MORTAR RAKING BLADESHIGH-EFFICIENCYTUCK POINTINGMASONRY TOOLING

Mortar raking blades feature wide kerf diamond segments (typically 6mm, 8mm, or 10mm width) specifically engineered to remove mortar in a single pass without wedging. Unlike standard diamond cutting blades, mortar rakers incorporate deep tungsten carbide pin protection or drop segments along the inner diameter. This protects the steel core plate from severe erosion caused by loose sand particles trapped inside joint channels.

Matching matrix bond hardness to substrate abrasive properties is critical to maximize blade life. Soft, historic lime mortar is highly abrasive; it requires a hard metallic matrix bond (cobalt-heavy alloy) to resist erosion. Conversely, modern hard cementitious mortar requires a softer matrix bond with friable synthetic diamonds so worn crystals shed quickly, exposing fresh diamond cutting edges without glazing the blade.

Mortar raking subjects diamond segments to extreme lateral torque and high thermal spikes. Laser welding fuses the diamond segment directly to the alloy steel core plate at a molecular level, creating a weld joint capable of withstanding severe shear forces and temperatures above 800°C. Silver-brazed segments risk melting and detaching under heavy dry raking conditions.

oSa (Organization for the Safety of Abrasives) certification guarantees that DURO mortar raking blades undergo audited manufacturing processes compliant with EN 13236. This includes rigorous burst testing, segment shear stress testing, dynamic core balancing, and side-load resistance checks. For tool hire operators, oSa certification provides documented proof of due diligence and operator safety compliance.

For 115mm (4.5") and 125mm (5") mortar rakers, optimal cutting performance is achieved between 10,000 RPM and 12,200 RPM (peripheral velocity of 63 to 80 m/s). Operating below recommended speeds increases drag and accelerates segment wear, while exceeding maximum rated RPM creates excessive thermal expansion and risk of core wobble.

Dry mortar raking generates significant quantities of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS). To comply with OSHA Table 1 and HSE guidelines, contractors must utilize high-efficiency dust extraction shrouds connected to M-Class or H-Class industrial dust extractors. Alternatively, wet dust suppression water tanks feeding water directly into the cut line eliminate airborne particulate at the point of origin.