Optimizing Your Cut: A Stone Fabricator’s Guide to Choosing Diamond Blade Size and Understanding RPM Requirements

Frederick M Hueston  StoneForensics.com

As experts in your field, you’re no strangers to the intricacies of working with various stones. Yet, navigating the diamond blade market can still be a challenge. Here’s a brief guide to help you make the most informed choices in this competitive industry.

Navigating Sales Calls: You likely receive numerous calls from diamond blade salespeople. Remember, this is a competitive field, and not all salespeople are created equal. Prioritize those who are honest, knowledgeable, and reputable. Your choice in a blade can significantly impact your work’s quality, so choose wisely.

Understanding Industry Usage: Diamond blades have applications beyond what meets the eye, including in road construction. However, your focus is stone, so ensure your sales contact understands the specifics of stone fabrication. This knowledge is crucial for recommending the right blade for your needs.

Selecting the Correct Blade: The type of stone you intend to cut should guide your blade selection. Experienced saw manufacturers can advise on the optimal blade size for different stones. This is determined by the surface feet per minute (s.f.p.m.), which you can calculate using the saw’s r.p.m. (revolutions per minute), the blade diameter, and pi (approximately 3.14). Here are the formulas you might need:

S.F.P.M.=Pi×R.P.M.×Blade DiameterS.F.P.M.=Pi×R.P.M.×Blade Diameter Blade Diameter=S.F.P.M.Pi×R.P.M.Blade Diameter=Pi×R.P.M.S.F.P.M.​

Blade Choices for Different Stones:

Marble: For marble, a different blade is required than for granite. The differences lie in diamond concentration, bond material, and diameter (especially for single-speed saws). Marble typically requires a higher s.f.p.m. (6,000 to 8,500), meaning a larger blade is necessary.

Granite: Granite demands a lower s.f.p.m. range (4,500 to 6,500) and thus, a smaller blade. Its hardness also requires a tougher bond to ensure blade longevity.

Limestone: Demanding the highest s.f.p.m. (7,500 to 10,000), limestone will require the largest blade among the three. Interestingly, limestone is softer than both marble and granite, as marble is recrystallized limestone.

Armed with this knowledge, you can approach your next diamond blade purchase with confidence. Remember, the right blade not only enhances your efficiency but also the quality of your work. Here’s to many more successful cuts in your stone fabrication endeavors!