How to Get the Most Out of Your Grinding Wheel

June 7, 2022
By Norton for the Blue Print Editorial Team

New technology will continue to evolve but applying the appropriate safety precautions and proper usage won’t change when grinding abrasives.

What does safety look like?
Proper grinding angle
Grinding at a shallow or flat angle (<15° angle) could cause:

Proper Bevel

A proper bevel happens when the grinding wheels are used at about a 30 degree angle.
Proper bevel means you are using the wheels efficiently and optimizing wheel life.
An indication of flat grinding is the exposed fiber glass at the bottom.
An indication of high angle grinding is excessive chipping.

Proper Guards

Any cutting operation must be carried out using a machine with a closed housing.
Ensure the guard size matches the appropriate wheel size.
Any machine using a disc with a diameter >4 inches must have a handle.

Additional steps and awareness to get the most out of a wheel

Follow all symbols and warnings located on the wheel.
Review the SDS (Safety Data Sheets) for the wheel and the material being cut before using the wheel.
Comply with ANSI B7.1, OSHA, and all safety materials provided with the wheel and machine.

Resources

Like what you're seeing here? Subscribe to the Blue Print for FREE and get the magazine sent right to your address.

Got feedback? Email us at
theblueprint@fastenal.com

WE ARE WHERE YOU ARE.