Diamond Blades for Brick & Block: Professional Cutting Guide

Brick, block, and other masonry materials vary widely in density and abrasiveness. Cutting them efficiently requires a blade designed to handle frequent friction, uneven aggregate, and heat buildup. Using the right bond hardness and segment design ensures faster cuts, longer blade life, and clean edges for structural or decorative masonry work.

This guide explains exactly which blades perform best on brick and block, along with troubleshooting tips and a detailed comparison against cured concrete blades.

Best Bond Hardness for Brick & Block

Brick and block range from moderately abrasive (face brick) to highly abrasive (cinder block, CMU). The ideal bond balances wear resistance with diamond exposure.

Recommended Bond Type: Medium to Hard Bond

Medium Bond for dense brick and fired material

Hard Bond for abrasive block or porous CMU

Why These Bonds Work:

Medium bond releases diamonds steadily through harder surfaces

Hard bond prevents rapid wear on gritty, abrasive masonry

Choosing the right bond depends on the hardness of the masonry you’re cutting.

Best Segment Design for Brick & Block

Segment design affects airflow, dust removal, and cutting stability—critical for masonry materials that create heavy debris.

Ideal Segment Designs
Segmented Rim

• Best airflow and debris removal
• Fast cutting on brick, CMU, block, and masonry
• Ideal for handheld saws and masonry saws
• Turbo Rim
• Smoother edge for decorative brick
• Helps reduce surface chipping
• Great for mixed masonry projects
• Laser-Welded Segments
• Withstands long, repetitive cuts
• Superior durability on abrasive materials

Best Blade Diameter for Brick & Block Cutting

Choose the blade size based on cut depth and saw type.

Recommended Diameters

10″–12″ for table-mounted masonry saws

12″–14″ for handheld cut-off saws

14″–16″ for heavy block cutting or deep scores

Always verify your saw’s RPM rating before selecting the blade diameter.

Wet vs. Dry Cutting Recommendations

Masonry materials create heavy dust and heat. Proper cooling improves cut quality and blade lifespan.

Best Method: Wet Cutting for Masonry Saws

Reduces dust dramatically

Extends blade life

Produces cleaner edges on brick

Dry Cutting

Effective for small jobs or outdoor cuts using handheld saws. Expect faster segment wear compared to wet cutting.

Expected Blade Life on Brick & Block

Blade life varies based on masonry hardness, saw horsepower, and cooling method.

Typical Lifespan Expectations

Medium-bond blades last longer on dense brick

Hard-bond blades last longest on abrasive block and CMU

Tall segments (12–15mm+) significantly improve lifespan

Laser-welded blades handle repeated cuts without segment loss

Safety Considerations for Masonry Cutting

Brick and block cutting requires care due to high dust output and abrasive friction.

Key Safety Notes

1. Always use PPE: respirator, goggles, gloves, hearing protection
2. Use water when possible to reduce airborne silica
3. Maintain firm, consistent feed pressure
4. Let the blade grind—do not force it
5. Clear debris regularly to keep segments exposed
6. Proper cooling and technique prevent glazing and warping.

Troubleshooting Common Brick & Block Cutting Issues
1. Blade Wearing Too Quickly

Cause: Bond too soft
Fix: Switch to hard bond

2. Slow Cutting Speed

Cause: Blade glazing or overloading
Fix: Dress the blade; lighten feed pressure

3. Excessive Chipping

Cause: Wrong segment design for dense brick
Fix: Use turbo rim for smoother finish

4. Binding or Blade Wander

Cause: Insufficient debris removal or weak core
Fix: Use segmented rim; choose reinforced core

Detailed Comparison: Brick & Block vs. Cured Concrete Blades

Feature	Brick & Block	Cured Concrete
Material Type	Medium to highly abrasive masonry	Dense, hard concrete
Optimal Bond Hardness	Medium Bond (Brick) / Hard Bond (Block/CMU)	Medium Bond (Soft Bond for hard slabs)
Segment Design	Segmented or turbo rim	Segmented or turbo rim
Heat Management	Wet recommended for masonry saws	Wet recommended for deep cuts
Cutting Speed	Fast with segmented rim	Moderate to fast depending on aggregate
Blade Life	Long with proper bond selection	Longer when matched to hardness
Common Problems	Rapid wear, chipping, dust	Overheating, glazing
Troubleshooting	Adjust bond; use turbo for cleaner edges	Switch bond hardness; improve cooling