Diamond Blades for Fiber‑Cement & Hardie Board

Diamond Blades for Fiber‑Cement & Hardie Board

Fiber‑cement siding is tough on ordinary carbide teeth—one wall’s worth of Hardie board can wipe out a brand‑new blade. Diamond‑tipped PCD blades are engineered to shrug off the silica and cement dust that dulls carbide in minutes. Below you’ll find the key differences and the exact blade sizes we stock for 7‑1/4‑in. circular saws and larger table/mitre saws.

 

7_1-4_Fiber_Cement_Blades

 

Why Choose PCD (Polycrystalline Diamond) Teeth?

  • Up to 20× longer life than carbide in cementitious materials.

  • Cooler cutting action—less chance of scorching the board edges.

  • Thinner kerf reduces motor load on cordless saws.

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PCD vs. Carbide — Written Comparison

Feature PCD Diamond Blade Carbide Blade
Tip hardness 8,000–9,000 HV 1,600–1,800 HV
Expected cuts in Hardie Board (7‑1/4 in.) 1,200–1,500 linear feet 60–80 linear feet
Dust generation Fine, flour‑like; less airborne Larger chips but turns to dust as teeth dull
Motor load Lower (thin kerf + cooler cut) Higher as teeth dull and burn
Sharpening cycles Rarely needed; replace after lifespan 2–3 sharpens before tip loss
Cost per foot ↓ Lowest overall ↑ 3–4× higher over blade life
Best for Fiber‑cement, backer board, EIFS panels Softwood, occasional cement board rip

Takeaway: Paying more upfront for PCD saves both money and downtime after just a few siding boards.



Blade Size & Arbor Guide

Saw Type Diameter Kerf Arbor Stock Code
Hand‑held circular 7‑1/4" (184 mm) 0.071" 5/8" FCP‑184
Table / Mitre 10" (254 mm) 0.098" 5/8" FCP‑254
Track saw 6‑1/2" (165 mm) 0.071" 20 mm FCP‑165

Need a larger diameter? Contact us for custom PCD blades up to 16".



Safe Cutting Tips for Cement Board

  1. Wear a P100 respirator—silica dust is hazardous.

  2. Run blades right‑side‑up to let the PCD shear the cement from the top face.

  3. Clamp or support long boards to prevent chipping the exit edge.

  4. Let the blade do the work; forcing the cut overheats even diamond tips.


FAQ

- Can I use a PCD blade on wood afterward?

 Yes, but the cut quality may be rough because PCD tooth geometry is optimized for abrasive materials, not clean wood fibers.


 - Will a negative‑hook PCD blade work in a trim saw?

Absolutely. Negative hook reduces self‑feed, which is safer when cutting narrow siding strips.

- How do I clean a PCD blade?

Soak in a citrus‑based blade cleaner and scrub with a nylon brush. Never grind or file the tips.

 

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