Choosing the Right Diamond Grit Size for Your Concrete Grinding Job. Concrete diamond grinder

Choosing the Right Diamond Grit Size for Your Concrete Grinding Job

Concrete grinding is an essential step in many construction and renovation projects. It helps to level uneven surfaces, remove imperfections, and prepare the concrete for coatings or polishing. One critical factor in achieving a successful concrete grinding job is choosing the right diamond grit size.

Diamond grit size refers to the size of the diamond particles embedded in the grinding tools. It plays a crucial role in determining the efficiency, speed, and quality of the grinding process. In this article, we will explore the different diamond grit sizes available and guide you on how to choose the right diamond grit size for your concrete grinding job.

The Importance of Selecting the Correct Diamond Grit Size

Diamond tools used in hard concrete grinding have a wide range of grit sizes. Diamond grinding is the process of using a diamond abrasive to remove material from a hard surface. The diamond abrasives are bonded to a metal or resin matrix, which is then attached to a grinding machine or other equipment.

The diamond grit size refers to the size of the individual diamond particles on the abrasive disk. The size of the diamond grit is measured in microns, with smaller micron numbers indicating larger diamond particles.

Choosing the correct diamond grit size when grinding concrete is important because it affects how much material is removed from the surface and how quickly the work is completed.

A larger grit size will remove more material but will also leave a rougher surface, while a smaller grit size will remove less material but will leave a smoother surface. It’s important to choose the right grit size for your specific job to ensure that you achieve the desired finish without damaging the surface or your equipment.

Understanding Diamond Grit Sizes

Diamond grit sizes are indicated by numbers that represent the size of the diamond particles in the grinding tool. The lower the number, the larger the diamond particles, and the coarser the grit size.

Conversely, the higher the number, the smaller the diamond particles, and the finer the grit size. Diamond grit sizes typically range from 16 to 3000, with 16 being the coarsest and 3000 being the finest.

Coarse Grit (16-40)

Coarse diamond grit sizes such as 16-40 are used for aggressive grinding and removal of thick coatings, adhesives, and uneven surfaces. They are typically used in the initial stages of concrete grinding when the surface is severely damaged or needs to be leveled.

Medium Grit (40-80)

Medium diamond grit sizes like 40-80 are used for general grinding and removal of moderate coatings, adhesives, and imperfections. They are commonly used in the intermediate stages of concrete grinding to refine the surface after the initial coarse grinding.

Fine Grit (100-200)

Fine diamond grit sizes such as 100-200 are used for fine grinding and polishing of the concrete surface. They are typically used in the final stages of concrete grinding to achieve a smooth and polished finish.

Extra Fine Grit (400-3000)

Extra fine diamond grit sizes like 400-3000 are used for fine polishing and honing of the concrete surface. They are used to achieve a high gloss and mirror-like finish on the concrete surface.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Diamond Grit Size

Choosing the right diamond grit size for your concrete grinding job depends on several factors. It’s crucial to consider these factors to ensure that you achieve the desired results efficiently and effectively. Here are some factors to consider when choosing diamond grit size:

Surface Condition

The condition of the concrete surface you are grinding is a crucial factor in determining the appropriate diamond grit size. If the surface is heavily damaged, has thick coatings, or uneven patches, a coarse diamond grit size such as 16-40 may be required for aggressive grinding and removal.

For moderately damaged surfaces, a medium grit size like 40-80 may be suitable for general grinding and surface refinement. If the surface is in relatively good condition and requires polishing, a fine or extra fine diamond grit size may be appropriate. For soft concrete, soft bond is preferred.

Grinding Goals

Diamond tooling is available in various grit sizes, and each one is suitable for different grinding goals. The goals of your concrete grinding job also play a role in choosing the right diamond grit size.

If you are aiming to remove coatings or adhesives quickly, a coarse grit size may be necessary. If you are looking for a polished finish, a fine or extra fine grit size may be needed. Consider the end result you want to achieve and choose the diamond grit size accordingly.

Equipment and Speed

The type of grinding equipment and the speed at which you are grinding also influence the diamond grit size selection. Different grinding machines have different capabilities, and their performance can vary with different diamond grit sizes.

Coarse grits are typically used with high-speed grinders, while finer grits are used with low-speed grinders. It’s essential to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure that you select the right diamond grit size for your equipment.

A diamond grinding cup wheel with a finer grit size can produce a smoother finish on the concrete surface than a coarse grit size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Diamond Grit Size

Concrete polishing and grinding is a delicate process, and selecting the wrong diamond grit size can lead to a range of mistakes.

One of the most common mistakes people make when selecting diamond grit size is assuming that a higher grit number is always better. However, this is not always the case.

While a high grit number can produce a very smooth surface, it may not be the best choice for all applications. For example, if you need to remove a lot of material quickly, a lower grit number may be more appropriate.

Another mistake is not considering the hardness of the surface you are grinding. Harder surfaces require a higher diamond grit number to effectively remove material.

If you use too low of a grit number on a hard surface, the diamond particles will wear down quickly, reducing the effectiveness of the abrasive disk and causing damage to your equipment.

How to Determine the Diamond Grit Size You Need

The diamond grit size you need for your concrete grinders will depend on several factors, including the type of surface you are grinding, the amount of material you need to remove, and the desired finish.

Here are some general guidelines to follow:

• For heavy material removal, use a lower diamond grit number, such as 16-40.
• For moderate material removal, use a medium diamond grit number, such as 70-120.
• For light material removal and a smooth finish, use a higher diamond grit number, such as 200-400.

However, keep in mind that these are just general guidelines, and the specific diamond grit size you need will depend on the unique characteristics of your job.

Tips for Grinding Smarter, Not Harder

Now that you understand the importance of selecting the correct diamond grit size, here are some additional tips for grinding smarter, not harder:

• Use the right equipment. Make sure you have the right grinder. disk, and other equipment for the job.
• Keep the disk clean. Clean the diamond abrasive disk regularly to prevent clogging and ensure maximum effectiveness. The diamond cup wheel should spin freely and not be overworked.
• Use a steady hand. Keep the grinder steady and move it in a smooth, even motion to prevent damage to the surface and your equipment.
• Use water. Water can help control dust and prevent the surface from overheating, which can cause damage to the diamond abrasive disk.

Techniques for Using Diamond Grit Effectively

To use diamond grit effectively for your concrete floor. it’s important to follow the right techniques. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Start with a lower diamond grit number and work your way up to higher grits. This will help you achieve a smoother surface and prevent damage to your equipment.
• Use overlapping passes. Make sure each pass overlaps the previous one by about one-third to ensure even material removal.
• Keep the disk level. Make sure the diamond abrasive disk is level with the surface being ground to prevent uneven material removal and damage to your equipment.
• Use a consistent speed. Keep the grinder at a consistent speed to prevent damage to the surface and your equipment.

Tools and Equipment for Grinding with Diamond Grit

To effectively grind with diamond grit, you’ll need the right tools and equipment. Here are some things to consider:

• Grinder: A high-quality grinder is essential for effective diamond grinding. Look for a grinder with a variable speed control and a dust collection system.
• Diamond abrasive disk: Choose a high-quality diamond abrasive disk with the right grit size for your job.
• Dust collection system: A dust collection system is important for controlling dust and preventing damage to your equipment.
• Safety gear: Wear safety gear. including eye protection, ear protection, and a dust mask, to protect yourself from dust and debris.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the correct diamond grit size is crucial to grinding smarter, not harder. By choosing the right grit size for your specific job, you can maximize efficiency, achieve the desired finish, and minimize damage to your equipment.

Avoid common mistakes, follow the right techniques, and use the right tools and equipment to ensure a successful grinding project. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to tackle any grinding job with confidence and ease.

Husqvarna PG450

PG 450 is a versatile and user-friendly planetary floor grinder. Perfect for a wide range of applications, e.g. coating removal, concrete grinding and concrete polishing. It is also suitable to use to make Husqvarna HiPERFLOOR With its 18 in. grinding width it is excellent for both small hard to get to areas, as well as larger surfaces. It is ideal for rental and both professional and semi-professional applications due to its many self-adjusting benefits. 1-phase means it is suitable for industrial and domestic applications. It can easily be folded and divided without tools for transport and storage.

Application.- Grinding Removal

Optimal for the removal of plastic-like ceramic glues, vinyl glues, epoxy coatings, and paint

250 | Day 1000 | Week 2000 | Month

Diamond Grinding Teeth Rental Includes (9) diamond teeth in 30, 50, or 100 grit

100 | Day 400 | Week 1200 | Month

Teeth can also be purchased @ 79.99 each. Nine are required for the machine to work properly.

Rental pricing is plus 11% Damage Waiver and HST.

Application.- Polishing

Must be done in a precise step by step format in order to achieve a polished look. The following are based on 1500 Square Feet of concrete floor. All diamond teeth, resin pads, and chemicals must be purchased. Discounted pricing is available to contractors.

250 | Day 1000| Week 2000 | Month

Required Diamond Teeth @ 79.99 each

Required Resin Polishing Pads @ 39.99 each

20 Litres of GM3000 (199.99)

20 Litres of HiperHard (229.99)

5 Litres of HiperGuard (189.99)

Just looking for a medium polish? Try the Hiper 3 system. Info

Rental pricing is plus 11% Damage Waiver and HST. Accessory pricing is plus HST. Additional material and equipment required if edging needs to be polished. Additional material may be need to aquire desired polished look.

Concrete Prep Methods: Acid Etching vs. Concrete Grinding

Preparing a concrete surface before being coated with any product is a crucial step to the entire installation process. It can differentiate between a successful, high-quality outcome and a botched one.

Think about it. Before you wash your hair, you have to make sure it’s first been saturated with water. If not, the shampoo isn’t going to lather, clean your hair properly, and give you the outcome you are looking for, right?

The same goes for prepping a surface for a concrete coating.

There are two mainstream ways a concrete surface is prepped to be ready for a coating: acid etching and grinding. These techniques are meant to level the concrete and provide a smooth and even surface.

However, they are two vastly different techniques that differ in how they work and how successful they are in preparing the surface.

Southwest Exteriors has been an exterior remodeling contractor in San Antonio since 1989. One of our expert services is industrial-strength concrete coatings from Penntek.

We coat garage floors, sidewalks, driveways, patios, industrial kitchens, bathrooms, and just about anywhere a concrete surface is. When we prep a concrete surface for a coating, we use a 600-pound diamond grinder to properly grind the concrete to a smooth and even surface.

Although we do not use acid etching to prep concrete surfaces, we want to provide you with an unbiased comparison of the two to understand which may yield the best results for you.

This article will outline the pros and cons of acid etching and grinding as preparation techniques for a concrete surface so you can better understand the differences between the two.

After reading, you will know more about how each technique affects the concrete and the outcome of the concrete coating. Then, you can go into your project more educated and confident in the installation.

The Pros and Cons of Acid Etching Concrete

Acid etching concrete is a technique that consists of mixing water and acid, typically hydrochloric acid, to create a solution that is then spread across the concrete surface.

The point of the water and acid mixture is to remove any sheen on the concrete to create a raw surface that allows the coating to bond better with the concrete. Acid etching can also be used to simply clean a concrete surface to give it a fresher look.

By briefly describing acid etching, you can probably already start to see some pros and cons to this technique, so let’s get into it.

Acid etching is a quick process

The first benefit of acid etching your concrete is that it is quick. The process consists of dampening the surface, mixing and applying the acid wash, scrubbing the concrete with the acid wash, neutralizing the solution, then rinsing it off.

Acid etching can take less than one hour, depending on the skill level of the one doing the etching. However, it is recommended that the concrete surface dry completely before applying any coating on top, which could take at least two days.

Acid etching is inexpensive

The second benefit of acid etching concrete is that it is fairly inexpensive. You can find etching kits for around 75-150.

There are even DIY solutions to gathering your own ingredients and creating the proper solution on your own for much less than that.

Acid etching allows you to DIY it

Acid etching is most popular around the DIY concrete coating community because of both of these benefits. You can find etching and concrete coating kits to do the entire process yourself.

So, if you’re looking to prep your concrete surface to aid your DIY coating, acid etching is a viable solution.

There is no dust debris with acid etching

The final benefit of acid etching is that there is no dust flying around like grinding concrete. Dust flying around can create health issues if inhaled and settle in hard-to-reach areas.

This is just an overall inconvenience with grinding concrete, so you won’t have that problem with acid etching.

The chemistry involved can be difficult

Although the acid etching process is a fairly simple step-by-step process, the chemistry involved can be difficult.

You must mix the acid and water at the proper ratio, and they must be mixed in the correct order. If you struggled in chemistry class in high school, you might want to get a helper or supervisor for your project.

Acid etching can be dangerous

While the chemistry of acid etching can be difficult, it can also be dangerous. Not only are you dealing with chemicals in the first place, but if the mixing directions are not followed exactly, you can cause a reaction that can be harmful.

If you decide to acid etch your concrete, you must ensure you have the proper protective gear to do so, like gloves, safety glasses, and making sure your body is fully covered. If not, then you potentially risk chemical burns or worse.

Acid etching has negative environmental effects

Another major drawback of acid etching is its negative environmental effects, which is why acid etching is not so popular anymore.

When the acid solution is poured over the concrete surface (and especially when it’s washed off), the runoff of that solution can go into the nearby dirt or grass and harm the environment because it is a chemical solution.

This can cause erosion in the soil and harm the plants and animals in the area.

Is acid etching concrete a good solution for me?

Now that you know the pros and cons of acid etching concrete, you can better know if this is the technique you want to use to prep your concrete for a coating.

If you are DIY-ing a concrete coating, acid etching may be a good solution for you. It’s inexpensive and very DIY-friendly, so you can find many step-by-step guides online to help you with the process.

However, you must be aware of the safety and environmental risks of acid etching.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Grinding Concrete

Grinding a concrete surface to prepare it for a coating is another most popular technique used mostly among professional contractors. It consists of using an industrial grinder with a diamond sander specifically fit for the hardness level of the concrete.

Like with acid etching, there are a few pros and cons to grinding a concrete surface. We’ll outline those pros and cons here.

Grinding creates an ideal, smooth, and even concrete surface

The first benefit of grinding concrete is that it creates the most ideal and smooth surface for a coating. An industrial concrete grinder is a professional tool. This means that it is mainly used by established contractors who know what they are doing.

Concrete must first be tested for hardness to find the correct diamond that will grind the surface without damaging it. You can compare grinding the concrete to sanding a rough piece of wood. It will leave the surface smooth and will also strip any laminates off so the coating can better bond to the concrete.

Grinding doesn’t take long

The second benefit to grinding a concrete surface is the time frame. Obviously, the time it takes to fully grind the area depends on the size of the area.

For example, a double-bay garage can be fully ground by a professional contractor in under two hours. While, compared to acid etching, this may seem like a long time, it is a small fraction of the entire project time.

No waiting period between grinding and applying the coating

The third benefit of grinding concrete is that there is no waiting period between grinding the surface and applying the coating.

When concrete is etched, you must wait until the concrete is fully dry before applying the coating. This can take days. Grinding a concrete surface and applying the coating can happen on the same day, making it a huge convenience for your project timeline.

It’s not really DIY friendly

As mentioned before, using an industrial grinder for concrete is mostly used among professionals. Chances are, you do not want to spend thousands of dollars for a 600-pound grinder that you may only use a handful of times.

This means that if you were hoping to DIY your concrete coating project, grinding the concrete to prep it is most likely not a viable option.

A high level of expertise is needed

Another drawback of grinding concrete is that a high level of expertise is needed to do it properly. When concrete is tested for hardness using the Mohs hardness scale, the hardness level of the concrete will determine what type of diamond is needed to grind it.

If the wrong type of diamond is used to grind concrete, it can damage the concrete if it is too soft or not grind it enough if a smoother diamond is used. If this happens, it can cost you more time and money to have your concrete repaired or ground with the proper diamond.

This is why it is crucial to find a contractor you can trust with your project. Knowing what goes into the preparation of a concrete coating will allow you to ask the right questions and determine if a contractor will meet your needs.

Dust can accumulate after grinding

Unlike acid etching, the last drawback of grinding concrete is that dust is an inconvenience. Some contractors have a special vacuum attached to the grinder to suck up as much concrete dust as possible. However, sometimes it can’t get it all.

In outside areas, dust could accumulate on nearby plants or animals. Indoors, it can make its way to high surfaces or areas you don’t dust much. Dust from grinding the concrete is mostly a problem for the contractor doing the grinding, but it is something to consider for the cleanliness of your home.

Is grinding concrete a good solution for me?

Now that you know the pros and cons of grinding a concrete surface to prepare it for a concrete coating, you can consider if this is what you are looking for.

If you hire a professional contractor for your concrete coating, chances are they will grind the concrete in preparation. This is because grinding the concrete creates the most ideal and smooth surface for a concrete coating. But, you must make sure you choose a contractor that knows what they are doing.

If you are looking to DIY your concrete coating, grinding the concrete is probably not a plausible solution.

Acid Etching vs. Grinding Concrete: Which is better for me?

After outlining the pros and cons of acid etching and grinding concrete, you can better understand which solution might be best for your project.

If you want to DIY a concrete coating, then acid etching is the most viable solution for you. While it may not be necessary, it can help even the surface and prepare it best for the coating to adhere to the concrete.

If you want to hire a professional contractor for your project, they will probably grind the concrete and recommend it as the better option for your coating.

Understanding the best practices for installing a concrete coating is important to be properly educated and find a contractor that you can trust with your project.

With Southwest Exteriors, our professional crews are trained to follow the best practices for preparing concrete and coating it. With any project, we want to do it once and do it right.

If anything is not up to your standards or goes awry with your new concrete coating, we will do everything to make it right for a lifetime.

We want you to be informed with all the information you need to choose the best products and contractor for your project.

As you continue your research on the installation process of a concrete coating, you’re probably getting close to looking for a contractor. You may wonder, how do I choose the right contractor for me?

This article will outline 10 qualities to look for in a concrete coating contractor before scheduling a consultation and during a consultation Then, you will know what to look for to choose a trustworthy contractor that will reach your goals and give you the best concrete coating for you.

Concrete Grinders Polishers. What types are there? Which one is best for you?

By Randy Wheelis Grinding, Polished Concrete

Knowing your concrete grinder types — and what they are used for — is critical for successfully completing your grinding polishing projects

There are many styles of concrete grinders to choose from and it can get both confusing and a little intimidating. Especially when trying to decide what design type is best for you and your projects.

This article will outline the basic types of concrete grinders on the market and address the positive (and negative) aspects of the most common machines.

MOST COMMON TYPES OF MACHINES

• Single head machines.
• Dual head machines.

• Three headed planetary grinder/polisher.
• Four headed planetary grinder/polisher.
• Multi-disk non-planetary grinders.
• Variable speed and reversible machines

SINGLE HEAD grinders

While there are exceptions, most single head machines are small and light (around 100. 300 lbs.)

And most will vary between 9” 18”, run on either 110 or 220 power.

WHERE WOULD YOU USE A SINGLE HEAD MACHINE?

They are great for smaller areas that bigger machines cannot access, edges and hard- to-reach areas like small rooms, bathrooms or offices or lightweight capacity floors.

These smaller machines are also really great for taking slight ridges and high spots out of a concrete slab. This eliminates the need for contractors to “float off” these ridges with a floor patching compound in order to prevent these imperfections from “telegraphing” or transferring through to the surface of the new material being installed.

These machines are cost-effective, lightweight and essential. EVERY flooring contractor should have a machine like this strapped to the inside of their van.

WHERE WOULD A SINGLE HEAD NOT BE THE BEST CHOICE?

Larger square footage projects are less suitable for a machine that has a single head, or a machine that is small and light in general. While t hese small machines will perform well on larger projects. the time involved (if you used a small machine only for a large area) is too great and most contractors will opt-out for a larger machine for higher productivity.

These smaller machines also wouldn’t do well on floors that need grinding to a flat consistent surface. because with the smaller footprint it is difficult to get that smooth consistent cut. A larger machine like a 24” or a 32” machine will produce a much more consistently flat surface.

DUAL HEAD MACHINES

Dual-headed machines are great for quickly producing an aggressive CSP, (Concrete Surface Profile). they are easy to use and cost-effective ; and are a common choice for a concrete grinding machine, especially in the rental market.

A dual headed machine with the correct diamonds can produce a CSP of 2-3, maybe even a CSP of 4 (a rougher finish) on some concrete. This profile is great for most epoxies, moisture mitigation systems, and is a great “blank slate” for skim coating in preparation for sheet goods, VCT, and carpet.

WHERE WOULD A DUAL HEADED MACHINE NOT BE A GOOD CHOICE?

These machines are typically not a good choice if you are polishing concrete. as they tend to slightly gouge the surface and fail to give the very smooth, consistent surface necessary for a good polished concrete floor that a true planetary grinder delivers. As we will see below.

THREE-HEADED PLANETARY GRINDER/POLISHERS

Here is where we start to get into the larger, more versatile machines that not only grind the floor to the desired CSP but are effective concrete polishers as well.

These machines can be chain-driven, gear-driven, belt-driven, or even centrifugal-force-driven, depending on the manufacturer.

WHAT IS A PLANETARY GRINDER?

A three-headed planetary grinder works like this. the large drum you see in the image above operates similar to a “solar system”. T his drum will rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise. The three cutter heads are the “planets”. With all three headed planetary grinders. all three heads will rotate in the opposite direction of the main drum/plate, providing an effective, consistent cut to the concrete. The heads working in opposite directions make for a machine that is balanced and comfortably controlled by the operator.

One difference between THREE headed machines and FOUR

As mentioned, with three-headed machines all three grinding heads rotate in the same direction. On a four-headed machine, 2 of the grinding heads rotate opposite from the other two. Think of it like this: The “North” and “South” heads will turn clockwise and the “East” and “West” heads will turn counterclockwise, resulting in a VERY smooth-running machine.

Also — a very important point — many of these machines are VARIABLE SPEED! This allows you to run these machines slower when “cutting” the concrete, producing the desired CSP. then speed up the machine when you begin to polish the concrete.

Another feature in most planetary grinders is that they are reversible. they will run either clockwise or counterclockwise. This is a nice feature for many reasons.

ONE. Sometimes diamonds will actually cut better and faster when you occasionally switch directions from clockwise to counterclockwise.

TWO. When using “directional” diamonds like a lot of PCD diamonds (PCDs are man-made, big aggressive diamonds) you must run them in the direction they are designed to be used as the image below shows. And, with a reversible machine it is easy to do.

FOUR HEADED PLANETARY GRINDER/POLISHERS

Four-headed, belt-driven planetary grinders — like the Predator grinder/polisher shown above — are considered by many to be the absolute Cadillac of concrete grinder/polishers. Why? Their effectiveness. their comfort to operate, and their utterly unrivaled ability to produce a high degree of clarity and reflection when polishing concrete.

They are (in my opinion) the best, period! This, however, is not to say that three-headed machines do not do well in this regard, they actually do very well producing a great shine and clear reflection, it’s just that a four-headed machine excels at it.

SHOULD I BUY A THREE- OR FOUR-HEADED PLANETARY GRINDER?

So the next question immediately is. What’s the difference between a four-headed and a 3 headed planetary grinder?

Three-headed planetary grinder PROs

• Three-headed machines use less tooling. So, this saves the contractor money.

Four-headed planetary grinder PROs.

Four-headed machine Cons.

When trying to choose between these two great types of machines I’d ask these questions.

“Do you do more concrete profiling to achieve the needed CSP and less polishing?” “Are you starting out in business and the cost of equipment is a concern?”

if your answer to these questions is “yes” then a three-headed machine is probably the choice for you.

But if you answer these following questions with a “Yes”.

“Do I plan to FOCUS most of my projects on polishing versus surface preparation?” “Will I FOCUS on high-value / high-quality customers and finish expectations?””Will my workload and project types support a higher quality/priced machine?”

Then most likely a four-headed machine is the best fit for you.

Power Trowels have been around for many years, they are used in the placement of wet concrete. But in recent years manufacturers have learned that the correct polishing diamonds attached to a float pan, makes a great polishing system with unheard-of production rates! While this system is NOT suited for some projects, where it is applicable, it is an awesome choice.

WHERE WOULD YOU USE A POWER TROWEL?

This system is a great choice for very large projects 20K sq. ft. and more. the reason for this is its very high production rates. this system is great for warehouses, production facilities and manufacturing floors.

WHERE IS THIS SYSTEM NOT APPROPRIATE?

Smaller, high-end, projects where wall and millwork finishes are already installed, as well as occupied spaces. the reason is that you must use a power trowel “WET” the floor must be flooded with water and polished using this “wet method ” and this method is just not practical for these types or projects.

MULTI-HEAD NON-PLANETARY MACHINES

These machines vary in size and number of heads. It’s common for this type of equipment to have between six and eight cutter heads, though there are machines with more heads and fewer. These machines have no main drum rotating, just the individual heads turn.

They are also operated differently than true planetary grinders. But with a little training, these machines can be a good option.

Like all the other styles mentioned, this type of grinder can be a good choice. or not. depending on the manufacturer. So, be sure to do your research before purchasing one.

a few more IMPORTANT POINTS

ANY MACHINE IS ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS TOOLING

Simply put, tooling selection is just as important as machine selection. You can do all your research and buy the best machine for your projects, but if you do not understand tooling, and do not use the correct tooling — in this case mostly diamond tooling — you will be unhappy with the machine’s performance.

So, do your research, educate yourself on how diamond tooling works, call your manufacturer and ask for directions from their tech-reps and trainers. Tooling and equipment manufacturers will typically have these resources available.

Here at Bartell Global, all our sales reps are very familiar with both the equipment we manufacture as well as the tooling options available for each machine. We also have a dedicated product trainer who responds to these inquiries every day. And we are by no means alone, most reputable manufacturers and distributors are more than willing to help, as we all want contractors to have a positive experience w ith the equipment we manufacture.

So, yes, there are a lot of types of concrete grinders to choose from. And, it can be a little intimidating. but with a little research and advice from Pros that have experience with grinders you can succeed! And choose the

How to Choose the Right Diamond Tool for Concrete Grinding and Polishing

Concrete floors, especially polished concrete, are proving to be the top choice for contractors and customers everywhere, from industrial facilities to residential developments and high-end corporate headquarters.

Besides reducing maintenance costs, concrete floors are durable, long-lasting, environmentally friendly, reflect light beautifully, and can look like natural stonework. To transform an old concrete floor, the hard work of preparing it for a new application must first be completed. Cleaning and sanitizing are essential, but so is removing any residues or coatings that can interfere with a successful concrete polishing job.

Diamond grinding removes virtually any coating, epoxy, glue, or mastic depending on its type, the hardness of the concrete, the desired finish, and the size of the surface. Diamond tooling is the real workhorse, between the grinding machine and the concrete surface.

It is essential to know how to determine the type of diamond tooling that will be most effective for the substrate as well as the end result you are after.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about selecting diamond tools for grinding and polishing concrete, how to use them, and where to buy them.

Diamond Grinding 101

You can chip away at hard surface materials such as concrete, granite, and marble by mounting a diamond grinding tool to a grinding machine. On the Mohs scale, diamonds are rated 10 on hardness. As a result, diamonds are the hardest materials on earth.

Depending on the diamond grit you choose, however, can affect the surface area you are applying them to. Choosing a diamond grinding tool with the correct segment bond is essential.

To begin with, you should ensure you have the right size diamond tool for your project. Larger size tooling might be necessary for grinding concrete than for removing a little paint.

In general, diamond tools with smaller surface areas are considered more aggressive. Therefore, these tools leave more scratching behind on surfaces after grinding.

The smoothest finish is likely to be achieved with larger diamond tools. Before selecting the size of your concrete grinding tool, make sure you understand your resurfacing plan.

What is a Bond?

As diamond crystals are ground to the slab surface by means of an abrasive grinding process, the bond holds them in the diamond tool. Diamonds are revealed as the bond wears out over time.

Grinding tools with soft bonds work well on hard surfaces. Eventually, the bond will wear out, so the sharp diamond pieces are exposed and able to do their part.

In the event that you have a soft or gritty surface to work on, you’ll need a harder bond. As a result, the diamond does not wear out as fast.

What are Segments?

‘Segments’ refer to the three centrally located parts of the diamond tool. These diamond pieces can be attached to the cup in several manners.

Surfaces such as concrete and stone benefit from larger segments. On a smaller job, you might have smaller segments. Paint and epoxies can be removed easily with these types of segments.

What is a Grit?

As a final factor, you will need to evaluate the grit of the diamond, which tells you whether it is coarse or fine. A diamond that has a coarser grit (30 to 40 should do the job) is best for a concrete floor grinder working on a coarse surface. A finer grit will be needed if you want to polish your surface. Smoother surfaces can be achieved if the grit is higher than 40. You will need to use higher-grit grinding cup wheels for a longer period of time. If you are trying to balance your end result with your productivity, you should refer to your grit levels.

Finding the Proper Diamond Tools

When it comes to finding the perfect diamond grinding tools, there is no need to look any further! Xtreme’s metal bond diamond tools are manufactured to the highest quality standards to provide optimal performance.

In addition to offering industry-leading products and services, Xtreme Polishing Systems makes the process of surface preparation as effortless as possible for our customers.

If you have the opportunity to work on another concrete project, review this article once again. Make sure you choose a concrete grinding wheel with the right size, shape, bond, and grit. See which diamond tool category fits your needs by looking through the different categories.

Conclusion

You make a big decision when you decide to purchase the best equipment for your next flooring project. Machines that are cost-effective and reliable are what we all want. Selecting the right diamond tooling can be the real challenge here. Productivity and cost-effectiveness depend on the right tool, but checking and measuring the performance of different tools can also help you learn.

Now that you know the basics to get started, all you need is a little patience and curiosity to try out different tools. Understanding errors is the greatest source of knowledge.

Resources, Guidance, and Support

At Xtreme Polishing Systems, our team of experts understands that concrete can variate in properties, therefore each slab must be treated differently. We also know how common it is for those unforeseen complications to occur after hours while still on the job site. It is crucial to have immediate support for achieving beautiful concrete finishes.

Whether you’re a professional contractor or a do-it-yourself type of person, our top-of-the-line concrete product supply and industry expertise are available to anyone. Our pros are here to discuss all your project concerns to assist you every step of the way, from START to FINISH.

Questions? We would love to hear them! Our professionals are readily available to answer all your questions and to provide you with concrete knowledge and industry expertise in the overall preparation and completion of a concrete floor project. Shop Online or Call (877) 958-5732 for all your concrete flooring needs!