Cutting quartzite

[bigdeal888]

1st question:
We are currently having some issues getting consistent results cutting quartzite on our Fusion. Generally we have what I would consider normal quartzite issues, step cutting and the occasional over amp but nothing that has caused us to tap out and go full waterjet until now. The current job we are fabricating is Crystal Lake from UMI Stone in Florida. We are using a Zenisis quartzite blade, which has been working well for us on everything else. We have tried a lot of different speeds and cut depths and cannot stop the saw from over amping. Everything from .375 inch depth cuts at 120 imp to .75 at 40 imp and inbetween. We get maybe 8 to 10 feet of cuts before the blade glazes over and amps out every time. Just getting annoying that things that have worked time and again in the past are not working at all and wondering if anyone has come across this and come up with anything.

2nd question:
In relation to my first question, could I please get some blade dressing advice? We have been dressing by hand, which seems to work but perhaps not as well as other methods? I read something about making dressing "blocks" out of plaster and silica(?) on another thread but cannot find it now.

[Mitch@ASW]

First and foremost, you should fill in your signature so we know who we're talking to and where you are, then consider joining. Tons and tons of info on this very subject in the members area.

To answer your question, RPM's are likely your culprit.

[Mark Smith]

I can help you with dressing techniques. My info is below if you would like to reach out.

[TBS_Spock]

We used to have glazing issues with our quartzite blades too. Try lowering your blade RPM to about 1500 if you have a VFD on the Fusion. The idea is for the blade to almost want to push the piece (but not actually push it at all).

[Camzl1]

The Blade RPM, Alignment of the C and B axis, and water are the three main culprits of cutting quartzites. The other two are having the right blade, and if the blade you have is out of tension. A laundry list here I know. Our experience on the Fusions mostly come down to water and alignment. If the blade has been glazed over several times and still been trying to cut it may have lost tension and is walking and binding the blade. Talk to your manufacturer rep and see what they recommend on how to address this either by repair or replacing the blade. Next is RPM. On a Fusion if you are running a 14" Blade then 1750 RPM should be fine. We recommend 1750 on the Terminator NANO Q3 for that size and I am sure Zenesis will be close to that as well, but if not, go by the recommended RPM of the MFG. Always do as they ask, to help eliminate any variables as they try to troubleshoot with you. Alignment checks need to be done if you replace the blade. A lot of people align to the flanges, and that's fine if they are clean and flat. I always check against the blade as it what is actually doing the cutting. Together, aligning to the flange and a Flat Tension-ed blade should be the same but sometimes not. Check also if it is a painted blade that you don't have any high paint spots or splatters preventing the blade to rest flat against the flanges. I have seen this to. Then after you run the quartzite job with your blade, leave it on and run one more job in regular stone to open it back up automatically. This will keep you from having to dress the blade. Any questions give me a call. Also talk with Park Industries as we have been working with them and they have done a lot of quartzite cutting on the fusion of their own testing. I am sure they would have some tips and tricks for their machine for you. Ask for Brian LindBloom.

[TBS_Spock]

The Blade RPM, Alignment of the C and B axis, and water are the three main culprits of cutting quartzites. The other two are having the right blade, and if the blade you have is out of tension. A laundry list here I know. Our experience on the Fusions mostly come down to water and alignment. If the blade has been glazed over several times and still been trying to cut it may have lost tension and is walking and binding the blade. Talk to your manufacturer rep and see what they recommend on how to address this either by repair or replacing the blade. Next is RPM. On a Fusion if you are running a 14" Blade then 1750 RPM should be fine. We recommend 1750 on the Terminator NANO Q3 for that size and I am sure Zenesis will be close to that as well, but if not, go by the recommended RPM of the MFG. Always do as they ask, to help eliminate any variables as they try to troubleshoot with you. Alignment checks need to be done if you replace the blade. A lot of people align to the flanges, and that's fine if they are clean and flat. I always check against the blade as it what is actually doing the cutting. Together, aligning to the flange and a Flat Tension-ed blade should be the same but sometimes not. Check also if it is a painted blade that you don't have any high paint spots or splatters preventing the blade to rest flat against the flanges. I have seen this to. Then after you run the quartzite job with your blade, leave it on and run one more job in regular stone to open it back up automatically. This will keep you from having to dress the blade. Any questions give me a call. Also talk with Park Industries as we have been working with them and they have done a lot of quartzite cutting on the fusion of their own testing. I am sure they would have some tips and tricks for their machine for you. Ask for Brian LindBloom.
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Are there any visual indications on the blade itself that would show that it is out of tension? Is that when the blade is warped?

[Camzl1]

Paint wearing all around in a ring shape, more on one side than the other, is one of the big indicators.