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Uses And Applications Of Angle Grinder

Uses And Applications Of Angle Grinder

What is an Angle Grinder?

Angle grinders are multipurpose power tools that use a quickly grinding disc to cut, grind, polish, sharpen, and clean a wide range of materials such as iron, copper, brass, brick, tile, stone, or mortar. The tool rotates the discs with a lot of torque and an average operating speed of around 12,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), while some have variable speeds that can go as low as 2,800 rpm. You can alternate between grinding through metal and polishing metal by changing the speed and disc, so make sure the angle grinder is suitable for each project's purpose before beginning.

These tools can run on batteries or be directly attached to a power outlet to give a steady source of electricity to the motor. Cordless grinders are ideal for little projects or specialized cutting and grinding chores. If you need to use the grinder for more than an hour, you might consider purchasing a corded angle grinder. Regardless of the type, users should always use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a mask, safety glasses, work gloves, and earplugs.

Applications Of Angle Grinders

Angle grinders are mainly utilized by the metalworking and woodworking industries to cut metal and wood. There are several applications of angle grinders. Let’s know

1. Grinding and Polishing Metal

An angle grinder's principal function is to grind metal. It accomplishes this by employing abrasive grinding discs made of a variety of materials, including aluminum, carbide, and diamond-tipped discs. Attach a grinding disc to the grinder and turn it on to get the disc spinning quickly. Press the abrasive disc on the target metal to flatten, smooth, or eliminate parts.

A smoothing or polishing wheel, used at a reduced speed, can improve the quality and color of the metal. Smoothing is removing a tiny coating of metal to reveal a clean finish. Polishing wheels are constructed of soft materials such as cotton and apply a layer of polish to smooth metal surfaces to achieve a mirror-like sheen. A smoothing or polishing wheel may remove too much surface if the speed is not adjusted. Also, remember that smoothing and polishing require more time and patience than grinding.

2. Cutting Metals

The rapidly rotating disc on an angle grinder doesn’t just smooth, polish, and grind away metal, but also for cutting through metal. This is a typical use for plumbers who are working with galvanized iron or lead pipes. It needs to remove less material than a thicker grinding wheel, the thin size makes it easier for the spinning disc to cut through metal. However, the tiny size makes cutting discs more prone to bending and shattering. Allow the grinder to cut through the metal at a normal speed rather than trying to force it through at a faster rate to avoid breaking the cut-off disc.

3. Cleaning Metals

Using an angle grinder, remove paint, corrosion, and lacquer from metal surfaces. To remove chipped and peeling layers without damaging the metal underlying.  Plastic stripping discs are an excellent choice for removing non-fused paint, lacquer, and similar coatings. These discs are constructed of nylon webbed material and silicon carbide to give adequate abrasion to remove these coatings from the metal. Metal cleaning wheels are made by twisting metal wires together to make a great rust-removal wheel. When this wheel comes into contact with a metal surface while rapidly revolving, it scrapes away surface rust to reveal the clean metal.

4. Sharpening Tools

Angle grinders can also be used to sharpen other instruments, such as lawn mower blades, axes, or chisels. Equip the angle grinder with an abrasive grinding disc and secure the tool's blade in a vice so you can concentrate on controlling and steadying the movement of the grinder.

When sharpening tools using a grinder, it is critical to align the grinding disc with the angle on the blade so that the sharpened blade has the same angled cut as the original. Changing the cutting angle can dramatically impair the tool's efficacy and even destroy the blade. A grinder is useful for sharpening instruments fast. 

5. Cutting Tile, Stone, Other Masonry Materials

While angle grinders are usually used for working with metals such as copper, iron, steel, lead, and others. It can also use to cut through strong masonry materials such as tile, stone, and brick. Replace the metal cut-off disc with masonry cutting wheels to cut straight through these tough materials. An angle grinder's precision makes it helpful for cutting specific angles in tile to aid in bathroom shower repairs, creating a garden pathway out of brick or stone, or replacing damaged pieces of a backyard fire pit.

Because these cutting wheels are designed to bear the high strain, they are not as delicate as metal cutting discs. However, when the grinder is driven into the material, they are still prone to chipping or breaking. The risk of chipping and breaking grows with older used cutting wheels, so replace the masonry cutting wheel regularly for smooth, clean cuts. 

6. Removing Mortar 

Replace the mortar on the exterior of a home to repair leaks, draughts, and persistent insect infestations. To begin chipping away at the lines of mortar between the bricks, get a thick abrasive grinding disc that can handle mild masonry work or use a masonry cutting wheel.

The tiny disc easily fits into these holes, and with careful supervision. You only need to replace the mortar joints to drastically reduceS heat loss and maybe lower your energy expenses. Simply wear a face shield or safety glasses and other appropriate PPE to keep yourself safe while working.

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