Steve, that's a very good point about water, and I should amend an earlier statement: water is a superior coolant BETWEEN 33 and 211 degrees F. Anything that heats it up past the boiling point runs the risk of the problems you mentioned. (Do you have any references where I can read more about that effect?)

In that case, tho, it brings me back to my original question: why don't we use oil in grinders? Aren't the diamonds suffering damage there, too, despite the lower contact time? And for that matter, how do concrete saws used in construction get by with water as a cutting fluid? Those guys go thru lots of very expensive blades, and won't do anything that runs up their costs.

Thanks!

TCR

From TC Reg - November 17, 2009 at 12:24:19

Message: 68550