We first learned about the DEWALT’s diamond blade DW8500 ($249, Amazon) for cutting metal at last year’s STAFDA trade show and instantly it seemed like a no brainer. Using a standard cutting abrasive disc just has so many flaws. For one they don’t last very long, they get smaller as they are used so it makes cutting large diameter pipe very inconsistent, applying to much pressure binds up the blade, blades can break fairly easily sending shrapnel everywhere and the list goes on. We had a chance to test out the DEWALT Diamond Edge blade a few weeks ago and we were really impressed. Similar speed to an abrasive but no blade binding and no disc shrinkage.
People have used the abrasive type blades for years just as they were previously very common in concrete cutting as well however in concrete cutting the majority of the work today has shifted over to using manufactured diamond concrete blades. As the prices of manufactured diamonds become more cost effective we are now starting to see the shift in metal cutting as well. We had previously looked at the Diamond Products A to Z Blade which also has a 14” option however is slightly less expensive at $189. These two blades are not really the same as the A to Z blade is rated for RPMs of a gas saw while the DEWALT is rated for the RPMs of a chop saw. The DEWALT is also promising 100x the life of a standard abrasive which the A to Z is not making that claim.
It is our prediction we are going to see a big shift over the next few years to diamond blades for metal cutting but going from $7 for an abrasive to $250 diamond blade, even with a 100x life is still going to take some guys a little getting used to. For more information on the DEWALT Diamond Edge blade checkout the full DEWALT press release below.
TOWSON, Md. – Today, DEWALT announces the launch of the industry’s first Diamond Edge Chop Saw Blade (DW8500). By utilizing technology that allows diamond to be used to cut metal without sacrificing cutting performance, the Diamond Edge blade reduces product costs for the end user and lasts 100 times longer compared to conventional DEWALT abrasive blades, DW8001 and DW8003.
“At DEWALT, we are pioneers in developing power tools and accessories that deliver industry-first innovation and technology that leads to increased productivity and performance,” explained Brad Nohr, product manager, DEWALT. “Our new Diamond Edge Chop Saw blades are just one example of how we are leading the industry with product development that addresses end user concerns and raises the bar to exceed contractors’ expectations.”
Ideal for tradesmen tasked with cutting pipe, steel studs, angle iron, rebar and threaded rod using a chop saw, the Diamond Edge blade makes use of advanced brazing technology and premium diamond grit for increased speed and longer life compared to standard DEWALT blades. While the brazing technology is what enables the blades to cut metal with the speed of a conventional abrasive wheel, the premium diamond grit lasts more than 100 times the life of standard DEWALT abrasive blades in metal.
A steel blade core provides the constant cutting depth, capacity and stability of a solid core, and the exposed diamond matrix allows the blades to cut concrete, plastic, fiberglass, rubber, non-ferrous metals, stainless and ferrous metals without loading for flexibility on the jobsite.
