So What Diamond Blade DO You Use?

lukachuki

Didn't want to ask this in the other diamond blade thread.

Which blade do you guys use and why? Obviously the best blade will find a balance between longevity and price, but I haven't found that blade yet.

__________________
"The problem with internet quotes is, you never know if they are authentic." -Abraham Lincoln-

Less with the jaw more with the paw!

stacker

over the past three years i have used Merit blades.i found them online at tool wholesale site.when i bought my 1st one,i didnt know how long it would last because of the price.(less than 75.00 with s/h).but was willing to try it.that first blade lasted over a year.well worth the money.
i am on my third blade now,only because someone stole my second blade.the blades are well balanced and well built.i only dry cut my masonry,and i have found if you take care of your blade,it will last a long time.
i dont know if any of you guys have tried this,but when my dad was alive,if we had a blade that wasnt cutting right(throwing slag and stuff).dad would take a firebrick and make several cuts in the brick.he told me it would help clean the blade and it seems to work.

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!!! BE SAFE.

__________________
life is short,do your masonry naked!!
http://ok.local.yahoo.biz/knabemasonry/index.html

tkle

I find NGK makes a long lasting blade.Off the shelf for about $75.They have a nice thick diamond band.Several brands at around $50(DeWalt,Bosch).Not quite as thick but close.For a third more on price you get about a third more wear.That said,I do a lot of quartzite.No straight cuts.I use and abuse these blades.I'll go through 2 maybe 3 a week.If one happens to bind I'd rather it be a cheaper one.

Tscarborough

Another thing to remember is to use the opposite material that the blade is designed for to sharpen it. A CMU blade can be brought to life by making a few cuts in hard brick and vice-versa. The diamonds don't wear, it is the matrix that glazes/dulls.

tkle

Yeah that's it, the matrix,it's all the matrix.I find cutting red brick,or fire brick, will clean it up a bit but at the same time heat it up and burn away at it.Especially with a dry blade and more so with a non segmented blade.Usually at this point most of the matrix is already gone anyway and the blade isn't worth saving.A worn blade slows down production and is hard on the saw not to mention possibly dangerous.

Tscarborough

I am surprised you do all dry. I hope you at least have a fan blowing.

stacker

the reason i use dry is i dont like laying wet brick.yes,at the end of the day i might be covered with dust but i find it better in the long run

__________________
life is short,do your masonry naked!!
http://ok.local.yahoo.biz/knabemasonry/index.html

tkle

They're trying to outlaw the dry blades around here.Probably should.

6stringmason

I use alot of NGK blades as well. All dry cut. Just put the tender upwind.

__________________
Kamps Masonry & Concrete Countertop Design Green Bay, WI
920-680-3195
Visit our website @
http://www.concretecountertopsdesign.com/

stacker

what i get a kick out of is when it is windy,my laborers will never turn the saw around.they will let dust blow back in thier faces and bitch about it.

__________________
life is short,do your masonry naked!!
http://ok.local.yahoo.biz/knabemasonry/index.html

lukachuki

Good Stuff thanks guys.

__________________
"The problem with internet quotes is, you never know if they are authentic." -Abraham Lincoln-

Less with the jaw more with the paw!

tkle

When I was a laborer I always made sure to face towards the masons when cutting.

JasontheMason

I made a thing that you hook a shop vac up too and it sucks the dust in to it, but they make them all ready, you can get them at Northern Tool. But I use these blades, they dont have a manufacture's name on them but they work really well, last a while and they are like $60.

CJKarl

I've been happy with the MK import blade. About $130 around here.

__________________
There's Always A Market For Quality
http://www.kaufmannmasonry.com/

denick

About 2 years ago I was with someone in the industrial manufacturing business and he told me that 95% of all blades are manufactured by 4 companies.

They put different names on the blades and make them to the buyers spec's.

__________________
Nick

"Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving" Albert Einstein

POOLMANinCT

LOL sometimes i would shower them w/ rebar sparks