Contour Blades–5 Tips on Selecting Contour Blades

FACTS CHECKED BY  NICOLE PAV 

Contour blades are one such blade used to cut hard materials. Contour wiper blades are distinctive from most others due to their curved appearance. This curvature deviates from the usual straight edge that is more common in cutting. Their uniqueness makes them the best choice for cutting out granite holes and other similar tasks.

Let’s consider the things we should consider before choosing a contoured blade.

Table of Contents

Diamond disc for concrete isolated on the white background

Diamond disc for concrete isolated on the white background

1. Cut Material

In selecting contour wiper blades, the Material you intend to cut is as crucial as the blade. Knowing what they plan on cutting can help you advise them better on the kind of blade to get. Cutting a material doesn’t affect the quality of your work. It may not be as smooth as you’d like or ultimately damage the Material and the blade.

That might leave your buyers with the impression that you deliver sub-par wares. So you have to pay attention to this.

Some contour blades do well with marble and limestone, while others are more diverse. They can also be good at cutting engineered stone and quartz.

Diamond disc for concrete isolated on the white background

Worker cutting granite with a blade

2. The Diameter of The Contoured Blade

Contour blades in the market come with varying radii that accommodate different needs. It’s always better and provides more agreeable results when you use the right diameter in your work. Determining what width of the contoured blade is as easy as measuring your slab. Since the blade will be cutting through the tile in question, the thickness is essential. If yours has a diameter too small for the width of your slab, you won’t be able to cut through.

It’s always safer to measure it and take those measurements with you when selecting the right contour blade. There are recommended diameters for the contour blades depending on the size of your slab. Typically, ¾” slabs are cut through by 4″ and 4-1/2″ diameter blades. If your slab is as thick as 1-1/4″, then you’ll require a blade with a diameter of at least 5″.

Diamond disc for concrete isolated on the white background

Cutting discs with different diameter

3. The Tool You’re Using With

A great deal of efficiency in your work depends on the machine you combine with your blade. A critical feature of your device to note is the amperage. Amperage is the strength of the electric charge in your device. If your tool doesn’t have sufficient amperage, it will not have enough power to cut through the slab. The lack of energy results in low torque, which is why your blade cannot cut through. Should your current tool have a reading between 4.8 amps – 5.5 amps, it is too low for a contoured blade.

The designs of most contour blades include side protection that not only offers security but also widens the kerf. This extra kerf allows the tool to cut through the slab more easily. It also has the added disadvantage of creating more drag. Your device requires some more torque to help balance out the extra pull, So reaching the right cutting speed requires ample amperage. Typically, anything less than seven amps is too small. When in doubt, it’s best to go with a tool with more than 7 amps. You might also want to check the RPM rating and ensure it has at least 9000 RPMs. You may find handheld grinders or small circular saws that fit these specifications.

Diamond disc for concrete isolated on the white background

Handheld electric grinder for contour blade

4. The Design of The Blade

Precise specifications from a contour wiper blade are required to adapt to the expected work. Don’t select your blade blindly; pay close attention to the design, and research if you have to. Specific blades come with peculiar features that help them function better. The model could as well affect the quality of your work.

Some designs are more convenient to cut into sturdy materials like granite and engineered stone at an angle. Such as a wrapped granite or diamond mouth to make cutting easier. An example of a unique feature you can take into consideration is that of the custom vacuum brazed type. The vacuum brazing has holes that allow air to pass through, creating a cooling effect. This property lengthens its life span and makes it better for smoothening already cut-out materials.

Another essential thing to note about the design is the machinery it works well with. If you select a blade that doesn’t match your tool at home, you’ll need to buy a new blade or machine. Contact us when in doubt or unsure how to tell if you’ve got the right design, and we will help you.

5. The Make of the Blade

Although two blades have the same or closely similar design, they can still differ. The make of the blade often accounts for these slight differences. In other words, the brand is responsible for producing the contour wiper blades.

It’s essential to carefully consider this, as some brands have an advantage over specific blades for individual projects. NCcuttingtools custom contour blades, for example, are an excellent choice if you’re particular about safety. The blades fit securely on the arbor shaft without much modification. This feature can relieve stress greatly as an insecure arbor shaft possesses a potential work hazard. It also means you don’t have to worry about it coming off while you work. If the project you’re working on requires a tougher touch but still needs something long-lasting, go with steel.

Contour blades usually come from diamonds, but we offer a custom, super-steel version. Not only are they significantly productive, but they also provide a higher level of elasticity.

Handheld electric grinder for contour blade

Image of a diamond contour disc

Conclusion

The selection of your contour blade is not something to be taken lightly. It can effectively make or mar your work. But don’t worry; you’ll get the right fit by looking for blades that fit the above specification.

NCcuttingtools offers a wide selection of custom contour blades perfect for all your needs. So please feel free to contact us.

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