How to Choose a Diamond Blade for the Job

More and more tradesmen are ditching their traditional saw blades for premium diamond blades. Long-lasting, quiet, compatible with most materials, and capable of clean, precise cuts – it makes sense why diamond blades are becoming the go-to choice for cutting jobs. If you’re in the market for a diamond blade, how do you pick the best one for your needs?

To choose the right diamond blade for the job, you’ll need to take many things into consideration. This includes what materials you’re cutting, your budget, the type of blade, the size of the job and saw compatibility. Once you know these factors, you can narrow down your options.

Yeah, it’s a lot, but you can’t buy just any diamond blade. Make sure to do your research; selecting the wrong blade will damage it and could cause you to spend more money in the end. We at CDBS know how important it is to choose the right diamond blade, so we’ve put together a handy guide below with in-depth information to help you out.

How do I choose a diamond blade?

Choosing the right diamond blade depends on what you’re using it for because they come in many sizes, performance levels, qualities, and prices. So, how do you choose the right one? Typically, you want to consider the following aspects.

The first thing to look for is whether the blade can cut the materials you have. While most are compatible with diamond blades, some materials like asphalt and sandstone need specifically designed diamond blades.

Next, you’ll want a blade that won’t wear down quickly but also cuts at high speeds. Being able to cut quickly means you’ll get a precise line and reduce chipping, but this can also cause your saw to overheat and wear it down over time. If you can, go for a segmented wet blade rather than a dry one. This helps keep the blade cool, which increases its lifespan.

Lastly, one of the most important things to consider is whether it’s compatible with your saw. If your saw and blade aren’t matched, this can shorten the blade’s lifespan. Generally, your equipment will perform better if you match low-performance blades with low-horsepower saws, and high-performance blades with high-horsepower saws.

A diamond blade consists of synthetic diamond crystals that are bonded to the blade’s edge. These diamonds make clean “cuts” by grinding away at the surface of the material. It’s the best choice for almost every cutting job because it’s long-lasting, produces less heat, cuts precisely, and makes minimal noise.

What is the best diamond blade?

As usual, the best diamond cutting blade depends on what you’re using it for and what bond strength works best with the materials you’re cutting. These blades come in three options: segmented, serrated, and continuous.

Segmented Blades 

Segmented blades are the most popular because they have a wide range of uses. The segments are ideal for dry cutting since it keeps the blades cool, and higher quality blades come with reinforced segments that increase their lifespan. This type of blade is great for cutting concrete and asphalt due to its harder bond.

Turbo Blades

Serrated turbo blades can be used wet and dry and are great for making quick, smooth cuts. The serrated edges push debris out of the way, and their soft to medium bonds make them good choices for natural stone, marble, granite, and tile.

Continuous Blades

Continuous blades have no serration or segments, so their smooth edges make them perfect for cutting finished sides. The softer bonds will cut materials like porcelain or ceramic. Just know that they’re slower than the other blade types and need water for cooling.

What blade is best for cutting concrete?

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty surface that’s permanent and resistant to weather, concrete is the way to go. Unfortunately, the qualities that make it so durable are also what make it so frustrating to deal with, especially when you have to repair or cut it. It also doesn’t help that concrete gets harder as it ages. Thanks to advancements in diamond tools and blades, though, you won’t have to fight a losing battle – and we’ve got just the right weapons for you.

For concrete pavers and block saws, your best bet is the Paragon Stealth Master Concrete Block and Paver Blade. This diamond-bladed saw has a German-made laser-welded rim that cuts like butter and has a 35% longer lifespan than sintered diamond blades. The best part? Its silent core technology cuts down noise to just 8 decibels. Keep in mind, though, that this blade isn’t recommended for cutting clay bricks or clay pavers.

For demo saws and ground concrete, the Flash 14” Universal Segmented Turbo Blade by Paragon can be used on all construction site materials and has a turbo rim to provide superior cutting speed. Its segmented design blows dust and slurry out of the cut while keeping the blade cool, meaning it won’t wear out as quickly. It’s also semi-silent and vibration damped, so you really can’t go wrong here.

Tacti-Cut S50+ Diamond Blade is an affordable option for cured concrete. It’s rated within Husqvarna’s lowest quality tier Bronze grade, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a workhorse in its own right! This high-speed blade fits onto different machine types, allows wet or dry cuts, and works with many universal construction materials.

What kind of blade do you use for brick?

Cutting brick was a revolutionary discovery across the world and is still being used in construction because of its strength and resistance to degradation. However, this material is brittle and hard to cut precisely, so you’ll need a high-quality diamond blade to help you out.

If you need a reliable tool to cut brick, you’ve got two choices from Paragon:

The Stealth Master Universal Brick and Paver Diamond Blade is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a blade that’s suitable for wet or dry use. It accepts a universal range of brick and other hard materials and features carbide inserts to protect the blade’s segments. With its laser-welded rim and silent core tech, your blade will last longer and be whisper-quiet.

The Dynamo Premium 14″ Bricksaw Blade is an affordable diamond blade option specifically designed to cut clay bricks and other hard masonry. Its segmented rim silently blows away debris while cooling the blade. Just know that this blade is for wet use only.

Can you use a diamond blade to cut asphalt?

You absolutely can, but it’s important to pick a blade that has the right quality and specifications for the job. Asphalt is softer than other materials, so using a tool like a jackhammer could actually weaken it. Your best option is a hard-bonded diamond blade that’s designed for cutting asphalt.

Unitec’s Pro Asphalt and Sandstone Diamond Blade isn’t recommended for hard clay bricks or terracotta, but it’s perfect for materials like asphalt, sandstone, concrete, and lightweight blocks. Choose from sizes between 12-18 inches and use it with bricksaws, blocksaws, and floorsaws.

For dual-purpose concrete and asphalt as well as abrasive concrete, you may want to go for the Premium Concrete and Asphalt Diamond Blade by AusKut. This high-speed blade has laser-welded segments and can be purchased in 14 and 16-inch sizes.

What is the best blade to cut sandstone?

Used for millennia, this material is made of sand and rock cemented together and usually forms when sand is buried deeply enough at high pressures and temperatures. Many people like to use sandstone because it’s colourful, easy to cut, and weather-resistant. Since it’s quite soft, like asphalt, you’ll need a diamond blade that’s specifically designed to cut it.

As mentioned before, one of the best blades to cut sandstone is Unitec’s Pro Asphalt and Sandstone Diamond Blade. You can use this blade interchangeably with bricksaws, blocksaws, and floorsaws depending on your needs.

Paragon’s Flash 14″ Universal Segmented Turbo Blade is another great option if you need to cut sandstone. It’s an affordable and reliable segmented blade that pushes off dust and slurry and can be used wet or dry. It also accepts all construction site materials. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?

What blade is best for cutting fiberglass?

Fiberglass is a type of plastic that’s reinforced with glass, making it lightweight and easy to shape. It’s also rustproof, fire-resistant, compatible with other compounds, and makes an excellent electrical insulator. It’s a real do-it-all material, but this comes at a price. Since it’s more brittle, you’ll need a tool that can cleanly cut through it without causing chips and splinters.

As it is as softer abrasive material, fiberglass needs a very specific diamond blade and you can’t beat the Destroyer Pro Universal Hard/Abrasive Diamond Blade. In true Michael Myers fashion, this premium bad boy cuts almost everything and does it silently. The tungsten carbide inserts protect the segments while cutting softer materials like fiberglass, while ensuring a clean cut. You’ll be using this blade for years.

What can’t I cut with a diamond blade?

While traditional metal blades are designed for slicing, diamond blades are designed for grinding. This makes them ideal for cutting a range of hard materials, including:

  • Porcelain, ceramic
  • Granite, asphalt, slate, and other natural stones
  • Marble
  • Glass
  • Concrete
  • Brick

Unfortunately, since they work through friction, diamond blades aren’t suitable for softer materials, such as:

  • Wood
  • Aluminum
  • Soft plastics
  • Brass

For these types of materials, metal blades might be a better option. However, for most harder materials, diamond blades are the way to go.

Learn How to Choose Diamond Blades Today!

With these tips, you will now know how to choose diamond blades that will fit your project.

But why stop here? There are so many more tips and tricks to discover.

As with any cutting or grinding your respiratory safety is vital. If you are looking for disposable particulate respirators, check out our N95 Masks Australia page for a great range available.

Don’t hesitate to try out other guides if you’re not sure about anything. You can also contact us today and we’ll gladly answer your questions and help you out.

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