Some time ago I bought a package of Harbor Freight diamond cutting discs for rotary tools. Those are the ones that come in a multi-pack with a 1/8" mandrel intended for use in a rotary tool. I have not seen any comprehensive reviews on the Web for these tools, so maybe this would be of use. In another thread, I proposed these tools as possible candidates for working with carbide tools. After I tried mine, I quickly discovered that they are cutting wheels, and are too flexible for any meaningful grinding, although there is a pretty band of diamonds around the circumference. They cut pretty well *for a short while*. My first wheel stopped cutting suddenly after about 1/2" or so shaping a boring bar by cutting. It didn't even make sparks. I tried it on several lathe tools, and it had become inactive. Closer investigation and comparison with a new disc showed that there were no more diamonds on the edge. The only diamonds remaining were the cosmetic band attached to the faces of the disc. The rim was completely smooth! A new disc has a rough rim, with the diamonds clearly visible, and it cuts well. The diamonds on the face of the disc are primarily cosmetic and are not aggressive. They will work for some light touch up on a brazed tool, so it is not necessary to discard the set. The "dead" disc can also be used for sharpening a TIG tungsten after it has been contaminated. Another use is for polishing junk inserts so they can be brazed into a bar for further use as a Xynudu-style brazed tool. The polishing helps clean them for brazing later. Clean does make a difference. I used a caliper to check what the inactive disc diameter was compared to a new one. The defunct disc is 0.789" in diameter, while the new disc is 0.802". There is really not much meat on these things!
Here is my question. Do you think I'd have a better experience with the Diablo or Dewalt metal wheels that are found in home improvement stores? Some of these are cutting discs and others are grinding discs. I don't really mind, as long as they have a decent amount of diamonds in them. I don't intend to use them for steel, but some of the wheels indicate that they are suitable for use on steel. The Lennox video shows some aggressive use on steel, which is interesting given the warnings about using diamond on ferrous metals. I did a web search and did not find much information on cross-over uses, Thanks,
Here is my question. Do you think I'd have a better experience with the Diablo or Dewalt metal wheels that are found in home improvement stores? Some of these are cutting discs and others are grinding discs. I don't really mind, as long as they have a decent amount of diamonds in them. I don't intend to use them for steel, but some of the wheels indicate that they are suitable for use on steel. The Lennox video shows some aggressive use on steel, which is interesting given the warnings about using diamond on ferrous metals. I did a web search and did not find much information on cross-over uses, Thanks,