Fibre Cement cutting blades

Fast, clean cutting of fibre cement products

Cutting fibre cement sheets with a traditional blade creates lots of dust.
These PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tipped fibre cement saw blades cut with up to 70% less dust.
They last up to 50 times longer cutting life than standard carbide blades.
Designed  to cut all densities and thicknesses (depending on your saw capacity).
Designed for use with portable power tools like circular saws, or table saws and mitre saws.

These blades will cut compressed  and non compressed fibre cement such as:
 - weatherboard
 - external cladding
 - compressed sheet flooring
 - internal linings
 - commercial facades
 - bracing
 - columns
 - some lattice.

Fibre cement cladding is also known as cement fibre siding or concrete siding.
It can be used in decks, balconies and verandas and as internal flooring in laundries, kitchens and living areas. Common brand names in Australia include:
 - HardiPanel compressed sheets
 - CSR Cemintel Fibre Cement compressed sheets
 - BGC Compressed Fibre cement sheets.

Also suitable for cutting:
 - Drywalls
 - PlasterBoard
 - Plastic
 - Fibreglass

Maximum blade speed - 8000 RPM
(125mm only - 9500 RPM)

Tips for use:
- Check blade and tips not damaged before use
- Ensure blade fitted tightly, with correct rotation
- Clamp material to be cut firmly
- Setting cutting depth 5mm more than material thickness
- Vacuum dust if possible when cutting
- Keep blade clean
- Not for cutting timber
- Do not resharpen

210mm blade with 30mm centre suits Festool saw.

Note - Always be aware of the danger of breathing in the dust. Ensure a dust extraction system is used with a suitable filter fitted. Use a half face respirator or a PAPR (Powered air purifying respirator). Even if you are cutting wet, the slurry created can dry out and create a hazard for other users - dispose of slurry as per your local regulations.

Part Number Diameter Bore  Teeth  Price ea (incl GST) PCD125224 125mm 22.2/16mm 4 $99 PCD160204 160mm 20mm 4 $120 PCD185204 185mm 20mm 4 $125 PCD210306 210mm 30mm 6 $170 PCD235255 235mm 25.4/20mm 5 $199 PCD250306 250mm 30/25.4mm 6 $270 PCD305308 305mm 30/25.4mm 8 $325 PCD350308 350mm 30/25.4mm 8 $395

Note - discount for 10 or more blades available. Contact us for pricing.

Prices correct as of 1/5/24 but subject to change.

Silica dust - when workers cut, crush, drill, polish, saw or grind products that contain silica, particles are created, which are one-hundredth of the size of a grain of sand. These can get  stuck deep in the lungs. 
Ensure precautions to limit exposure to dust are in place.
See the WA government's info on silica dust here.

Please see our Contact Us page for Australia wide delivery information.

Disclaimer: the information on this website is provided in good faith and believed to be reliable and accurate at this time.
However, the information is provided on the basis that the reader will be solely responsible for assessing the information and its veracity and usefulness. UDT shall in no way be liable, in negligence or howsoever, for any loss sustained or incurred by anyone relying on the information, even if such information is or turns out to be wrong, incomplete, out-of-date or misleading.

Remedy:

Flush water system. Make certain that water is being adequately and equally distributed to both sides of the blade.

Cause:

Equipment defect, which causes the blade to wear out-of-round.

Remedy:

Replace bad bearings, worn arbor shaft or misaligned spindle. On concrete saws make certain the engine runs smoothly, to prevent harmonic vibrations, which in turn cause the blade to pound on a cyclical basis.

Cause:

Saw head misaligned.

Remedy:

Check saw head alignment for squareness both vertically and horizontally.

Cracks

Cause:

Blade is too hard for material being cut

Remedy:

Use blade with softer bond

Short Life

Cause:

Do not use a marble or granite blade for cutting sandstone, a tile blade for cutting concrete block or a cured concrete blade for cutting green concrete or asphalt. There are specific blades designed for each particular material to give the most economical cutting. Also, avoid the use of general purpose specifications for cutting a single specific material. General purpose diamond blades are designed to cut a range of materials and since it is unlikely the operator will be cutting proportionately the proper amount of both hard and soft materials at all times, this is not the most economical method for cutting.

Remedy:

Use the proper blade specification, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Cause:

Inadequate water to the blade.

Remedy:

Make sure water hoses are clean and free from any blockages. Approximately 2 gallons of water per minute are required to properly cool a masonry saw blade. On concrete saws, 2 to 5 gallons per minute are required and on stone saws, up to 30 gallons per minute are required.

Cause:

Bad spindle bearings, worn mounting arbor or misaligned shaft.

Remedy:

Replace defective parts.

.............................................................................................................

Diamond Blade Safety

Wet Cutting Do's

1)

Do follow manufacturer's recommended blade specifications for material to be cut.

2)

Do inspect the diamond blade for damage that may have occured during shipment or damage due to previous use.

3)

Do check mounting flanges for equal diameter, excess wear and flatness. Mounting flanges must have adequate relief around arbor hole.

4)

Do be sure that the diamond saw blade is mounted on a correct diameter blade arbor between proper blade flanges and is securely tightened by hand with a wrench.

5)

Do check the saw for proper operating instructions.

 a)

All fluids are at proper levels

 b)

Blade shaft bearings should be free of end and radial play.

 c)

V-belts should be properly tensioned and pulleys checked for excessive wear.

 d)

Lead-off adjustment is set correctly, to allow the blade to travel straight.

 e)

Do operate with blade guard in place and properly secured.

6)

Do be sure there is continuous water flow to each side of the blade. Gravity feed does not supply a sufficient water flow. The water pumps on concrete saws are "booster" pumps only and are not adequate as a primary             pressure source. An adequate coolant supply is required for wet cutting blades to maintain blade life and cutting efficiency.

7)

DO FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S RECOMMENDED PULLEY SIZES AND OPERATING SPEEDS FOR SPECIFIC BLADE DIAMETERS; REFER TO MANUFACTURER'S OPERATING MANUAL.

8)

Do operate saw with proper safety attire, i.e., safety glasses, safety helmet, safety shoes, hearing protection.

9)

Do examine blade periodically for cracks in the steel center or segments, or excessive wear under the segments.

Wet Cutting Dont's

1)

Don't use a diamond saw blade without checking manufacturer's recommendations for the material to be cut. Improper selection can cause excessive blade wear and possible damage to the diamond saw blade and/or machine and create unsafe operating conditions.

2)

Don't use a new diamond blade or remount a used blade which has a core that is not flat or is cracked, which shows segment damage or loss, or which has damaged arbor hole.

3)

Don't use mounting flanges on which the bearing surfaces are not clean and flat.

4)

Don't force blade onto machine bladeshaft or mount blade on undersized bladeshaft. Either condition can result in unsafe operating conditions and excessive blade wear.

5)

Dont mount blade on machine that does not meet the minimum requirements set forth in the manufacturer's machine operating manual.

Dry Cutting Do's

1)

Do follow manufacturer's recommendation regarding specification for material to be cut and suitability for dry cutting applications.

2)

Do inspect the blade for damage that may have occured during shipment or previous use.

3)

Do inspect the diamond blade periodically during use for core flatness, fatigue cracks, segment damage, undercutting and damage to the arbor hole.

4)

Do check the mounting flange to be sure that they are of equal and correct diameter, that they do not show excessive wear, and they are flat.

5)

Do be sure that the diamond blade is mounted on a correct diameter blade arbor between proper blade flanges and is securely hand tightened with the wrench provided or an adjustable wrench no longer than 8".

6)

Do check for proper saw machine conditions. Bladeshaft bearings should be free of end and radial play. Consult the operating manual from the saw manufacturer for proper machine maintenance.

7)

Do follow the manufacturer's recommendation for operating speeds for specific blade diameters.

8)

Do maintain a firm grip on hand-held saws during cutting operation.

9)

Do wear proper safety equipment at all times. Always wear safety glasses, safety footwear, snug fitting clothing, hearing and head protection and respiratory equipment where required.

Dry Cutting Dont's

1)

Don't cut dry except with a blade specifically designated for dry cutting by the manufacturer.

2)

Don't force blade onto machine blade shaft, alter the size of the mounting hole, or tighten mounting nut excessively. Use of bushings to redue the arbor hole size is not recommended for diamond blades use on high speed saws.

3)

Don't exceed the maximum operating speed estabished for the diamond blade.

4)

Don't operate a saw without proper safety guards in place. NEVER OPERATE ANY SAW , WET OR DRY, WITHOUT A BLADE GUARD!

5)

Don't stand in direct line with dry diamond or abrasive blades during start-up or operation.

6)

Don't cut or grind with the sides of a diamond blade.

7)

Don't force the blade into the material; allow the blade to cut at its own speed. Forcing the blade may cause overheating or blade damage.

8)

Don't make long continuous cuts with a dry diamond blade. Allow the blade to cool by turning in air. The harder the material being cut, the more often the blade should be allowed to cool.

9)

Don't use the blade to cut material other than that recommended by the manufacturer for that specific blade type.

10)

Don't use the blade on a type of saw other than that specified by the manufacturer.

11)

Don't allow the blade to deflect in the cut.

12)

Don't attempt to cut curves or radii.

IMPORTANT: FOR COMPLETE SAFETY INFORMATION, REFER TO ANSI SAFETY CODE B7. 1 AVSAILABLE THROUGH THE SAW MANUFACTURER'S

Concrete Saw Safety Precautions

1)

Before mounting any blade on the saw, the blade should be inspected for any damage that might have occured during shipment, handling or previous use

2)

The bladeshaft collars must be of proper diameter for the size blade being used. Larger blades require larger collars. The arbor should be cleaned and examined for damage before mounting blade.

3)

The blade must be properly fitted over arbor and drive pin. Drive pin must project through hole in blade and into collar. Do not force the blade onto the arbor.

4)

Disconnect spark plug(s) and use bladeshaft lock pin when tightening the bladeshaft nut. Tighten the bladeshaft nut securely against the outside blade shaft collar. The blade shaft has left hand threads on the right side of the saw and right hand threads on the left side of the saw.

5)

The blade guard must always be in place when the saw is running. Always use a proper blade guard of the size blade being used.

6)

The operator should wear safety glasses and appropriate safety equipment at all times.

7)

Never leave saw unattached while engine is running.

8)

Always secure saw from rolling when not in use.

9)

Do not stop the engine on a self-propelled saw while on a grade.

10)

When stopping any saw on a grade, the wheels must be chocked.

11)

When starting the saw, the operator should stand away from and to the side of the blade

12)

If for any reason the blade stalls in the cut, raise the blade out of the cut and check the outside blade shaft collar and nut for tightness before restarting the engine. Inspect the blade for damage. Use care when resuming a cut. Make certain that the blades is in alignment with the previous cut.

13)

During cutting, do not exert excessive side pressure on the handles as a method of steering. Do not force the blade into material by lowering the blade too quickly or by increasing the speed of the saw.

14)

Adequate coolant must be used when sawing with wet cutting abrasive or diamond blades. Gravity feed does not supply adequate waterflow. The water pumps on concrete saws are "booster" pumps only and are not adequate as a primary pressure source. An adequate coolant supply is required for wet cutting blades to maintain blade life and cutting efficiency.

15)

The blade shaft must be operated within the specified maximum operating speed.

16)

Operate engine at proper RPM. Never alter the RPM or governor setting.

17)

In case of an emergency, "SHUT OFF ENGINE."

Masonry Saw Safety Precautions

1)

Keep the area around the saw free from debris which could call falls.

2)

Prohibit the use of the saw by unauthorized or untrained personnel.

3)

Keep the conveyor cart free of grit and debris which could allow the material to slip or twist during cutting operations.

4)

Hold the material firmly against the backstop of the conveyor cart or guide-a-cut, keeping the fingers out of the path of the blade.

5)

Position the saw on a firm, flat area and be sure that the saw will not move in use.

6)

Replace blade collars if they become worn to less than 4" diameter for 18" and 20" blades. or less that 3.5"  diameter for 14" blades.

MAXIMUM CUTTING DEPTH

CONCRETE BLADES

Blade Diameter

.............................................

Cutting Depth

12"..................................................................3-1/2"

14"..................................................................4-1/2"

16"..................................................................5-1/2"

18"..................................................................6-1/2"

20"..................................................................7-1/2"

24"..................................................................9-12"

26"..................................................................10-1/2"

30"..................................................................11-1/2"

36"..................................................................14-1/2"

42"..................................................................17-1/2"

48"..................................................................19-1/2"

HIGH SPEED SAWBLADES

Blade Diameter

...............................................

Cutting Depth

12

"

....................................................................4"

14"....................................................................5"

WALL SAW BLADES

Blade Diameter

...............................................

Cutting Depth

18".....................................................................6-1/2"

24".....................................................................9-1/2"

30".....................................................................11-1/2"

36".....................................................................14-1/2"

42".....................................................................17-3/4"

48".....................................................................20-3/4"

MASONRY BLADES

Blade Diameter

................................................

Cutting Depth

14".....................................................................5"

18".....................................................................7"

20".....................................................................8"

TILE SAW BLADES

Blade Diameter

................................................

Cutting Depth

6".......................................................................1-3/4"

7".......................................................................2-1/4"

8".......................................................................2-3/4

9".......................................................................3-1/4

10".....................................................................3-3/4"

POWER HAND SAWBLADES

Blade Diameter

.................................................

Cutting Depth

4"........................................................................1"

4-1/2"..................................................................1-1/4"

5"........................................................................1-1/2"

7"........................................................................2-1/2"

8"........................................................................3"

..........................................................................................................................

DIAMOND BLADE SPEEDS

Diameter

...................

Typical Operating Speed

...................

Maximum Safe Speed (RPM)

4".............................9,500..............................................15,000.........................

5".............................7,600..............................................12,200.........................

6".............................6,200..............................................10,100.........................

7".............................5,500...............................................8,600..........................

8".............................4,800...............................................7,600..........................

9".............................4,200...............................................6,700..........................

10"...........................3,800...............................................6,100..........................

12"...........................3,200...............................................5,000..........................

12"

(High Speed)

...........6,200...............................................6,200..........................

14"...........................2,800................................................4,300.........................

14"

(High Speed)

............5,500...............................................5,500..........................

16"...........................2,400...............................................3,800..........................

18"...........................2,200...............................................3,400..........................

20"...........................1,900...............................................3,000..........................

22"...........................1,750...............................................2,700..........................

24"...........................1,600...............................................2,500..........................

26"...........................1,500...............................................2,300..........................

28"...........................1,300...............................................2,100..........................

30"...........................1,300...............................................2,000..........................

32"...........................1,200...............................................1,900..........................

36"...........................1,050...............................................1,600..........................

42"..............................900...............................................1,400..........................

48"..............................800...............................................1,200..........................

..............................................................................................................................................

Bit Information

Impregnated

Bits are manufactured using a method called casting or impregnation. The matrix is fused directly to the tube during furnacing, producing a continuous crown bit.

Segmented

Bits are manufactured using diamond segments brazed to the steel tubing. Segmenting is a more expensive procedure with greater controls, producing a faster cutting, longer lasting product.

Diamonds

The cutting elements are used in a range of size, shapes, and/or concentrations. Larger sizes are best when cutting softer abrasive material and smaller diamonds perform best in harder or less abrasive material. Our bits and blades contain only premium grade industrial diamonds which have been expertly selected for their size and shape.

Starting The Hole

In many cases starting the hole presents a problem because the bit crown has a tendency to wander, particularly when starting in hard materials, or irregular or inclined surfaces, and more so when very long bits are used. The crown contacts only one spot on the surface of the material to be drilled and thrust tends to push the bit to one side. When starting a hole, a light bit load is recommended. After the crown has penetrated the material to be drilled, higher bit loads may be applied.

Water

Water must be used when drilling. Water is fed through a inlet hose, down inside of the bit, washing cuttings from under bit crown, up and outside of hole. Lack of water can cause diamonds to glaze or burn the bit, causing the bit to turn blue. Ideal appearance of water should show a milky cement slurry flowing out of the hole. When water turns clear it is a good indication of hitting rebar or too much water pressure.

Removing Cores

Breaking Cores

If you are not drilling completely through, the core can be easily broken by inserting a chisel or screwdriver into the circular kerf and prying the core to the opposite side. Use a second tool to lift core out. Removing broken core below the surface can be achieved by using one or many methods. Bent rod with 90 degree bend at one end, bent in old core bits, special core tongs and for larger cores, anchor bolts.

Removing Core Stuck In Bit

Increase water pressure and try to free core with your hands. If unable to do so, remove bit from drill, and push core gently through from top of bit with a rod. A small diameter core often breaks easily and jams in the core tube. Large cores help guide the bit. The lack of this guidance for small bits results in drill hole drifting, imposing side loads on bits. When removing lodged bit from hole turn power off and increase water supply. Using a bit wrench, try to rotate bit in both directions and lift out using feed handle. If unable to free bit, turn water off and disconnect bit from drill spindle. Use bit wrench again , rotating back and forth and rocking until free.

Bit Wear

Small diameter bits are much more susceptible to wear than bits of larger diameter. The difference is in the relationship of the crown diameter to the size of the aggregate, and materials' reinforcements. Often the drilling surface of small bits cut completely into hard quartz or flint aggregate or into rebar, which causes rapid bit wear.

Material To Be Drilled

Knowledge of the material to be drilled is important, in order to fully evaluate the drilling performance with respect to penetration rate and total footage drilled. The presence of large hard material aggregate (generally high quartz or flint content) decreases the drillability while small aggregate (sand, gravel, crushed stone) improves the drillability.

Pressure

Steady, even pressure assures true running, accurate holes, and longer bit life. Constant pressure must be applied so the bit is constantly cutting. Overloading will damage the bit and the motor. Insufficient pressure will glaze or polish the diamonds reducing cutting efficiency. When steel reinforcing rods are encountered, the needle on the ampmeter may jump slightly showing a heavier load. When you encounter rebar, lessen the feed rate to allow needle to return to normal.

Remember

The effectiveness in drilling depends on three factors

1. Type of bit used

2. Material to be drilled

3. Capabilities of the machine

   
   

Machine Secured

It is very important that the drilling machine is properly secured to the work surface. Movement during drilling will cause chatter of bit against the work surface. Bit may also bind in hole, causing damage to the bit.