1. WHAT MATERIAL ARE YOU CUTTING?
Correctly identifying the material to be cut directly affects the cutting speed and the life of the blade. Most blades are designed to cut a range of materials, which is limited by the hardness of the bond and the diamond quality used. However, for maximum performance, the blade should be matched as closely as possible to the material it will cut.

2. WHAT TYPE OF EQUIPMENT ARE YOU USING?
Knowing if you will be using a 5 hp power cutter or a 70 hp flat saw will impact blade choice dramatically. The size of the blade acceptable to use on the saw, the ability to use a wet or dry blade and the rpms needed to spin the blade all depend on the equipment.

3. HOW DEEP ARE YOU CUTTING? 
Knowing how deep you need to cut on a particular job will help you select the right blade diameter. Maximum cutting depths listed on blade packaging may vary from what it actually cuts in the field. Actual cutting depth will vary with the exact blade diameter or saw type or the exact diameter of the blade collars (flanges). Cutting depth will also be reduced if saw components (motor housing and blade guard) extend below the blade collars.

4. ARE YOU CUTTING DRY OR WET?
Knowing whether or not you will have or need a water source on a job is important when selecting a diamond blade. Blades designed to cut dry can also cut equally well wet, but wet cutting blades absolutely must be used with water.

5. DO YOU WANT MORE LIFE OR SPEED?
Which is more important: the initial price of the blade or the cost per cut? It may be more cost effective to purchase a low-priced blade for a smaller job or occasional use. For larger jobs or more regular use, a higher priced blade will actually be less expensive to use because it will deliver the lowest cost per cut.

Selecting the right diamond blade doesn’t have to be complicated. By asking the right questions and understanding your specific cutting needs, you can choose a blade that delivers optimal performance and value. For further guidance, visit our Tool Selector* to find the best match for your project.  

*Click the link and look for the Tool Selector in the bottom right corner.