Ever since diamond blades have been used for specific applications, the industry has changed a lot. The costs of this cutting tool have dropped very significantly and the bond structure becomes much more forgiving now than before. The biggest challenge you will find with diamond cutting blades today is determining what really makes sense for your application. The sad thing is that there’s really no written industry standards on grading diamond blades. So, even if you see the label saying its premium quality, be careful because it may not be true.
Now, what should you consider when looking for diamond cutting blades? Apart from the price of the blade, the two other things you must consider include safety and application.
Safety: when it comes to safety, the rule of thumb is to avoid unmarked product or those you are not sure of the quality. A low price might be attractive but it will not be in the long run if you choose it over quality of the blade. Instead, consider only products made by reputable manufacturers. While a good brand may not automatically means a higher price, it ensures a consistent quality of diamond cutting blades that the manufacturer will always stay behind. Remember that using this tool involves high risk to your safety, so choose quality above all else.
Application: when it comes to cutting, don’t be confused with several terms like general purpose cutting, combination cutting or multi-application cutting. Diamond cutting blades that are intended for general purpose are meant to cut not all materials but certain types only. Plus, the cost to manufacture blades for specific application is usually much higher than for general purpose. In case you prefer to cut almost all materials without the hassle of changing blades, what you need is a combination blade. Keep in mind that using a blade specific to your application will yield best results.