Blade Finder
Q-Drive® BLADE TECHNOLOGY
The primary purpose of a saw is - can it cut quickly and efficiently? Of course, the most critical component of cutting is the blade. If the blade isn’t good quality, then you will have a bad experience, poor cuts, and excessive load on your saw motor which will lead to over-heating and damage. In order to create the best user experience possible and eliminate potential motor damage, we design and extensively test high quality blades to work with each iQ saw and material application to create a fully integrated system. Our Q-Drive® blades are built with Cool Cut Technology. This technology, combined with the built-in vacuum on iQ saws, keep the blade cool while cutting. The vacuum system also removes the cutting debris so the blade is not regrinding the same material, reducing friction and heat. Some other features in a Q-Drive blade include:
DIAMOND SAW BLADE BASICS
No matter if you are a tile installer, mason, or hardscaper; there are four main categories that each contractor should understand about diamond saw blades. These categories include Diamond Patterns, Tension, Bond, and more. Understanding the basics of diamond saw blade will help you choose the best option for your job and get the job done faster.
TESTING
COMPOSITION
SELECTION
MAINTENANCE
BLADE TESTING
At iQ, we understand that finding the perfect match between the saw, the blade, and the material is crucial. Blade choice is important as it affects the machine and potentially ruins its motor if the wrong blade is used. The bond, diamond pattern, and segment number all play a role in selecting the right blade. Additionally, PSI (pound per square inch), which is the hardness level of materials, is also an important factor to consider. The higher the PSI, the harder the material and the softer the bond of the diamond blade should be. Knowing the hardness of the aggregates in your material helps in selecting a blade best suited for your job. Furthermore, it's essential to recognize that different regions around North America have varying aggregates in their materials, and just because a label says "concrete diamond blade" doesn't mean it's the best option for the material to be cut. Knowing the material variations and PSI levels can help select the right blade for the material and improve efficiency.
COMPOSITION OF A Q-DRIVE DIAMOND BLADE
HARD VS SOFT BOND
The bond (or metal matrix of a diamond saw blade) is the glue that holds the diamonds in place. It is a mixture of three or more different metal powders pressed together at a high temperature. The hardness of the bond determines what the blade should be used for and its lifespan, as well.
ARRAYED VS RANDOM
Diamond blades use diamond crystals mixed into the blade segment to maximize precision cutting through the material. The pattern of those diamonds determines the rate at which they will grind.
SILENT CORE
Copper or steel? What's at the core of your blade? ? Most diamond masonry blades used for concrete block cutting have a steel core which makes a high pitch ringing noise when cutting. However, some blades have a copper core. The copper acts as a silencer and reduces the DBA of that blade.
TENSION
Blade tension is a vital aspect to consider. If not monitored correctly, users can lose it by forcing a blade through the material faster than it would naturally cut it.
BLADE SELECTION
At iQ, we understand that finding the perfect match between the saw, the blade, and the material is crucial. Blade choice is important as it affects the machine and potentially ruins its motor if the wrong blade is used. The bond, diamond pattern, and segment number all play a role in selecting the right blade. Additionally, PSI (pound per square inch), which is the hardness level of materials, is also an important factor to consider. The higher the PSI, the harder the material and the softer the bond of the diamond blade should be. Knowing the hardness of the aggregates in your material helps in selecting a blade best suited for your job. Furthermore, it's essential to recognize that different regions around North America have varying aggregates in their materials, and just because a label says "concrete diamond blade" doesn't mean it's the best option for the material to be cut. Knowing the material variations and PSI levels can help select the right blade for the material and improve efficiency.
PUTTING THE “Q” IN QUALITY
Our innovation doesn’t stop at saws. Through years of experience and testing, we have perfected our proprietary blades with the perfect ratio of high diamond to metal powder concentration. iQ Diamond Tools exceed the demands of the professional contractor. Optimized for rigorous work environments and designed with unparalleled durability, iQ Diamond Tools Q-Drive® Diamond Blades get the job done - cutting materials from hard ceramic tiles to highly abrasive bricks and blocks with speed, ease, and precision. When you see the “Q” seal of quality, you can be sure that it is backed by over three decades of industry experience and quality craftsmanship.
BLADE MAINTENANCE
HOW TO CONDITION YOUR BLADE
When cutting with a new blade, make 25 or more cuts through scrap materials like standard medium-hard ceramic or medium-hard concrete to open up the diamond matrix. This will optimize the blade for cut quality and performance.
MAKE SURE TO TEST YOUR BLADE
Not sure of the PSI of your material? Not sure if the glazing will chip? Then test it. Make some test cuts and then see what blade cuts that material the cleanest, before you start a project. Work smarter and plan ahead. .
DRESSING THE BLADE
Dressing the diamond blade is essential to maintaining its life. After a large number of cuts, or when switching from different materials, dressing the blade will remove build-up on the segments, and expose fresh diamonds, allowing your blade to cut sharper and faster without putting pressure on the saw motor.