Why Your Diamond Blade Is Cutting Slow
Few things are more frustrating on a jobsite than a diamond blade that suddenly stops cutting efficiently. Many contractors assume the blade is worn out, but in most cases the problem is something else.
The Blade Is Glazed
Diamond blades cut when the metal bond wears away and exposes fresh diamonds. If the bond becomes too hard for the material being cut, the diamonds stop being exposed. This condition is called glazing.
Signs of a glazed blade include:
- Slow cutting
- Excessive heat
- Smooth shiny segments
- Needing extra pressure to cut
How to Fix It
Often you can fix this by dressing the blade. Make several cuts into an abrasive material such as:
- Concrete block
- Asphalt
- Dressing stone
This wears the bond and exposes new diamonds.
Using the Wrong Blade
Another major cause of slow cutting is using the wrong blade for the material.
Examples include:
- Concrete blade used on asphalt
- General purpose blade used on reinforced concrete
- Hard bond blade used on hard stone
Matching the blade bond to the material dramatically improves cutting speed.
Too Much Pressure
If you find yourself forcing the saw, the blade is either dull or mismatched for the material. Let the blade cut at its natural speed.
Forcing the blade only creates heat and premature wear.
Final Tip
A premium blade may cost more upfront, but it often cuts faster, lasts longer, and reduces labor time, which is where the real money is saved.
