Following is some general information on possible problems you may encounter when using diamond blades together with suggested solutions.

Loss or Damage to Segment
Blade twisted or jammed in the cut due to the material not being held firmly. Twisting or turning the machine while the blade is in the cut. Blade hammering in the cut due to it being too hard for the material being cut. Blade flanges are worn or deformed and so fail to provide proper support resulting in the blade deflecting in the cut. Foreign material between the flange and the blade blank causing the blade to flutter.

Uneven Wear to Segment
When wet cutting, insufficient water, generally on one side of the blade, can cause uneven segment wear. Flush water system and ensure water is equally distributed to both sides. Blade is worn out of round as a result of bad bearings or worn shaft. Replace and repair bearings or shaft as required. When segments worn on one side reducing side clearance, check alignment. Check wheels and wheel alignment on floor saw as well as carriage alignment on masonry bench saws.

Cracks Appearing in Segment
Hammering in the cut caused by blade specification being too hard for materials being cut. Select a blade with a softer bond system. Peripheral speed of blade too tight (tight or light?). Check blade’s rotational speed.

Cracks in Blade Blank
Blade is too hard for the material being cut. Blade blank bending and flexing due to excessive cutting pressure. Fluttering of the blade due to insecure mounting. Check blade is correctly mounted, drive pin is being used and clamp nut is tightened.

Blade Will Not Cut
Check the specification is correct to ensure the bond is not too hard for the materials being cut. Glazed blades can be opened up by cutting a soft, abrasive material. Check machine has sufficient horsepower for the specification being used or check whether the machine drive belts need retensioning. Ensure correct direction or rotation.
 
 
 

Undercutting

To assist in the removal of slurry from the cut and protect the steel centre, ensure the blade has undercut protection on steel centre. Constant rubbing in the loose material results in premature wear and can be dangerous; ensure the blade is not cutting below the asphalt into the sub-base. Check water supply as increased water flow will help wash slurry from the cutting area and reduce undercutting.

Blade Wearing Too Quickly

The diamond is over-exposed due to the blade specification being too soft for the materials being cut. Select a blade with a harder bond system. Check your drive belt is not loose as this can cause intermittent revolutions. Blocked or damaged water inlets could cause inadequate water supply.

Overheating

Overheating is a common cause of blade failure and can cause many other possible problems, such as loss of tension, blank cracks and segment loss. Look out for black or bluish discolouration on the steel blank. For wet blades, an inadequate water supply can be caused by blocked or damaged feed inlets. Trickle feed for dust suppression can cause excessive abrasion. Allow the blade to cut freely by not pushing too hard.

Loss of Tension

Blade blank has been overheating caused by insufficient water supply for wet cut blades. The blade deviates in the cut due to bond being too hard for the application. Check machine is running at the correct rpm, that there is no wear on machine bearing shaft, and that the flanges are of the correct and same size. Check blade is secure and not spinning on the spindle. Ensure the drive pin is in place on all floor saws. Check that the blade cuts in straight lines only.

Out of Round

Possibility that blade shaft bearing may be worn. Fit new bearing and lubricate regularly. The blade is hammering and glazing due to it being too hard for the material being cut. Select a blade with a softer bond. Check whether the machine spindle has a groove scored in it; this could be as a result of a previous blade slipping on the spindle.

Damaged or Distorted Arbor (?) Hole

Blade hammering due to incorrect alignment when mounting. Before tightening, ensure blade is mounted on proper diameter of the spindle. Check that pin hole slides over drive pin. Blade spinning or vibrating on spindle due to flanges not being properly tightened or cleaned. Saw shaft is badly worn or grooved resulting in blade pounding.