment Loss
A diamond blade has laser-welded segments attached to the blade core. When the weld is weakened, the segment has a chance to break off leading to segment loss.
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Cause: The material shifts while cutting. |
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Prevention: Keep the material you are cutting secure and stable |
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Cause: Twisting or changing directions while in the cut creates torque on the segment |
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Prevention: Lift the saw blade out of the cut and re-enter the material rather than trying to change direction while in the cut. |
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Cause: Forcing the blade into the cut with excessive pressure. Forcing the blade deep into the cut may lead to you hitting something unexpected. |
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Prevention: Let the blade do the work. Back off the saw cut if the blade is not cutting smoothly. |
NEVER CONTINUE TO USE A BLADE IF IT HAS LOST SEGMENTS |
Cracked Segments
A cracked segment is a hairline chip in the segment. Continuing to cut with a segment that is cracked can lead to a lost segment.
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Cause: You are putting too much pressure on the diamond blade. |
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Prevention: Let the diamond blade cut at its own pace. Don't push down on the blade when you are cutting. |
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Cause: You are using the wrong blade for the material you are cutting. |
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Prevention: Use the correct bond hardness on the blade for the material you are cutting. |
NEVER CONTINUE TO USE A BLADE IF IT HAS CRACKED SEGMENTS! |
Overheated Blade
An overheated blade can be identified by a blue-ish color on the diamond blade's core and segments. An overheated blade is a common cause of lost segments and a cracked core.
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Cause: You aren't using enough water to cool the diamond blade down. |
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Prevention: Use the right amount of water when cutting. You want a slurry with a chocolate milk consistency. |
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Cause: You are putting too much pressure on the diamond blade. |
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Prevention: Let the diamond blade cut at its own pace. Don't push down on the blade when you are cutting. |
Excessive Wear on Segments
If your diamond blade isn't getting the longevity that you expect, the segments could be wearing away too quickly. You may also notice that segment wear is uneven.
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Cause: If your segments are wearing away too quickly. You are using the wrong blade for the material you are cutting. |
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Prevention: Use the correct bond hardness on a blade for the material you are cutting. |
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Cause: You aren't using enough water to cool the diamond blade down. |
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Prevention: Use the right amount of water when cutting. You want a slurry with a chocolate milk consistency. |
Glazed over Segments
When a diamond blade's segments "glaze over" they are unable to continue to cut. The segments no longer have any exposed diamonds and the segments feel smooth to the touch. You are able to re-expose diamond or "redress" a blade that has glazed over segments.
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Cause: If your segments are wearing away too quickly. You are using the wrong blade for the material you are cutting. |
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Prevention: Use the correct bond hardness on a blade for the material you are cutting. |
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Cause: You are running the diamond blade at the wrong RPM. |
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Prevention: Check your saw's RPM to make sure it aligns with your diamond blade's maximum RPM. |
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Cause: You are using too much water when you are cutting. |
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Prevention: Use an adequate amount of coolant for the blade. The slurry should be a chocolate milk consistency. |
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Cause: The diamond blade is spinning in the wrong direction. |
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Prevention: Make sure the arrow on the blade faces in the direction of the cut. Otherwise, follow the direction of the diamonds or "comet tail" to see which way the blade goes. |
Cracked Core
A cracked core is a dangerous fault for a diamond blade. A cracked core will begin in the gullet. Pieces of the core can begin to fly off the blade at extremely high speeds if you continue to use a blade with a cracked core.
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Cause: You are bogging down the blade, forcing the blade into a tight cut. |
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Prevention: Let the diamond blade cut at its own pace. Don't push down on the blade when you are cutting. |
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Cause: You aren't using enough water to cool the diamond blade down. |
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Prevention: Use the right amount of water when cutting. You want a slurry with a chocolate milk consistency. |
NEVER CONTINUE TO USE A BLADE IF IT HAS A CRACKED CORE |
Undercutting
Undercutting is similar to excessive segment wear. Undercutting is when the core of the blade is wearing away faster than the segment.
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Cause: You are cutting a very abrasive material and the slurry is wearing away the diamond blade's core instead of the segments. |
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Prevention: Use the right amount of water when cutting. You want a slurry with a chocolate milk consistency. |
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Cause: You are cutting too deep with the diamond blade and the core is coming in contact with the material you are cutting. |
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Prevention: Try Step Cutting! This takes the pressure off the blade and allows for a safer and easier cut. |
NEVER USE A BLADE IF IT IS UNDERCUT! |
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