Diamond Saw Blade Characteristics

• A diamond saw is a specialized wet saw designed to cut through tough materials that a normal saw could not manage. These saw blades are very strong, coated with either bonded diamond dust or similar carbonized particles that provide enough grip and abrasion to wear down materials, but with the durability that makes them last until the diamond particles lose their grip in the blade. Different saw blades are used to saw through concrete, marble and other materials.

Edge

• The edge of the diamond saw can be shaped in different ways, depending on the saw's purpose. Segmented or notched rims have either teeth or a similar uneven surface that helps the blade cut more efficiently and are used for sawing tougher materials. Sintered continuous diamond saw blades have a single, continuously shaped rim.

Thickness

• Diamond blades come in a variety of thicknesses. In general, thin blades are used for more delicate carving work and require more experience to operate correctly. Thicker blades are used for rougher materials with less density, and operators can use them more easily.

Coolant

• Coolant is necessary when using diamond saws. The saws alone produce too much heat---and without some type of lubricant, they would quickly melt or damage nearby materials with their high temperatures. Most diamond saws use a stream of water to cool and lubricate the cut, but some require users to add oil instead of water, depending on the model and size.

RPM

• RPM stands for revolutions per minute, or how fast the diamond saw blade turns. Some blades are designed to be used with high-power motors that can generate a high number of RPMs. Generally, high RPM blades are thick versions designed to cut through large slabs using heavy-duty saw systems, while lighter blades turn more slowly.