Diamond cutting discs: compatibility with tools and scope of use

Diamond blades have become indispensable assistants on every construction site. They are used in demolition and cladding works because they can handle the hardest building materials. In some cases, this is the only suitable type of consumable for a specific task. But it is important to understand that diamond blades have very different compositions and use synthetic diamonds, which differ significantly in hardness. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the materials processed with a given cutting blade.

Basic parameters of diamond blades

1. Mounting hole

The mounting (central) hole is the part by which the blade is fixed on the tool shaft. There are standard sizes: 20 mm, 22.23 mm, 25.4 mm, 30 mm, etc.
Reducing rings are used for adaptation to other sizes — they allow mounting a blade with a larger hole on a smaller diameter spindle.

2. Blade diameter

The diameter affects:

• The possibility of installation on a given device;
• Maximum cutting depth (e.g., 125 mm blade — up to 40 mm, 230 mm — up to 70 mm);
• The required linear cutting speed;
• Compatibility with the protective guard (working without a guard is prohibited by technical regulations).

3. Cooling

Cutting hard stone products involves heating both the material itself and the diamond tool. The cutting mode can be:

• Dry — without water supply;
• Wet — with mandatory water cooling;
• Combined — universal blades that can work in both modes.
  Important: violation of cooling conditions reduces the blade’s service life and processing quality, and can also lead to destruction of the diamond layer and tool damage.

4. Type of cutting edge

A diamond blade consists of a steel body and a cutting part — the diamond-bearing layer, called the edge. Its design determines which materials the blade can work with and the quality of the resulting cut. Three basic types of edges are distinguished:

• Continuous rim (crown). The rim is an unbroken ring evenly coated with diamond grain. Provides clean and smooth cuts without chipping. Ideal for cladding materials such as ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, marble. Most often used in tile cutters and stone cutting machines for precise processing.
• Segmented rim. The diamond layer is divided into separate segments with gaps (slots) between them. This allows effective heat and dust removal, is resistant to overheating, and suitable for long work. Intended for rough work such as cutting concrete, brick, granite, asphalt. Most often used in angle grinders, gasoline cutters, and joint cutters.
• Turbo rim. The rim has a wavy or spiral shape with grooves providing additional cooling. Combines the cutting speed of a segmented blade with the precision of a continuous blade. A universal option for cutting porcelain stoneware, brick, concrete, and natural stone. Turbo blades are used both in professional construction and home use — in angle grinders, tile cutters, and hand cutters.

5. Material for processing

Manufacturers indicate which materials the blade is intended for: concrete, granite, porcelain stoneware, brick, asphalt, etc. Use not according to purpose may lead to:

• Overheating;
• Shortened service life;
• Poor cutting quality.

Basic operations performed with diamond blades

Diamond cutting is not only a way to separate material. It is a whole range of construction, installation, and demolition works requiring high precision, power, and reliability. Thanks to their high strength and resistance to high temperature, diamond blades are used both in rough and finishing works.

Here are the main tasks that can be performed with diamond blades:

• Cladding of walls, facades, columns, fences, and other architectural elements;
• Creating decorative installations and facade panels;
• Cutting porcelain stoneware, mosaic, natural and artificial stone;
• Reconstruction of premises with partition and opening cutting;
• Demolition of reinforced concrete and brick structures;
• Grooving walls and floors for cables, pipes, ventilation ducts;
• Renovation and reconstruction of floors: leveling, filling cracks;
• Cutting asphalt, concrete surfaces, paving stones;
• Creating and enlarging window and door openings, niches, stair and elevator openings;
• Cutting expansion and temperature joints in screeds, foundations, and pavements;
• Forming installation openings for ventilation, air conditioning, and heating;
• Creating niches for sanitary devices and electrical panels;
• Cutting cracks and chips for subsequent repair or reinforcement of structures;
• Cutting slots for injection waterproofing and renovation of concrete walls;
• Performing works related to reinforcement of reinforced concrete structures (cutting for reinforcement, anchors, etc.).

Diamond blades work equally effectively in both renovations and new construction. The choice of a specific blade and equipment depends on the material, required cutting depth, and working conditions.

Equipment for working with diamond blades

The compatibility of a diamond blade with a tool depends on its diameter, design, and permissible cutting mode. Below are the main types of equipment with a description of features and applications:

1. Angle grinder

• Blades: 100–230 mm
• Mode: dry
• Materials: concrete, tiles, brick, marble, granite
• Description: The most universal and affordable tool for diamond cutting. Suitable for cutting in hard-to-reach places and mobile work. Used for straight and curved cuts and grinding.
• Limitations: only dry work; overheating limits working time; cutting depth with a 230 mm blade — up to 70 mm.

2. Tile cutter

• Blades: 180–250 mm
• Mode: wet only
• Materials: ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, facing stone
• Description: Designed for precise cutting of cladding materials with water supply. Provides clean and even cuts, minimizes chipping. Ideal for tile laying, mosaic, and angled cuts.
• Features: high precision; no dust; possibility of angled cutting (in models with adjustable platform).

3. Stone cutter

• Blades: 300–450 mm
• Mode: wet
• Materials: paving stones, brick, concrete, natural stone
• Description: Industrial stationary device. Provides deep and stable cutting of large and hard materials. Used in paving works, stone processing, and production of concrete elements.
• Advantages: higher performance; clean and straight cuts; reliable cooling system.

4. Gasoline / electric cutter

• Blades: 300–450 mm
• Mode: dry or wet
• Materials: concrete, reinforced concrete, asphalt, natural stone
• Description: Powerful tool for heavy and large works. Gasoline cutter is autonomous and convenient for outdoor use, electric — for indoor work. Ideal for demolition, slot and hole cutting, road surface cutting.
• Features: cutting depth up to 150 mm; high working speed; requires operator protection and skills.

5. Wall chaser

• Blades: 125–230 mm
• Mode: dry
• Materials: concrete, brick, aerated blocks
• Description: A tool for making parallel grooves — chases, needed for electrical, plumbing, and cable installations. Usually used with two blades and a depth limiter.
• Advantages: clean and precise grooves; fast work; possibility of connecting an industrial vacuum cleaner.

6. Surface cutter (joint cutter)

• Blades: 350–1200+ mm
• Mode: wet
• Materials: concrete, asphalt
• Description: Industrial machine for cutting expansion and temperature joints in concrete and asphalt surfaces. Used in road construction, flooring, and foundations.
• Advantages: cutting depth up to 400 mm or more; high power; cooling system allows long operation.

7. Wall saw

• Blades: 600–1600 mm
• Mode: wet
• Materials: concrete, brick, reinforced concrete
• Description: High-precision device for cutting openings and demolishing load-bearing structures. Mounted to the wall or ceiling and works along guides. Used in reconstruction, redevelopment, and heavy construction.
• Features: smooth cut without vibration; minimal noise and dust; possibility of horizontal and vertical cutting.

Conclusions

Diamond blades are not just consumables, but high-tech tools. Proper selection of the blade and equipment guarantees:

• Higher efficiency;
• Clean and precise cuts;
• Longer tool life;
• Safe operation.

Do not neglect the manufacturer’s recommendations and select the blade strictly for the specific task — this is a guarantee of high quality and effective results.