MK Diamond Slab Sawing User Manual
Slab sawing with optimum efficiency and safety, Recommended blade rpm and maximum depth of cut

For successful sawing ensure the blade is matched to 
the saw, job at hand and the operating RPM matches 
the blade’s requirements.
• Based on the depth of cut, select the correct blade 
diameter and install the blade following the manufac-
turer’s recommendations.
• Always match the saw’s rpm to the blade’s diame-
ter. Slower speeds will make the blade act softer so it 
will wear prematurely; running the blade too fast makes 
the blade act hard, which can result in glazing and inef-
ficient cutting. It also could cause the blade to break or 
lose segments. A blade’s maximum cutting efficiency is 
approximately 12,000 surface feet per minute.
• Always step cut. Make a 1-inch cut as your guide cut. 
You should cut 1 to 2 inches deep at a time no matter 
how deep the final cut will be. If you try to make 8-inch 
cuts in one pass you will ruin the blade quickly, it heats 
up the blade and causes it to warp. If your cut gets off 
course, it is better to get out of it and restart on the line.
• Water is key, pay attention to water flow. The nozzles 
should be positioned to spray water to cool the blade, 
control dust and help take slurry out of the cut. If water 
flow stops, stop cutting immediately or you will ruin the 
blade. If you have too much water, the saw could 
hydroplane.
• Listen to the engine, it can tell you if the blade is 
bouncing or wobbling. At the first indication of a 
problem shut down the saw and find the cause. It’s 
likely the blade is loose, damaged or installed incor-
rectly. Inspect the engine, check to see if the belts 
are loose or worn. If you neglect the belts and pulleys 
you’ll start to see poor cutting performance.
Remember, concrete dust is a serious health hazard, 
make sure to follow OSHA standards for eye, nose and 
mouth protection.
Slab Sawing with Optimum
Efficiency and Safety
Recommended Blade RPM and
Maximum Depth of Cut
Blade
Diameter
(inches)
Operating
RPM
Blade
Collar
(inches)
Maxium
Depth of
Cut
(inches)
14
2,900
4-1/2
4-3/4
16
2,600
4-1/2
5-3/4
18
2,600
4-1/2
6-3/4
20
2,450
4-1/2
7-3/4
24
1,950
4-1/2
9-3/4
26
1,950
4-1/2
10-3/4
30
1,650
6
12
36
1,400
6
15
42
1,050
6
18
48
850
8
20
54
775
8
23
1315 Storm Parkway, Torrance, CA 90501
|
P 800.421.5830
|
www.mkdiamond.com
|
F 310.539.5158
