Road Cutting Saw Blade

A: The key difference is the hardness of the metal bond that holds the diamonds. An asphalt blade has a hard metal bond because asphalt is abrasive and causes the blade to wear quickly. The harder bond prevents the blade from wearing down too fast. In contrast, a concrete blade uses a softer metal bond because concrete is harder and less abrasive. The softer bond wears away more easily to expose fresh, sharp diamonds, allowing for efficient cutting.

A: The most common types are segmented, turbo, and continuous rim diamond blades. Segmented blades have gullets between the diamond segments for faster, aggressive cutting, and are ideal for materials like asphalt and green concrete. Turbo blades have a serrated or corrugated edge for a combination of speed and a smoother finish. Continuous rim blades are used for the smoothest, most precise cuts on delicate materials, but are less common for heavy-duty road cutting.

A: Undercut protection is a feature on abrasive cutting blades, especially those for asphalt, that protects the steel core from wearing down prematurely. This is achieved by adding extra diamond segments, or carbide inserts, on the side of the blade near the base of the cutting segments. This provides a longer and safer blade life by preventing the abrasive material from wearing down the core of the blade.

A: The blade's diameter directly determines the maximum depth of cut. Larger diameter blades (e.g., 20" to 36") are used with high-horsepower walk-behind saws for deep cuts in concrete slabs and highways, while smaller blades are suited for more precise or shallow cuts with handheld saws.

A: Matching the blade's specifications, such as diameter, arbor size, and maximum RPM, to the saw is critically important for safety and performance. Using a blade that is not compatible with the saw's horsepower or speed can lead to poor cutting, overheating, premature wear, and a risk of blade failure.