Diamond blade rating
To compile the review, we tested the cutting tool and compared the results obtained on the main technical characteristics with the parameters stated in the manufacturer’s documentation. The availability of consumables on the market, the opinions of professional builders, installers, and car mechanics were taken into account. Reviews of diamond blades from owners of small home workshops were studied.
The following characteristics were taken into account:
- Size – determines the depth of cut, the possibility of using a grinder or a wall chaser of a certain model, productivity;
- The diameter of the mounting hole - no gaps and a tight fit on the shaft makes work safe and efficient;
- Rotation speed – must correspond to the same characteristics of the power tool;
- Class – professional and semi-professional models are produced;
- Design – equipment is produced with a solid and segmented cutting edge;
- Type of cutting – consumables are used for dry and wet cutting.
Not all equipment met the experts' requirements. Rapid clogging of the edge, low service life of the working layer, defects in the geometry of the plane - products with such defects were excluded from our rating.
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Dimensions
Almost all tools have their own standard size, diamond blades are no exception. The standard sizes are indicated in the markings, which indicate the width (of the slots), the diameter of the disk and the diameter of the hole for attaching to the turbine. If the width of the slot is not indicated, this means that it is minimal.
For construction, circles with a larger slot depth, which can reach up to 60 cm, are rarely used. Such discs are used in specialized industries involved in working on stone and marble.
The best diamond blades for concrete
The most popular category of cutting consumables. The diamond-coated blade easily copes with cutting any type of concrete. This circle is used for dismantling work, adjusting door and window openings, and laying communications in the walls of buildings. The equipment is supplied by professional wall chasers, cutters, grinders and furrowers. VyborExperta.ru recommends products from 3 brands, which are distinguished by reliability, workmanship and performance.
Makita B-28092
The equipment of a popular Japanese manufacturer is designed for dry cutting of concrete, brick, and artificial stone. It has a segmented structure that improves the quality of the cut. The diameter of 125 mm allows use in branded diamond saws and classic angle grinders. During intensive work it hardly heats up; short breaks of 2-3 seconds are enough for the tool to be ready for cutting concrete again.
The thickness of 2.1 mm and the absence of vibrations ensures accurate cutting of concrete of any strength grade. The 7 mm diamond layer height ensures long tool life without loss of performance. The 22.23 mm mounting hole has precise geometry and fits tightly on the power tool shaft, without gaps. The consumable is designed to work with high-performance tools at a speed of 12,250 rpm.
Advantages:
- Low price;
- The design of the segments allows for efficient removal of dust;
- Does not rotate on the shaft under load;
- Stable cutting quality throughout the service life;
- Designed for intensive use.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Engineers from a Japanese company have developed a technology for uniformly distributing artificial diamond grains along the cutting edge. This has a positive effect on cutting speed and service life. We use our own diamonds with sharp edges.
Graff GDD 17 125.10
The diamond blade for the grinder, developed by Belarusian engineers, can be used to equip stone-cutting machines and hand-held concrete cutters. The equipment is manufactured using thermal crimping technology and has a long service life. It has a turbocharged edge with specially shaped channels that effectively remove dust from the working area. This increases the service life and ensures maximum cutting accuracy.
The model is universal, can be used for dry and wet cutting, used on natural and artificial stone, ceramic and paving slabs. The equipment is designed for high speed – 12,250 rpm. Features a smooth ride and professional performance. The material is resistant to high temperatures and dynamic impacts, which ensures personnel safety.
Advantages:
- Cutting edge height 10 mm;
- Does not crumble the edge of the processed material;
- Good balance;
- Low price;
- Professional spraying quality;
- Durability.
Flaws:
- The 2.5 mm thickness is not suitable for all applications.
Metabo Promotion 624307000
A segmented disk with a classic shape of outlets, which have a large contact area with air, effectively removes dust and helps cool the tool. Designed to work with concrete, hard sandstone, wet concrete and adobe. Installed on angle grinders, hand-held wall chasers or branded diamond saws. Recommended for power tools with a shaft rotation speed of 12200 rpm.
Used for dry cutting, 10 segments do a good job of dissipating heat. The cutting layer height is 7 mm, the edge uses a mixture of artificial diamonds and a binder pressed under high pressure, which ensures a long service life. The connection of the segments to the steel core is carried out by pressing at high temperatures.
Advantages:
- Small thickness;
- Uniform distribution of diamonds in the cutting plane;
- Rigid design for stable operation;
- Low price;
- High performance.
Flaws:
- Cannot be cooled with water.
Grinding technology
The work is carried out using a dry or wet method. Wet grinding, which is close in quality to polishing, is used for processing concrete and products made from marble chips. The process is accompanied by the formation of sludge from wet dust.
The dry method is used for grinding concrete, which produces a lot of dust. The method is effective if you use high-quality nozzles.
Surface preparation
The quality of grinding and the service life of concrete depend on surface preparation. They start by dismantling the old coating, if any. Milling, shot blasting or diamond grinding discs are used. After this, grooves often form, which are removed by long grinding.
Surface preparation also includes the following work:
- Check the strength of the concrete base by tapping it with a hammer. If voids are found, the areas are opened and filled again.
- Check whether reinforcement elements or mesh are exposed to the surface. When they are discovered, a depression is made around it, which is then sealed, and the metal is cut off.
- Small irregularities, seams, cracks are eliminated with epoxy mastic. It grinds well, but the consumption of nozzles is greater.
- Then they check the plane by applying a 3 m long ruler to the surface. Holes and potholes are marked so that they can be repaired later; low bumps will be cut off with a diamond tool. All irregularities affect the wear of the cup.
- If necessary, concrete drilling and other similar work is carried out.
Large cracks and seams are expanded using a circle to a depth of 10 cm. They are freed from dust, primed, and sealed with mortar. A good filler for the repair mixture is river sand. When the first layer has sagged, apply a second one and level it out. The frozen surface is polished.
Repairing Potholes
On the old coating, due to mechanical wear, depressions form, and raised areas appear nearby. When preparing the surface, these places are found using a ruler. If the differences exceed 5 mm, the screed is leveled. To do this, around the pothole, a “grinder” with a diamond disk is used to cut out the damaged area to a depth of at least 20 mm. The concrete is broken up with a hammer drill and the material is removed.
The cavity is cleaned of dust using a vacuum cleaner or sandblaster. Next, it is treated with a primer and filled with a building compound, which is used to seal irregularities. If the depression is large, the mixture is applied in several stages. The surface is leveled and sanded after hardening. Cracks may form in the area where the pothole has been repaired; these should be repaired.
Surface grinding
Sanding begins after a few weeks, when the screed has dried and the coating has become durable. If work is started earlier, the diamond cutters will tear out the rubble. The surface is primed with a special mixture. It strengthens the top layer, closes the pores, and makes the concrete more resistant to moisture.
At the first stage, discs with a grain size of 40 are used. At the final stage, nozzles with fine spraying (with a grain size of 400) are used. After such grinding, the surface does not require additional care. A glossy shine appears after processing concrete with a tool of the highest grain size - 1500-3000. Sometimes the floor is additionally coated with several layers of polyurethane varnish.
A prerequisite for grinding is a continuous supply of electricity. If there are interruptions, it is difficult to achieve a high-quality surface.
The best diamond blades for stone
It is possible to carefully cut stone without chipping only at high speed. To do this, use solid and segmented circles designed for wet or dry cutting. Natural stone is a difficult material to process, and it is worth taking a responsible approach to choosing equipment for processing it. Our team offers three models created using different technologies. The tool is distinguished by good quality of the working layer, accurate cutting and durability.
Dremel DSM540
Classic solid disc designed for cutting natural stone, clinker, ceramic tiles. Suitable for dry cutting at 20,000 rpm. It has good performance and can accurately cut stone of any hardness. Used with compact specialized saws and branded angle grinders. It has a diameter of 77 mm and a mounting hole for the shaft of 11 mm, which limits the choice of power tools.
Small sizes allow you to perform high-precision operations and make complex cuts in ceramic tiles. The wide cutting edge and even distribution of diamonds guarantee a long service life under intensive use. The circle is distinguished by its high-precision plane geometry and tight fit, earning regular positive feedback from professionals carrying out complex interior projects.
Advantages:
- Increased resource;
- Thin cut without chips;
- Uniform wear of the cutting edge;
- Resistance to critical temperatures.
Flaws:
- Overcharge.
Practice Do it yourself 036-339
Domestic diamond disc for tiles, which is designed for classic angle grinders. Combines a good safety margin with a high cutting speed. Recommended for wet cutting: coolant provides extended service life at 12,250 rpm and reduces interruptions. The circle can be used for processing artificial and natural ornamental stone.
The small thickness of 1.9 mm helps the master make a neat cut without defects, which is especially important when adjusting the dimensions of expensive ceramics. The low price makes the equipment the best choice for domestic use. According to reviews from home craftsmen who carry out interior decoration themselves, purchasing components helped reduce repair costs.
Advantages:
- Tight fit;
- Light weight;
- The working part is not salted;
- Uniform diamond structure in the cutting edge.
Flaws:
- Application skills required.
Di-Star 1A1R Decor Slim
Di-Star offers a solid diamond blade that can quickly cut stone, tile and porcelain stoneware. The equipment is designed for installation on an angle grinder. The super-thin diamond layer of the cutting tool has an increased service life, good wear resistance and allows you to make a neat cut.
Equipment for dry cutting at a speed of 12,000 rpm has been developed. Special holes provide effective heat dissipation, increasing the intensity of operations. Artificial diamonds are evenly distributed across the width of the cutting part, which increases the quality of cutting thick porcelain floor tiles.
Advantages:
- Edge height 8 mm;
- Smooth cut without chips;
- Tight fit on the shaft;
- The lightweight design reduces the load on the grinder.
Flaws:
- High price.
Advantages and disadvantages
The devices under consideration have a lot of positive properties, which makes them universal. An angle grinder with a diamond blade is capable of performing any task of cutting and grinding various types of materials. The advantages of diamond blades are due to the following properties:
- Versatility. Using one wheel you can cut various materials
- Work safety. It is very important to note that the products in question are not capable of scattering during operation, as is typical for low-quality abrasive wheels
- High speed of work. The use of a diamond disc allows you to carry out work much faster compared to abrasive wheels
- Low noise level. When processing various materials, diamond products have a low noise level, unlike abrasive ones.
- High accuracy. During the cutting process with a diamond wheel, the master sees the cut line, allowing him to obtain the most accurate results.
- Long service life. Even with daily use of the product, its service life remains quite long, while abrasive materials are erased with almost one use
Advantages and disadvantages of diamond wheels
A significant disadvantage of the products under consideration is their high cost. This cost is due to the following factors, such as the use of expensive diamond chips, as well as a long service life. The disadvantages also include the undesirable use of a device for sawing metal, as this leads to accelerated wear of the teeth. The process of sawing concrete generates a lot of dust, so it is recommended to carry out the work using a respirator or mask and goggles.
It is important to pay attention! If the disc is intended for wet cutting, then it cannot be used on equipment where this condition is not met. Wet cutting is indicated by a drop on the circle marking.
The best diamond blades for metal
Metal cutting is one of the most common operations on a construction site. Manufacturers produce wheels with additional cooling for this work. The cutting edge has a small height, and artificial diamonds are applied using laser welding, soldering or using galvanization technology. The variety of models is due to the need to work with different grades of steel. Our team has tested 8 wheels and offers 3 types of equipment, which are distinguished by the quality of metal processing and good service life.
Hammer 206-232
The complex segment structure of a diamond cutting disc for metal allows one to effectively compensate for thermal expansion. The circle is made of high-quality tool steel and has an ideal geometry that eliminates beating and chipping. The equipment can be used for wet cutting; in the absence of a specialized tool, it is recommended to remove the disk from the cut every 3 minutes for forced cooling. This will provide the necessary level of security.
The cutting crystals are held on the surface by a wear-resistant bond that is resistant to elevated temperatures. The edge height has been increased by 30% compared to analogues, which has helped to increase service life and productivity. The consumable material belongs to the professional series, the service life is calculated taking into account the high intensity of use.
Advantages:
- You can work with different grades of steel;
- Versatility - works well on ceramic tiles and concrete;
- Uniform distribution of crystals;
- Minimum number of sparks;
- High performance.
Flaws:
- High price.
DeWALT DT40252
Professional diamond cutting disc designed for working with rebar, stainless steel, cast iron and non-ferrous metals. According to user reviews, it cuts any metal equally accurately. The design is segmental, with effective heat removal during operation. The cutting crystals are applied using a patented technology, which reduces wear on the cutting edge. The wheel is designed for at least 1000 cuts, which is 30 times more than when using abrasive cutting discs.
Design features ensure stable cutting depth and accuracy, as well as comfort during operation. The equipment makes it easy to operate the tool. During operation, less unpleasant odors and dust are released, increasing safety. You can equip the consumables with a UGM or a cutting saw.
Advantages:
- Small thickness – 1.3 mm;
- Ten segments;
- High strength of steel;
- Light weight.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Fubag Slim Fast 80125-3
German engineers have developed a high-performance turbo disc to operate at 15,200 rpm. This is one of the best indicators in its category. The small thickness allows you to make a neat cut of any metal using dry cutting. Design features allow excess heat to be effectively removed, and holes in the sheet steel prevent overheating during intensive work.
Increasing the cutting edge height to 10 mm had a positive effect on the service life. Promotes long service life and uniform distribution of diamonds in the structure. The cutting part does not become clogged with intensive use. The circle has good strength and heat resistance.
Advantages:
- The fastest cut;
- Universal application;
- No vibration during operation;
- Very thin cut.
Flaws:
- Overcharge.
Main characteristics
The choice of the type of wheel for an angle grinder depends on the operation being performed and the material on which it will be performed.
Cutting using such attachments can be done dry, wet or combined. The marking indicates this feature, although many varieties are universal tools suitable for processing several types of materials.
The composition of the binder may differ depending on the purpose of the material on which the work is performed.
A disc intended for processing concrete (stone) should not be used to work on metal, as this will lead to increased wear of the working part, deterioration in the cleanliness of the cut and overheating of the working surface.
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You can buy any specialized equipment for the job, but regularly changing the working tool has a negative impact on labor productivity. If you have to work with concrete, ceramic tiles, or metal at a construction site, then it is better to purchase universal discs. Manufacturers produce wheels that accurately cut any building material without negative consequences. The catalogs contain consumables designed to work with tools that have different speeds. The VyborExperta.ru team studied the effectiveness of circles from the best American and European manufacturers. Experts suggest choosing one of 3 models that are equally easy to cut profiles for gypsum boards and porcelain tiles.
Di-Star 1A1RSS/C3-H Technic Advanced
Engineers of the Ukrainian-Italian company have developed a cutting-off segmented diamond blade for universal use. The wheel is designed for dry cutting at 6650 rpm and is suitable for use by personnel with little experience. Consumables are supplied with angle grinders and wall chasers. The design feature is the complex shape of each of the 10 segments. Advanced geometry ensures maximum heat dissipation even when the operator uses power tools with the covers closed.
The complex shape helps to remove not only heat, but also dust. The wheel copes well with reinforced concrete, granite, paving slabs and baked bricks. The diameter ensures high productivity when gating walls made of monolithic concrete. The manufacturer increased the height of the diamond layer to 12 mm. This helped to increase the resource and efficiency of equipment use.
Advantages:
- Work without breaks for up to 5 minutes;
- Manufacturer's warranty 3 years;
- High cutting speed;
- High-quality cutting at a depth of up to 5 mm;
- Tight fit.
Flaws:
- High price.
Bosch Standard for Universal
Engineers from a German company have developed a universal cutting tool that does not require sharpening or regular replacement. The tool steel wheel has 8 large segments located at a slight angle to the axis and a turbocharged edge structure. This allows for heat dissipation and good contact with the material being processed. Consumables are designed to complete grinders and wall chasers operating at a speed of 12,250 rpm.
The thickness of the circle is 2 mm - the optimal balance for working with concrete, metal or ceramics. The layer of cutting crystals has a height of 10 mm, providing high performance and increased service life. Artificial diamonds with sharp edges are evenly spaced in the edge structure. This guarantees high-quality processing of the material after prolonged use.
Advantages:
- High cutting speed of concrete;
- Ideal surface geometry;
- Lack of combat;
- Smooth cut without defects for any building materials;
- Low price.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Dewalt DT3711
Sintered universal disc made of high-quality tool steel, which provides the components with high wear resistance and strength. The classic segmented edge allows you to work at high speeds - up to 12,000 rpm. Good heat dissipation increases service life and thermal stability. The equipment is designed for dry cutting and is used on angle grinders or wall chasers.
The high strength of steel made it possible to reduce the thickness of the circle to 1.8 mm without losing the main performance characteristics. The tool cuts all building materials carefully, without chipping. The edge does not become greasy due to the uniform distribution of diamonds throughout its thickness.
Advantages:
- Durability;
- Low price;
- Strict geometry;
- Tight fit.
Flaws:
- The edge height is only 7 mm.
Features of work
To maximize the working life of a diamond cutting disc for concrete, you should adhere to the basic rules of its operation:
- cutting of concrete products is carried out in successive shallow passes;
- the passage is made to a depth not exceeding 10 mm;
- each next - no more than 15 mm,
- Do not exceed the rotation speed indicated on the marking.
In addition, for work you should prepare:
- Wear a face mask or goggles to prevent dust and particles released during work from getting into your face and eyes.
- Respirator or vacuum cleaner.
- Gloves.
- Protective clothing covering all parts of the body.
- Hearing protection.
It is recommended to use cutting surface cooling. In addition, when working with a cutting tool, you should hold it level, without distortions relative to the cutting seam, in order to avoid jamming of the disk and its further destruction.
How to choose diamond blades
Wheels with a cutting edge made of artificial diamonds are used for high intensity construction work. The tool allows you to make hundreds of cuts when used correctly. When choosing consumables, you need to take into account not only brand awareness and price, but also technical characteristics. This will help you purchase products that meet your goals. Understanding the features of a diamond wheel, you need to evaluate its diameter and design features. The cutting tool must be designed to work with a specific building material. The specifics of dry or wet cutting are also taken into account.
Diameter
The outer diameter must correspond to the design features of the tool used. Particular attention is paid to models equipped with a casing: equipment with a large diameter simply cannot be installed if the protection interferes with it. Before purchasing, you should check the diameter recommended by the power tool manufacturer. If you have a choice, then it’s worth remembering: the larger the radius, the deeper you can cut the building material.
The inner diameter of the circle is of particular importance. The parameter must correspond to the characteristics recommended by the manufacturer of the angle grinder or wall chaser. Deviations are not acceptable, since the equipment will dangle on the shaft, which can result in serious injury, tool breakage, and damage to the material being processed. The most widely used models are those with mounting holes of 22.2 and 25.4 mm. The manufacturer indicates all dimensions on the components in the labeling, duplicating the information on the packaging.
Processing material
Building materials differ in different densities, hardness, and structures. High-quality cutting requires different speeds and specific dynamics of heat removal from the working area. Depending on the structure of the material being processed, crystals with different grain sizes are used. Designers select the optimal edge configuration and distribute diamonds evenly throughout the entire depth.
The buyer does not need to be a materials science specialist to select components for his tool. You need to know what material you will be working with and purchase the appropriate equipment. Manufacturers produce wheels for working on metal, concrete, ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, and stone. Standing apart from this list are universal discs that effectively cut several materials at once. Using such equipment allows you to save time when replacing it. When choosing a universal circle, you need to clarify what materials it is intended for. Information can be obtained by examining the surface - the manufacturer applies special markings or inscriptions.
Type of diamond blade
Manufacturers produce circles that differ markedly in their design. Solid discs are made from a solid metal plate with cutting crystals applied to the outer edge. This type of wheel is used when cutting at low speeds. To remove heat, slots are made in the steel plate, which can have a simple or complex shape. The slots have a size of 10-15% of the total diameter and are directed towards the center; they divide the disk into 8-10 segments. This type of equipment is called segmented; the tool is designed to work at high speeds.
You can find circles with frequently notched edges. This tool is classified as a turbo. The equipment is highly durable and can operate under constant loads. Combined discs with a segmented surface and notches are called turbo-segmented circles. The main advantages of this product are good performance and versatility in relation to the materials being processed.
Wet or dry cutting
Heat dissipation is the most important problem that has to be solved when cutting building and structural materials. There are three main approaches: reducing the cutting speed, increasing the area due to segmentation, and supplying a cutting fluid to the working area. The last solution is called wet cutting. The technique requires the use of a special tool, which has a complex design and high price, and requires work skills. It is paired with consumables that are designed for wet cutting.
Dry cutting wheels are the most widely used. This is facilitated by the emergence of structural materials with high heat resistance and wear resistance. The equipment operates at high speed and is only slightly inferior in productivity to wet cutting tools. The only drawback is that it is required to periodically stop work, which is unacceptable when solving critical problems.
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Features of application
After purchasing diamond or other discs for an angle grinder, it is important to familiarize yourself with the list of materials for which they are intended. In order not to forget what materials they are intended for, it is recommended to save the packaging until the products are disposed of.
It is necessary to install the product into the tool using a special fixing key. If, after installing the wheel in the seat of the angle grinder, it begins to rub against the cover, then it is prohibited to start the device. Various types of work with angle grinders should be carried out using protective equipment: goggles, a respirator or mask, gloves and special clothing.
It is important to pay attention! When working with an angle grinder, the tool should be held with both hands, as strong vibrations occur during its operation.
When cutting granite or concrete, it is recommended to use the wet method. This will not only eliminate the occurrence of dust, but will also allow the cutting disc to cool during operation. Both methods can be used to cut stone, marble or ceramics.
Which diamond blades are better?
Our experts selected products from the world's best manufacturers, considering offers in all categories. High-quality universal discs exist, but they are more suitable for home craftsmen who have decided to make major renovations to their home or build an extension. Professionals should use a specialized tool, and each category has its own leader. We recommend the following brands of diamond blades:
- Makita B-28092 – for cutting concrete on a construction site;
- Graff GDD 17 125.10 – for low-cost brick work;
- Dremel DSM540 – for high-precision cutting on ceramic tiles;
- Di-Star 1A1R Decor Slim (11115427010) is a good choice for the decorator;
- Hammer 206-232 – for wet cutting of metals;
- DeWALT DT40252 – for intensive work with any metals;
- Bosch Standard for Universal 2608615059 is a durable and reliable universal.
Good equipment means high productivity, operational safety and high-quality cutting. Only the best wheels, distinguished by their thoughtful design, perfect edge quality and heat resistance, are worthy of this high title.
How does the cutting process take place?
For good cutting, it is necessary that the edges of the disk rotate at the required speed when moving. The wheel will not cut well if the speed is less than the set speed. All discs are designed for certain speeds; if they are exceeded, a danger arises, which consists of increased vibration. The circle can simply fly apart.
The rotation frequency of grinders with different diameters is also different. Grinders with a smaller diameter will rotate at a higher speed.
The dependence of rotation speed on the diameter of the circle is given in the table
No. | Disc diameter | Frequency rpm |
1 | Small diameter - 115 or 125 mm. | 10000-11000 |
2 | The average diameter is 150 or 180 mm. | 8500 |
3 | Large diameter – 230 mm. | up to 6650 |
This frequency was not chosen by chance. Laboratory studies show that the linear speed of the circle edge should be less than 80 m/s. Otherwise, the disk may fall apart, which will lead to serious consequences. It is necessary to very carefully monitor the rotation speed of the grinder and the disc placed on it.
But since the rotation speed of wheels 115 and 125 is the same, a smaller disk with a diameter of 115 can be installed on an angle grinder with a seat diameter of 125. On a grinder with a 180 diameter, you can put a wheel of 150 diameter.
Based on the above, you cannot put grinded wheels from a large grinder on a small grinder, although the casing will not be removed, but since the rotation frequency of the large circle is lower, and the grinder itself is higher, the disk will be destroyed.