Actually water is a terrible lubricant, but is one of the best coolants known. On the other hand, mineral oil is a great lubricant, but is not a good coolant. The molecular characteristics that make a fluid good at one make it not good at the other.

As I understand it, the cutting fluid in a diamond saw has two main jobs: 1. keep the diamonds cool enough to prevent burning & damage to them, and 2. carry away the dust created by the abrasion. A fluid should also have the desirable characteristics of being non-flammable, non-toxic, non-corrosive, rust-inhibiting, easily cleaned, affordable, and doesn't interfere with the design/operation of the blade or saw. Both water and oil do #2 more or less automatically. Water does #1 by *carrying away* the heat of abrasion so the diamonds stay cool. Oil does #1 by reducing friction and *preventing* heat build up in the diamonds. So, two different approaches with the same outcome for the safety of the diamonds. It's the list of desirable characteristics in which water and oil differ greatly. Is that about right?

BTW, I am exploring this topic as someone who just acquired their own saw, and I am trying to find the answer to what's "best" for my situation. I greatly appreciate all the comments so far and have learned much from them, and I hope I have not offended anyone by offering different interpretations. I appreciate your patience with me!

TCR

From TC Reg - November 17, 2009 at 12:23:10

Message: 68548