When are diamond blades worth the extra money, or required?
I've been dry-scoring to 1/3rd thickness different types of pavers for a couple small 20-30sqft projects around the house, using the $2-$3 composite 7" masonry blades from Home Depot in a 'disposable' (but yet to wane or fail) light weight 10 amp $26 Drill Master circular saw from Harbor Freight.
Takes some time and requires rotating through different depth settings, but works fine. If I were to start a big project, I'd look into a wet saw. But for now, dry cutting next to a 20" box fan is ok.
What would be the advantages of switching to a diamond blade?
Best Answer
Diamond blades aren't that expensive and cut much more quickly. They're much thinner, for one thing. I wouldn't use anything else.
However, doing so with a circular saw won't gain you much. Maneuverability is poor, meaning you're stuck cutting through the material in a big bite. A 7" angle grinder is the ticket. You can slide it back and forth and cut with much more control.