Why This Contractor Reordered 18pcs Clockwise PCD for Lavina (Thinset + Quartz Epoxy Jobs)
Why This Contractor Reordered 18pcs Clockwise PCD for Lavina (Thinset + Quartz Epoxy Jobs)
From “not aggressive enough” to a cleaner first-pass removal strategy — with two setups for different jobsite goals
Some repeat orders are more useful than long conversations. This one was simple and honest.
The contractor’s first message after testing was basically: “I have only used the heavy cut 16 grit… they functioned perfectly.” Then he moved straight to the next pain point: “Clockwise cut… removing thinset on some jobs and several coats of epoxy with quartz on others… pads with tungsten wear bars are not aggressive enough.”
That’s the moment most coating-removal workflows either get faster — or get messy.
Why “clockwise” matters with PCD
PCD (polycrystalline diamond) tools are directional. When the rotation direction matches the tool’s cutting direction, the removal feels more controlled and typically cuts faster. If you’re building a Lavina-compatible coating-removal setup, start with direction first, then aggressiveness. If you’re shopping, the easiest place to see Lavina PCD options is the Lavina PCD category page.
A quick translation of the machine setup: “3 per plate. 9 in total.”
He runs 3 tools per plate, 9 tools total. That matters because a “full machine set” is normally 9 pcs. Ordering 18 pcs usually means two full sets — often to rotate sets between different job types (thinset vs quartz epoxy) or to keep a backup set ready.
Why 18pcs PCD makes sense for thinset + quartz epoxy
Thinset removal and quartz-broadcast epoxy don’t behave the same. Thinset can punish control: it’s easy to gouge if you sit still. Quartz epoxy punishes aggressiveness: it’s hard, abrasive, and can feel like it’s pulling the machine if the setup is too “all-bite, no stability.”
So instead of forcing one setup to do everything, use two options depending on what you care about most on that job.
Option A — Max aggression (fastest first-pass)
Best for:
• Several coats of epoxy with quartz (hard, abrasive, time-consuming)
• When speed matters more than surface “niceness” on the first pass
Why this works:
• If tungsten wear-bar pads are “not aggressive enough,” you usually need a cutting tool that actually breaks the coating free, not just scrapes and warms it. Directional PCD is designed for that first-pass stripping.
Jobsite requirements (to avoid ugly gouges):
• Keep the grinder moving. Don’t park it.
• Do a small test lane first to feel pull/chatter.
• Expect more scratch/texture after removal — plan to switch to metal tools next.
Option B — More control (still aggressive, less drama)
Best for:
• Thinset jobs where control matters
• Mixed jobs where you want fewer deep gouges and less “machine pulling” feeling
Why this works:
• Even with PCD, your real enemy is uncontrolled dwell time and inconsistent movement. If the goal is “remove cleanly without digging,” you prioritize stability and operator comfort.
Jobsite requirements:
• Use lighter, more consistent forward motion.
• Work edges carefully (thinset + corners are where gouges happen).
• Keep dust extraction strong — thinset dust builds up fast.
What to run after PCD removal
After coating/thinset removal, most crews switch to metal grinding to clean up the slab and control the scratch pattern. If you’re mapping your whole sequence, the “job type → tool stage” logic is summarized on our Solutions page under Coating Removal, and the broader Lavina tooling workflow is explained in our Lavina guide blog.
If you’re aiming for a smoother transition into polishing later, this hybrid vs resin explainer is a good follow-up read (not required for every job).
A note about addresses (kept simple)
This contractor is based in Alabama, USA. No need for a detailed address in a workflow discussion — what matters is the job type, machine setup, rotation direction, and how aggressive the current tooling feels on site.
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