I’ve been reading about ultra-thin diamond wafering blades and how they can make cleaner cuts with less kerf loss and fewer chips. I came across this resource: Precision & Ultra Thin Diamond Blade Guide, which explains the advantages of thin blades, bond types, and grit sizes.
It made me curious - has anyone here tried using ultra-thin blades (UKAM or others) on gemstones like quartz, corundum, or beryl? Did you notice a difference in surface finish or durability compared to standard lapidary blades?
I’m especially interested in hearing what setups and coolants people are using to get the best results.
We use diamond blades to cut rough to facet. I use .040 diamond blades in my trim saw. I use diamond laps and other metal laps with diamond to cut and polish the stones. Gem cutters only use saws to cut rough into smaller pieces to create the gems they are cutting and try to eliminate waste of rough by using the thinnest blade possible
I forgot to tell you that I use cooking oil in my trim saw. I wouldn’t use it in a bigger saw but I get no chipping with the blade I use and the oil I use. I don’t remember what RPM I’m running now but I can change it by changing pulleys. I think I’m running around 3200 rpm but I honestly don’t remember
That’s a great setup. Using thinner blades, such as .040, significantly reduces kerf loss. Precision and minimal waste make a substantial difference in gemstone yield.
Interesting approach. For better long-term performance and surface finish, using a water-soluble coolant like Smart Cut Coolant can help reduce heat and extend blade life.