Spencer Dormer
Our experience and expertise
The cutting of core can be a major pressure point within the core processing system, so any improvement in efficiency, performance and safety has big benefits. This is why we have created this diamond core blade buyers guide.
This guide draws upon the knowledge within the Dynamics G-Ex team, some of which have been operators of core saws, as well as the experience of the Discoverer® brand that has been making saw blades specifically for the mineral core industry since 1993.
So read on for our advice, and feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
Picking the right blade
There is a wide range of brands and blade types available to the diamond core blade buyer. And if you choose the wrong blade for the job, it has a massive impact on performance as well as having significant safety risks to operators.
In selecting the right blade, it is important to consider the following:
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The mineral you are predominantly cutting – this is by far the most important consideration in selecting the right blade for the job. We have produced a useful reference guide that matches the right blade to the mineral – see below.
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Consider the cutting environment – if cutting is occurring near core logging look for sound dampened blades. The Discoverer® sound dampened blade range uses sound suppressing technology within the blade structure which significantly reduces decibel levels while maintaining performance.
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Cutting capability – look for blades that have a low cost per metre cut, which often means not going for the cheapest cost per unit. Discoverer® blades are premium, but they last longer and cut faster than other blades on the market.
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Manual vs automatic – some blades are designed specifically for manual or automatic core saws. The Discoverer® range of blades are suitable for both manual and automatic as they come in both 12" and 14" sizes, so this is one decision you won't have to worry about with us.
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Quality of diamond used in manufacturing – we use the finest quality diamond in Discoverer® Blades to ensure consistency and cutting capability.
Discoverer® Diamond Core Blade selection guide
Optimising the performance of your blade
Core cutting blades are made to a strict engineering design, and they are specifically designed for the purpose of cutting rock. The blades are perfectly balanced, a factor that is paramount for performance. However, with this need for perfection comes a requirement for care to maintain optimal performance.
This is our advice for the best care and maintenance required for optimal core saw blade performance:
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Never cut anything that the blade has not been designed to cut – our blade selection guide is an important resource here.
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It is essential to have a continuous flow of water onto the blade and into the cut. Failure to observe this will cause the blade to overheat (turns blue), lose tension, and possibly fail completely. We recommend a water flow of 8-11 litres/minute.
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Ensure correct blade speed – our blades are designed to have optimum performance at a peripheral blade speed of 3,000 metres (9,900 feet) per minute.
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Use the appropriate guide for competent versus broken core, and consider loading less core in the boat if cutting extremely hard core.
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Always listen to the machine for any significant changes, and check the end cut result to ensure cutting remains true. Adjust feed rate if required.
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Keep the core saw itself well maintained, including cleaning and greasing, to ensure the blades have the best platform to work from.
Observing this advice regarding the use of the blade will help keep the job safe and greatly extend the life of the blade. If you have any questions on this topic, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of the Dynamics G-Ex team!