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Print ArticleTYPES OF BLADES
Most blades for your permanent saw are segmented. The diamonds are welded to a friction core in segments with gaps between them. This feature will help the blade cut faster, stay cooler, last longer and remove slurry (muck).
Turbo blades are normally used on portable saws. The diamond segments are staggered and overlapping. Because the segments are staggered, the blade operates similarly to the segmented.
Continuous rim blades can also be found on many portable saws. The blade has a continuous diamond rim without staggers or gaps. On large saws, this type of blade can be used with a soft bond for smooth mitre and joint cuts. The disadvantage of this is that the blade cuts slower and hotter, wears faster and does not assist in the removal of slurry.
OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER
1. All diamonds are not the same and are available
in different grades, hardness and grit sizes.
2. Diamond concentration is also important.
3. The feeding speed of your saw is important. If the feeding speed is too fast, you take
the chance of breaking a segment.
4. Granite is classified into five types based on its volume of quartz, and each class will
have a recommendation by the blade manufacturer. For example, Class I granite may have a
speed of up to 600 cm2 per minute.
5. There are also different segment types such as three layer, normal and many others.
6. There are various types of steel cores such as normal core which is a high grade heat
treated core. Tempered steel can be used for high demands on stability and wear resistance.
The core is also responsible for damping wobbling. Many blades are now silent core. A silent
core consists of two sheets of steel with a sheet of copper between them.
The list goes on and on and in no way is the information above complete. The information found here is based on blade tips for bridge saws and does not apply to dry cutting. Hand saws, grinders, etc., are a different matter when it comes to diamond blades.
TIPS
Did you ever wonder why there is a directional arrow on most diamond blades?
Many diamond blades are broken in during the manufacturing process. If you mount the blade with the arrow in the opposite direction, it can cause premature wear of the blade because it may pull out some of the diamonds.
About the author: Frederick M. Hueston runs the National Training Center for Stone & Masonry Trades, Asheville, NC 2880; www.ntc-stone.com; and can be reached at Fhueston@aol.com.
