STI-2420 | STI-2418LP
Operating Manual
32
With regard to acceptable heat levels, diamond tools are designed to dissipate heat by
transferring heat at a given rate so the cutting ability or lifespan is not compromised. The
diamond tool transfers heat into the metal that holds the diamonds and matrix and eventually
into the tool holder.
The diamond tool also transfers heat as a function of cutting the concrete or stone into
small chips that then carry the resultant heat with them away from the diamond tool (i.e.
Chip Clearance). When one or both of these temperature regulators are not performing in
the way they were designed, the diamond tool stops cutting or keeps cutting but lifespan is
reduced drastically. The best indicator that a diamond tool is operating outside its required
temperature range is when the diamond tool cannot be held in a bare hand.
9.5
Super-Abrasive Applications
When a diamond tool is used on a surface that is softer than that which it was created to cut,
the productivity will be high but so will the diamond cost per square foot.
Examples of super-abrasive applications – thin-set mortar, cementitious, or gypsum based
underlayment, epoxy coatings containing silica, soft concrete (carbonized or rain slab) and
soft natural stone such as limestone.
9.6
Acceptable Cost per Square Foot
Diamond tooling should be costing the equipment owner between $.03 & $.05 per square
foot for each type of diamond tool being used. So if there is a project that requires 4 polishing
steps, the diamond cost should be $.12 - $.20 per square foot ($.03 - $.05 per square foot/per
diamond type x 4 total types) overall. This is a general guideline, but it is important to always
strive for tool choices that yield close to this amount to keep cost at an acceptable level.
9.7
Stone Plug Holders vs. Tool Plates
The two ways to hold diamond tooling on the Prep/Master
®
is to either use a 2-inch stone
plug holder or an aluminum tool plate; both have their advantages and disadvantages.
The 2-inch stone plug holder offers convenience in diamond tool change because removing
tools only requires a hammer and replacing the tool only requires hand pressure to twist the
tool in. Another advantage, due to the creation of the E/Z plug, the 2-inch stone plug holder
can accommodate a variety of tools for prep and polishing.
One disadvantage is that stone holders can wear out where the 2-inch plug and the 8.5º
taper interface. When the taper in the stone holder wears, the diamond stones sit at a
different height based on that wear which will cause the diamonds stones to make an uneven
cut across an otherwise flat surface; this condition can lead to premature wear of diamond
tooling as well as a floor not being cut flat. Another disadvantage of the 2-inch stone holder,
it’s easy to mix matched sets of diamonds. When used diamonds are mixed, the tool life is
