Hot-Rod

Alpha® developed a revolutionary way to improve the efficiency of fabricators. For years, slab fabricators have employed labor-intensive procedures for creating channels in the underside of countertops to accommodate stainless steel reinforcing rods at sink and cooktop cutouts. Alpha® recognized the opportunity for improvement and developed the Alpha® Hot-Rod. With this blade attached to the Alpha® AWS-110 or AWS-125 Wet Stone Cutter, a fabricator can accomplish the task in one easy pass.The Hot-Rod for Granite blades were created with diamond grits and matrix best suited for all categories of granite, including hard red granites, to assure a long cutting life. With a 3” diameter, the blade allows for easy use and better leverage when cutting 1/4” deep channels, by allowing for better positioning of the stone cutter’s handle. This blade is now available in three thicknesses: 1/4” for standard rods, 1/8” for thinner rods and 3/8” for threaded rods. The Hot-Rod for Marble applies the same technology but is designed for softer stones such as marble. This blade is available in 1/4” for standard and 1/8” for thinner rods.For efficient creation of channels for reinforcing rods, attach this unique blade to our AWS-110 or AWS-125 for a smooth, dust-free operation. Used in this manner, productivity will increase significantly. Although Alpha® recommends wet cutting, these blades may be used wet or dry.

Question : On what materials can the Alpha® Hot-Rod blades be used?

Answer : Alpha® designed two versions of the Alpha® Hot-Rod blade, Granite and Marble Series. Alpha® Hot-Rod for Granite blade must only be used for granite applications and Alpha® Hot-Rod for Marble blade must only be used for marble applications.

Question : Will the Alpha® Hot-Rod for Granite blade work on all granites?

Answer : Yes. The Alpha® Hot-Rod blade for granite was created with diamond grits and matrix best suited for all categories of granite, including hard red granites.

Question : In which thicknesses are the Alpha® Hot-Rod for Granite blades?

Answer : Alpha® offers Hot-Rod blades for granite that are available in three thicknesses: 1/4” for standard rods, 1/8” for thinner rods and 3/8” for threaded rods.

Question : In which thicknesses are the Alpha® Hot-Rod for Marble blade offered?

Answer : Alpha® offers Hot-Rod blades for Marble that are available in two thicknesses: 1/4” for standard rods and 1/8” for thinner rods.

Question : Alpha® Hot-Rod blades are dry blades, can they be used wet?

Answer : Yes. Wet cutting will generally increase the life of the blade and help keep harmful dust (Silica) out of the air. We recommend wet cutting using the Alpha® AWS-110/AWS-125 Wet Stone Cutters.

Question : What is the arbor size for Alpha® Hot-Rod blades?

Answer : See specifications chart.

Question : What is the actual size of the Alpha® Hot-Rod blades?

Answer : These blades are 3” diameter. Utilizing a 3” blade will give the operator better leverage when cutting the 1/4” deep channels and will provide better positioning of the stone cutters handle.

Question : Which Alpha® Stone Cutter should I use; AWS-110 or AWS-125?

Answer : Both stone cutters are well suited for channel cutting applications using the Alpha® Hot-Rod blades. However, the AWS-125 stone cutter is more designed for the fabricator. The Alpha® AWS-125 has a side handle attachment for better stability. The Alpha® AWS-125 also accepts the Alpha® Contour Blade for sink bowl cut-outs.

Question : Can I use the Alpha® Hot-Rod Blade on an angle grinder?

Answer : No. The Alpha® Hot-Rod blades are designed to be used on the Alpha® AWS-110/AWS-125 Wet Stone Cutters.

Question : Our shop uses a Tuck Point blade for this application now; what benefits will be gained by switching to the Alpha® Hot-Rod?

Answer : Tuck point blades are primarily designed for the removal of soft mortar between bricks. Mortars are very soft and abrasive, tuck point blades are usually made with a hard bond matrix to keep the diamonds in place longer. When used on hard materials, such as granite, tuck point blades tend to glaze quickly, need frequent dressing and have a shorter life. The Hot-Rod for Granite is specifically designed for harder materials and has a softer matrix for a long life of cutting granite. Similarly, the Hot-Rod for Marble is specifically designed for a long life of cutting marble.

Question : The peripheral edge of the blade is rounding after significant use, but there is still plenty of life. Will this affect the depth and shape of the slot?

Answer : The rounding of the peripheral edge is normal; simply adjust the depth of cut to compensate the rounding areas in the channel. Near the end of its life, it may be necessary to make a second pass to widen the slot.

Question : Are there any other uses for the Alpha® Hot-Rod blades?

Answer : Alpha® Hot-Rod blades may be used in any application that calls for scoring the surface of granite or marble. For example, creating non-skid grooves in granite or marble steps.