Which power cutter blades should you be using?

Construction projects are judged on accuracy and productivity. Using the right equipment for the job is essential, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned expert or taking on a DIY project. This is especially true for power cutter blades; choosing the incorrect blade can damage your machinery, jeopardise safety, and reduce the quality of your cut.

Cutting Edge offers a range of Husqvarna power cutter blades, including Elite-Cut, Vari-Cut, and Tacti-Cut, to assist you in making quick work of your construction project. But it can be confusing to know which of these blades you need, so let’s look at what materials you’ll be cutting first.

Start by knowing what you need to cut

If you know what you’ll be cutting, then you can immediately eliminate some of your options and narrow your choice down. The most typical cutting applications in Zimbabwe are broken down as follows:

• Asphalt and new concrete – Cutting sidewalks, driveways and ditches.
• Brick and stone – Cutting bricks, pavers, and kitchen countertops.
• Concrete and reinforced concrete – Demolition work, doorways, expansion joints.
• Metal – Cutting rebar, pipelines and other metal structures.

The Husqvarna power cutter blade lineup

Each of these cutting tasks needs a specific power cutting blade. We stock a variety of Husqvarna blades that have been designed with functionality and quality in mind. These include the following:

1. Husqvarna Elite-Cut

These top-of-the-range diamond blades offer a long lifespan and maximum cutting speed. They have a high diamond concentration, making them perfect for professional use on hard materials like granite and cured concrete, as well as asphalt and green concrete. Elite-Cut blades make precise cuts with little vibration or chipping. Since there is a higher concentration of diamonds, the blade will last longer than others.

2. Husqvarna Vari-Cut

These adaptable blades have a medium diamond concentration and a good cutting speed-to-life ratio. They are appropriate for a variety of materials, including cured concrete, asphalt, brick, stone, and green concrete. Vari-Cut blades offer a reasonable balance between price and performance, giving you a seamless cutting experience for a range of different materials.

3. Husqvarna Tacti-Cut

These are our entry-level blades with a reduced diamond concentration. They are ideal for softer materials such as brick, asphalt, and tiles. Tacti-Cut blades offer an affordable solution for Zimbabwean builders doing light-duty work on a range of “household” materials.

If you’re still unsure of what blade to use, have a close look at the packaging; the cardboard display around the blade will have images of the various materials that the blade is designed for. This will give you a clear indication that you’re buying the right blade for your needs.

The importance of using the correct blade

Choosing the right Husqvarna power cutter blade unlocks several advantages. Firstly, it guarantees quick, precise cuts with less vibration or chipping, which results in a polished finish and higher output. By matching the blade to the material, you can also extend its life and save money and downtime by replacing the blade less frequently.

Selecting the right blade allows you to reduce the amount of strain on your power cutter and avoid needless wear and tear. What’s more, smooth cutting is ensured which minimises the possibility of kickback or blade damage, both of which can present safety risks.

What can happen if you choose the wrong blade?

Using the incorrect power cutter blade can lead to a number of undesirable outcomes. When cutting hard materials, soft blades will clog easily, decreasing cutting effectiveness and wearing down the diamond segments more quickly. Using a blade that isn’t made for the material will rapidly cause it to dull, which will make cutting difficult and demand more effort from the machine and the operator.

Blade breakage and reduced efficiency are also caused by using the incorrect blade, which will raise labour costs and decrease your output. Luckily, Cutting Edge can offer you guidance on the right blades. Our sales team will point you in the right direction and give you useful tips for using a Husqvarna power cutter. Contact us today to learn more about our range of construction tools.

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Cutting Edge is the leading supplier of Husqvarna products in Zimbabwe. We bring you the best tools in the business with world-class service and after sales care. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and product offerings from our brands.