Diamond blades are not like your run-of-the-mill circular saw blades purchased at the hardware store. They are much tougher blades designed for heavy-duty work. They can withstand a ton of punishment and continue cutting well for a long time. But to get maximum life from a diamond blade, you need to take care of it.
You obviously know that diamond blades are also expensive. So the last thing you want to do is abuse a new blade. That only reduces its life and costs you more money. Having said that, using diamond blades can take some getting used to. If you are new to the whole diamond blade thing, we have some tips to get you started:
1. Choose the Right Blade
You’ve noticed our blades come with full graphics printed on them. Included in those graphics is a list of appropriate applications for each blade. Why include this? Because not all blades are the same. We have different blades for different types of jobs. The printing is there to help you choose the right blade for the job. Do not ignore it.
2. Inspect Your Cutter
Before you ever start cutting, make sure everything is in good working order by inspecting your cutter. Be especially careful about checking the arbor shaft. There should be no play, which is to say that the shaft should not wobble or move back and forth. Any play in the arbor shaft could throw off the balance of your blade and damage it.
Even without catastrophic failure, a loose arbor shaft can cause uneven wear that significantly reduces the life of a quality blade. So again, always check it before you start. Making sure your cutter is in good working order only takes a few minutes. It could save you a ton of money in the long run by not wearing down your blades prematurely.
3. Prepare the Surface
Though it may sound strange, it is always a good idea to prepare the surface before you start cutting. Diamond blades do not like uneven surfaces. They don’t like debris, either. The good news is that preparing a surface for cutting isn’t hard. Just take a broom or brush and give it the once over. Make sure there is no loose material that could prevent a clean cut.
There are some surface imperfections that you cannot do anything about. In such cases, use caution and go slow. Give your blade time to work through the uneven surface with as little stress as possible. As long as you don’t rush it, everything should be fine.
4. Take It Easy with New Blades
As tough as diamond blades are, they are not impervious to damage. That’s why we recommend taking it easy with new blades. On that very first cut, ease into things. Don’t go full bore right away. Take your time, slowly working the blade into the surface and letting it do the work at its own pace. With some blades on some surfaces, it might even help to make that first cut a wet cut.
Remember that diamond blades are designed to gradually wear away as they are used. This keeps an exposed edge active so that the blade continues to work well throughout its entire life. Going too hard and fast on that first cut can create uneven wear. The result would be a blade that wears out prematurely.
If you ever have any questions about your Devour diamond blades, do not hesitate to ask. We are here to help you with high-quality tools and the knowledge you need to use them correctly.
