When purchasing a diamond blade, you must decide what is most important to you: the initial cost of the blade or the cost per cut. For smaller jobs, an inexpensive blade may be desirable. For medium to large jobs, a higher priced blade may offer more value by giving a lower cost per cut. In addition, keep in mind the horse power and type of saw you are using can enhance the blade's performance.

Most important in choosing a diamond blade is accurately identifying the material to be cut. There is a correlation between the life and cutting speed of the blade and the material being cut. Diamond Blade Warehouse blades cut a range of materials but for optimal performance the blade should be matched to the material you cut most often. Remember dry blades can be used either dry or wet, but wet blades must be used with water.

In summary the following factors should be considered in choosing a diamond blade:

Initial price of blade or cost effectiveness of blade.
Type of material being cut.
Matching saw and horsepower to blade being used.
Style of blade desired: segmented, serrated or continuous rim blade.
Wet cutting or dry cutting application.

Other factors to consider:

• What type of aggregate are you cutting?


• What is the hardness of aggregate?


• Are you cutting green or cured concrete?
  If Green...
  Determine hours after pouring (usually up to 24 depending on weather conditions).
  Determine aggregate for abrasiveness to properly bond.
  Set depth of cut according to size of blade.
  If spalling begins, the concrete may have cured.
  Verify whether undercut protection is needed.
  Always saw control joints as quickly as possible.


• If Cured...
  Determine aggregate for proper bonding.
  Determine amount of steel reinforcement/rebar.
  Determine comprehensive strength.
  Choose blade according to saw type for wet or dry cutting - and for depth of cut.
  Do not idle blade in cut.


• What is the psi of concrete or brick being cut?


• What type of steel rebar reinforcement is in the material being cut.

Here are some helpful tips to insure proper use of diamond blades:

• Blade must be appropriate to the application.


• Mount blade according to directional arrow and securely tighten blade shaft.


• Use maximum RPM's for blade size and specifications.


• Check flanges, bearings, belts, arbor shaft, blade guard, etc. A blade will perform at maximum only on a well maintained saw.


• Do not put pressure on the blade, let it do the cutting.


• Take shallow cuts and cut for short periods of time to avoid overheating. Do not cut curves.


• Always hold material securely while cutting to avoid slippage.


• If blade stops cutting, pass blade through an abrasive material such as asphalt or lightweight block to expose the diamonds.