Diamond Blade Selection

It is important that the correct diamond blade is used for the appropriate job. For example, an asphalt blade should not be used to cut concrete as the bond will be too hard for the material being cut. A concrete blade should not be used to cut asphalt as it will wear prematurely. If the blade is too hard for the material being cut this can cause the diamonds to round off and become dull. Instead of cutting, the blade starts pounding, causing the blade to wear out of round. In this case you need to change to a blade with a softer bond.

Install the Blade Properly

Often saw operators will spin a blade in the wrong direction, while the blade will still cut if it's spinning the wrong way it will wear out quickly. Pay attention to the directional arrows labelled on the blade. Do ensure the blade is installed properly and spins in the intended direction.

Do not Force the Blade

Forcing the blade through the material will put strain on the motor and will overheat the blade which causes premature wear and possible segment damage. This can cause the diamond segments to glaze up. Glazing is caused by the metal in the diamond segment getting so hot that it actually covers the diamonds and causes the blade to dull and stop cutting. This problem can be rectified by dressing the blade; this involves cutting abrasive material eg: sandstone, besser block, asphalt etc.

Always Let the Blade Do the Cutting

Whether you're using a handsaw/road saw or brick saw this will increase the life of the blade and the life of the machine. You should use a step cutting technique. This involves using several passes to complete the cut.

Don't be Pushy

Any equipment can fail if it is pushed beyond its operating limits, saws and blades are no exception. Avoid pushing a blade too hard just to get the job done.

Do Not Undercut

How deep are you cutting? Undercutting is a condition in which the steel core wears just underneath the diamond segment. This is caused by either completely cutting through a slab with a road saw or hand saw and allowing the blade to spin in gravel or sand underneath. This is also caused by cutting in excessively abrasive material without sufficient coolant flow to wash away the fines. A good way to tell if core wears just underneath the diamond segment. This is caused by either completely cutting through a slab and allowing the blade to spin in gravel or sand underneath. This is also caused by cutting in excessively abrasive material without sufficient coolant flow to wash away the fines. A good way to tell if you have cut through the slab is to look for a change of colour in the slurry.

In A Nut Shell

· Make sure your machine is regularly serviced and the bearings and blade shaft are in good condition and ensure that the blade is running at the correct speed.

· If using a wet cutting blade, make sure the water flow is directed on both sides of the blade.

· If using a dry cutting blade, make sure that you do not push too hard and lift the blade out of the cut periodically to keep it cool.

· Use the step cutting technique.

· Do not undercut

· Don't push too hard and let the blade do the cutting

· Wear proper ear and eye protection.