Which diamond cutting blade for which material?

Why the material matters

A diamond cutting blade cuts with industrial diamonds embedded in a metal bond. As you cut, the bond gradually wears away, exposing new diamonds. For this to work, the bond must suit the material.

The rule of thumb: Hard, dense materials need a softer bond so fresh diamonds are continually exposed. Soft, abrasive materials need a harder bond, or the blade will wear out too quickly.

Concrete and reinforced concrete

Segmented blades are suitable for concrete: they cut quickly and the slots help keep them cool. For reinforced concrete, the blade must also cut cleanly through the rebar. So make sure it is explicitly approved for reinforced concrete.

For long, straight cuts in floors and surfaces, use a floor saw; for walls and ceilings, use a wall saw.

Natural stone and granite

Granite is very hard and dense. It needs a blade with a softer bond that cuts consistently. Marble is softer and easier to cut. Sandstone is also soft, but it is highly abrasive and therefore needs a harder bond.

Tiles and porcelain stoneware

For tiles and porcelain stoneware, a clean edge matters most. Blades with a thin, continuous rim cut with almost no chipping. For best results, cut wet on a table saw, or use an angle grinder for adjustments.

What matters:

• continuous rim for clean edges
• thin blades for less material loss
• guide the blade steadily and cut without applying pressure

Asphalt and screed

Asphalt, screed and fresh concrete are highly abrasive and wear down the bond quickly. Blades for these materials have a harder bond, often with undercut protection to prevent the blade core from wearing away.