Choose the Right Diamond Bur Grit for Your Application

Diamond grit size determines how aggressively a bur cuts and the type of finish it leaves behind. Use this guide to compare grit ranges, recommended applications, and Sintec series so you can choose the right bur for your work.

Choose Diamond Burs by Grit Size

Choosing the right diamond grit depends on both the hardness of the material you are grinding and the final surface you want to achieve. Varenkor Solid Sintered Diamond Instruments are available in grit sizes ranging from 600–800 X Fine for fine finishing and pre-polishing to 60–70 X Coarse for aggressive material removal.

Use the chart below to compare diamond grit sizes, Varenkor series, and recommended applications. Click a Grit Size to see the burs available in that grit.

Understanding Diamond Grit Sizes

Diamond grit is defined by standardized mesh-size ranges. Because diamonds are crystalline structures with natural variations in shape, the particles are fractionated through precision sieves rather than being represented by a single exact particle size.

The diamonds used in Varenkor Solid Sintered Diamond Instruments are calibrated to strict Western standards and classified according to the FEPA Standard (Federation of European Producers of Abrasives). Precise grading helps provide a consistent removal rate and prevents oversized grains from creating unwanted deep scratches in the workpiece.

As a general rule, finer grits provide a finer surface finish, while coarser grits provide more aggressive material removal. The best choice depends on both the material being worked and the finish you want to achieve.

Diamond Grit Size & Application Chart

  • X Fine

    600-800 grit

    Designed for gemstone carvers and jewelry crafters. Removes material with a fine finish. Great for final detail and pre-polish. Use with a water drip.

    Varenkor Series: 14

    View X Fine Burs 

  • Fine

    325-400 grit

    Great for engraving glass, or for final shaping and pre-polishing. Works aggressively for its size. Perfect for working porcelain and metal together (porcelain/metal margins). Leaves a finish ready for polishing and glazing. Will abrade but not burnish so metal margins won't lift after firing.

    Varenkor Series: 16

    View Fine Burs 

  • Fine-Medium

    200-270 grit

    Perfect for developing shape and miscellaneous grinding on porcelain, glass and ceramics. Large selection of shapes and sizes.

    Varenkor Series: 17

    View Fine-Medium Burs 

  • Medium

    170-200 grit

    Very nice for most gemstones. Great multi-purpose for porcelain/metal combinations, nickel chrome, chrome cobalt, and softer, precious metals like gold and silver. Works well on stainless steel, iron and medical steel without too much abrasion. Offers a nice, smooth cut on porcelain. Very nice medium grit for most gemstones.

    Varenkor Series: 212427

    View Medium Burs 

  • Medium-Coarse

    120-140 grit


    Aggressive on porcelain, stones, and all quartz materials (quartz, jade, opal). Cuts well on most alloys but with less aggression.

    Varenkor Series: 1825

    View Medium-Coarse Burs 

  • Coarse

    80-100 grit


    Great for fast, aggressive bulk removal on all stones and metals. Very good for texturing. Excellent for bulk reduction of granite, chrome cobalt or nickel chrome and other metals.

    Varenkor Series: 28

    View Coarse Burs 

  • X Coarse

    60-70 grit

    Aggressive on titanium, nickel chrome, other metals, marble and jade.

    Varenkor Series: 29

    View X Coarse Burs