If you’re running a CNC glass processing line, this question probably sounds familiar:

“Should I start glass milling with diamond tools or resin tools?”

It’s a simple question, but the answer directly affects edge quality, tool life, production speed, and even operating cost. In our previous blogs, we explained how diamond wheels and resin wheels work together. Today, we’ll go one step further and clearly explain which CNC tool should be used first—and why.

Let’s make this practical and easy to follow.

Understanding the Role of CNC Tools in Glass Milling

Glass milling is not a one-step process.
It’s a multi-stage operation, especially on CNC machines.

Each stage has a purpose:

• Material removal

• Edge shaping

• Surface smoothing

• Final polishing

Trying to finish all stages with one tool almost always leads to problems. So before choosing the order, let’s look at what each tool actually does.

What Diamond CNC Tools Are Designed For

Diamond CNC tools are built for strength and precision.

They are ideal for:

• Removing material quickly

• Shaping glass edges

• Creating slots, holes, and profiles

• Handling high hardness glass

Because diamond particles are extremely hard, these tools can cut glass efficiently without losing shape. That’s why diamond tools are always used at the early stage of glass milling.

If you start milling glass with resin tools instead, the tool will wear fast and generate excessive heat. That’s not what you want, trust me.

What Resin CNC Tools Are Designed For

Resin CNC tools focus on refinement, not aggression.

They are best for:

• Smoothing rough surfaces

• Reducing micro-cracks

• Improving transparency

• Preparing edges for final polishing

Resin tools rely on controlled abrasion rather than cutting force. That’s why they work best after the diamond tools finish their job.

Using resin tools first is like polishing a surface that hasn’t been shaped yet — it looks busy but doesn’t really work.

So, Which One Should Be Used First?

Here’s the clear answer:

👉 Diamond CNC tools should always be used first.
👉 Resin CNC tools should always follow.

This sequence exists for a reason.

A typical CNC glass milling workflow looks like this:

1. Diamond CNC milling tool – rough milling and shaping

2. Diamond or fine-grit CNC tool – edge refinement

3. Resin CNC tool – smoothing and surface preparation

4. Polishing wheel (optional) – final finish

Skipping steps or reversing the order usually leads to:

• Poor edge quality

• Shorter tool life

• Unstable processing

• Higher replacement cost

And yes, sometimes operators try to “save time,” but the result often creates more rework later.

Why This Order Improves Tool Life and Quality

Using diamond tools first removes most of the material stress.
That means resin tools don’t need to work as hard.

Benefits include:

• Less heat generation

• More stable resin bond performance

• Cleaner edges

• Better transparency

• Longer tool lifespan

If the surface finish are not prepared well by diamond tools, resin tools will struggle and wear unevenly.

Small mistake in sequence, big difference in results.

How This Applies to Different Glass Types

Different glass types follow the same logic, with slight adjustments:

• Tempered glass → strong diamond tools first, medium-hard resin tools after

• Ultra-clear glass → fine-grit diamond tools + softer resin tools

• Furniture glass → balanced diamond milling + stable resin smoothing

• Architectural glass → durable diamond tools + long-life resin tools

No matter the glass type, diamond first, resin second is the rule that holds up.

How Jiangxi Jinlong Supports CNC Glass Milling

As a professional China manufacturer and supplier, Jiangxi Jinlong provides complete CNC tool solutions for glass processing, including:

• Diamond CNC milling cutters

• Resin CNC tools for glass

• Diamond grinding wheels

• Resin polishing wheels

• Customized CNC tool sets

Since 2003, we’ve helped glass factories and distributors build stable, efficient, and repeatable milling workflows. Our tools are designed to work together, not independently.

And honestly, that’s where many suppliers fall short.

Final Takeaway

If you remember just one thing, remember this:

Diamond CNC tools shape the glass.
Resin CNC tools perfect the glass.

Use them in the right order, and everything else becomes easier — smoother edges, better finish, longer tool life, and fewer headaches on the production floor.