diamond blades cutting 15mm basalt

[buzzybee]

Hi,

Can anyone give some advice or point me to information about diamond blades.

I'm cutting 15mm thick basalt tiles (600 x 600 mm) using an angle grinder. The Erabeur blade didn't last long so got the Marcrist from screwfix and it was a dream for a day then slowed down a lot. Can these blades be sharpened? How long do they last cos at this rate I'll get through 90 quids worth of blades on the job. Photos attached of both blades. They look like they have life but how to sharpen them - I've been cutting into an old red brick to sharpen but doesn't seem to do much

How would you guys go about cutting theses brutes?

Cheers, Buzzybee

 

[hillhead]

I would use a red brick too but i now have a lump of sandstone in my van now for the job.
I heard sandstone is the best for exposing the diamonds so seems to work so far.
I'v seen a certain porcelain even wreck a £150 300mm blade of mine lately, not nice when a blade under performs !!!
I'v had problems with marcrist myself with cracking etc.

 

[Ian]

4th item down on this page, Tradetiler Tilers Diamond Wheels - Miscellaneous never used one but they are meant to do the trick.

 

[radim]

I use Marcrist all the time and it's best blade I ever use.Does ur blade make fire when cutting?maybe too much presure...

 

[DHTiling]

You need to use soft sandstone.. to dress a blade.. on the turbo blades make sure the grooves are facing backwards.. as in right direction.

 

[buzzybee]

Thanks, I'll have a go with some sandstone and get that Rubi block also. How long these marcrist blades expected to last?

You guys must spend a fortune on blades alone!

 

[Ian]

I use a glass cutting blade in my grinder and get through 1 a week! I charge them into the jobs though. Worth it as they give super clean cuts with no chipping, when they are to worn for porcelain, I use them for travertine.

 

[Minesacarling]

I use these all the time. I find them as good as the macrist if not better but half the price
http://www.rightlines.ltd.uk/Porcelain-Cutting-Turbo-Diamond-Blades.aspx

 

[buzzybee]

Thanks Bri and Minesacarling, this forum's great for nuggets of info.

 

[Knackered Knees]

Basalt is HARD!! So you want to look for a blade that has a soft matrix around the diamond. This will expose more useable diamond allot quicker. The downside is you'll use more blades. That's just the way it is when cutting hard material.