Over the past 15 years, flap wheels have become the fastest growing category of abrasives in the metalworking and other industries. The reasons for their rapid progress are varied. In terms of their performance, they offer quick start-up, grinding, deburring and surface finishing operations, all at an affordable overall cost.
They are able to perform a clean cut without vibration, cracking or burnout, which distinguishes them from conventional abrasive discs. The price of products ranges from 50 to 5000 rubles, depending on quality and functionality. In our review we will provide recommendations: “what to look for so as not to make a mistake when choosing a product”, “which brand model is better to buy”. We will get acquainted with popular manufacturers, descriptions of abrasives, and guide you on the average price.
Types of grinding wheels for grinders and their use
The angle grinder for cutting metal, or popularly “grinder”, got its name in 1970. On the territory of Bulgaria, it began to produce a tool of the same name, and so it happened, in order to reduce the number of words while speaking and not overstrain articulation, they began to call it abbreviated.
This device is widely used in the construction industry, mainly used for cutting and grinding, these actions wear out the replaceable part of the device - the disk. What types of them exist and for what work they are intended, we will consider in more detail in the next section.
For woodworking
A special wood disc is required for an angle grinder on concrete, since using ordinary ones can lead to serious injury to the limbs. If you decide to cut, then use a circular saw attachment, where the saws will have slightly set teeth in different directions; this shape will protect the device from jamming.
A saw blade equipped with a chain will save your life - in the event of an unforeseen situation, the device will not jump out of your palms, but will remain stably rotating in the beam.
If you use an angle grinder to cut wood, then follow the safety rules:
- Before installing the attachment, disconnect the grinding wheel for the wood grinder from the power supply.
- The only overlap between the sharp blades and your delicate skin is the protective guard. Do not remove it from the angle grinder!
- When carving wood, use protective gloves!
- Cutting does not require too much power from the tool. If it gets stuck, then it’s not a fact that you will be able to curb it and get injured!
- The saw blade should not contain large teeth, as they increase the likelihood of snagging on strong wood fibers. The likelihood of slipping increases.
- The device has a speed regulator - set the quantity to minimum. If this is not the case, then remember that health is more important. Refuse to work or make a control device yourself.
- During the process, the device being held must be at a right angle; a slight deviation from the trajectory can damage the circular saw.
- Do not lock the power button! If something doesn't go according to plan, there will be no option to turn off the device.
In order to get rid of a layer of old paint or unpresentable coating, you need other discs for an angle grinder for wood, for example, sanding attachments. They are varied in their shape, for example, thorns and crumbs, and easily peel off the top layer.
For metal work
Depending on the material being processed, different grinder wheels are used. The most suitable one is an abrasive disc. If it is necessary to cut a thick iron pipe, then the diameter of the nozzle must be larger.
A universal rule is that when working, you should exert a minimum of effort; the weight of the angle grinder should be enough to successfully complete the task. Additional muscular impact will contribute to rapid wear of the device and attachment.
A cutting disc for metal has a binding base; it can be made of bakelite or vulcanite. The second has high elasticity, but due to its low heat resistance it is not suitable for long-term work.
Bakelite can withstand temperatures of 300 degrees, which causes sparks to appear and reduce the strength of the circle. Bakelite attachments are very popular among craftsmen.
Another criterion for working with a grinder for metal is the diameter and thickness of the circumference of the nozzle. The number correlates with the number of spindle revolutions and, as a result, the speed it develops.
F on the consumable wheel means grit, it is responsible for the accuracy of the result. The larger the grain size, the greater the cleanliness of the treated surface. The grain is also responsible for how much steel will be removed after one pass.
Grinding
When working on metal, a blade disc is suitable for an angle grinder. If it is necessary to sand the surface, then a disc-shaped wheel with an emery layer on the petals will accurately cope with this task.
This attachment will hide seams, edges and remove rust from metal coatings. And they last longer because they wash evenly. It is used to work with complex shapes, for example, in mechanical engineering.
An emery attachment is suitable for sanding wood. Remember, a respirator is a must for your protection when sanding; protect your lungs from dust penetration and possible chronic respiratory diseases.
To avoid leaving unattractive circular marks on the surface being treated, work only with the top surface of the nozzle. Move the angle machine along the wood grain.
For more detailed work, such as restoration, where you need to remove a cracked layer of varnish, level a floor, or update the appearance of a log house, use an alpha disc.
Diamond coating
A diamond blade for an angle grinder is suitable for interacting with ceramic products, stubborn, strong stone elements, carbide metals and quartz glass.
Due to the strength of the diamond surface and long service life, it can perform such labor-intensive tasks as processing asphalt.
Benefits of work:
- Speed. Faster than with abrasive attachments.
- Multitasking. You can perform different tasks.
- Doesn't make much noise. Less effect on the psyche.
- Reliability. They serve for a long time, and will not cause injury, since they will not fly apart during work, as abrasive wheels for an angle grinder can do.
The disadvantage is the high cost.
There are no other alternative attachments for a concrete grinder other than the diamond one.
If you need to carefully cut bricks, then corundum or carbide will not work. They will cope with soft stones, but on serious cobblestones they will fly apart in all directions, endangering the user.
On a grinder for processing hard rocks of concrete or granite, the attachment should be installed and fixed using a special key.
Don't forget about protective clothing. A respirator will protect you from dust, glasses will protect you from getting splinters in your eyes, and gloves will protect your hands from sweating.
If you use a metal cutting disc for purposes other than its intended purpose, you are putting your safety at risk. Study the product carefully and consult with specialists!
Whatever task you set for yourself, an angle grinder will cope with it, it is important to choose a wheel for the task being performed, set the required speed, and even the concrete will be neatly divided into two halves.
Share with friends
