Concrete Grinder Std Stones or Diamond?

[STIBuilder]

So the time has come to rent a machine to grind down the 20x20 garage with the failing expoxy floor. When I call the local rental shops they ask if i want the standard stones or the diamond cutters. Seeing that the diamond heads are the same price as the machine to rent 90-120$ a day im wondering if I really do need them or if the standard stones will give me the finish i need.

 

[TommyD]

What are the "standard stones" made of?

I worked in a Geology lab and we used diamond blades, pastes, etc exclusively on stone. Our grinding discs were of alumina and they lost their sharpness pretty quickly compared to diamond.

 

[Edger]

Diamonds are worth it. Better than taking a year to grind.

 

[thomapa1]

a recommendation I got from a maker of grinding machines after calling them directly is to first use Strip Inserts on the grinding machine, then go back and use Diamond inserts - now, whether your floor requires stones or diamond is dependent upon many factors (including hardness of your concrete). That's the answer I got from 'experts' - but it seems like many just go straight to diamond. I'm doing mine by hand using a small grinder and diamond kills it with very little wear to the blades.