Diamond Blade Buyers Guide

Diamond blade terminology
Types of diamond blades
How diamond blades are made
How a diamond blade segment or rim works
How to choose a diamond blade
Frequently asked questions about diamond blades
Diamond blade problem solving

Diamond blade terminology

Diameter relates to how deep a blade can cut and generally how expensive the blade will be.

A.) CORE
Core relates to the rigidity given to the cutting edge.

B.) ARBOR
The arbor hole relates to the tool on which the blade fits.

C.) SEGMENT OR RIM
The segment or rim relates to the cutting action.

Types of diamond blades

CONTINUOUS RIM

Fast cutting speed with smooth cuts
Minimal to zero chipping
Perfect for use on ceramics
Medium blade life
Sizes available: 4", 4-1/2", 5", 7", 8", 10" diameter

CASTELLATED RIM

Medium cutting speed with some chipping
Medium blade life
Sizes available: 3-3/8", 4", 4-1/2", 5", 6", 7", 8", 9", 10", 12", 14" diameter

SEGMENTED RIM

Slower cutting speed with possible chipping of some material
Longer blade life
Sizes available: 4", 4-1/2", 5", 6", 8", 9", 10", 12", 14" diameter

How diamond blades are made

Step 1

Man-made diamonds are mixed with metal powders.

Step 2

A segment or rim is made by pouring the mixed material into a segment mold or a continuous rim mold.

The mixed material is then forced under extreme pressure into either the segment or continuous rim mold. With the continuous rim, the edge is actually pressed directly onto the core.

Step 3

Segments are sent to a furnace to be heated and cooled. The segments are then attached to the blade core via laser welding or brazed bonded. Continuous rim blades are sent to a furnace to be heated and cooled. This allows the rim to attach to the core. Laser welding is not used on continuous rim products.

Step 4

Blades are sharpened, tensioned and packaged.

How a diamond blade segment or rim worksThe new blade is dressed to cut in a certain rotation. An arrow stamped onto the blade indicates the blade rotation.

As the blade starts to cut, the diamonds fracture, creating new points for cutting. At the same time, the metal powder wears down, creating a new cutting edge.

This process continues until the segment or rim is completely worn out and no longer usable.

If the segment or rim is still visible and the blade does not cut, it could be "glazed over" and requires redressing. Redressing can be done by making repetitive cuts in a break stone or a very abrasive material, allowing new diamonds to be exposed.

How to choose a diamond blade

What kind of saw or tool do you have?

Tile saw
Masonry saw
Hand tool (right angle grinder or hand saw)
Rail saw

What are you cutting? Wet or dry?

Tile
Marble
Granite
Brick pavers
Concrete
Masonry

What size blade do you need / how deep are you cutting?

Blade diameter - determines how deep of a cut you can make
Thickness - determines the width of the cut
Arbor size - determines which tools the blade will fit

What type of diamond blade do you need?

Continuous Rim (FX-C), fast cutting speed with smooth cuts and medium life
Turbo Rim (FX-T), medium cutting speed with possible chipping of some material and medium life
Segmented Rim (FX-S), slower cutting speed with possible chipping of some material and longer life

Frequently asked questions about diamond blades

Can I use this blade to cut wood or metal?

No, the blade will overheat and stop cutting.

Do I have to use the blade with water?

You can use some blades wet or dry. 7"-10" continuous rim blades must be used wet.
Read more here

On which tools can I use these blades?

Diamond blades can be used on tile saws, hand saws or right angle grinders as long as the arbor size of the blade will fit the tool, the blade guard on the tool will allow the usage of the blade and the RPM of the tool does not exceed blade maximum RPM. *7" continuous rim blades cannot be used on a right angle grinder.

Is there a correct way to mount a blade?

Yes, always mount the blade referencing the rotation arrow marked on the blade.

What will these blades cut?

Masonry materials (brick and block), tile, marble, granite, concrete, stone, rock, landscape pavers and stones. See the back of the diamond blade clamshell package for more information.

Why are there different blade types?

Different blade types are available to meet many needs. The blade you use will depend upon the material being cut, the amount of blade life you need, the speed of the cut and the finish you desire.

Blade problem solving

Blade problems can result from:

Using the wrong blade for the job
Using the blade improperly
Equipment problems

See the following examples of some of the problems you may encounter in the field: