Angle grinder discs

[geeman]

Hi, well i have my angle grinder and have only recently started using cutting discs on it. I was wondering how to tell when to use a new disc as the ond one still cuts ok, but im worried about it breaking or shattering in use because of all the angle grinder horror stories ive heard and to play it safe i was unsure of when i should switch to a new disc because the old one is worn?? I currently have these http://www.screwfix.com/prods/22831...-Pack-of-5;jsessionid=YM1T52TCYA30YCSTHZOCFFQ. Thanks

 

[rtbcomp]

The only trouble I've had with cutting disks is with Clarke ones. All the others I've used wear down to nothing rather than break. I've not tried the Screwfix ones.

Before each use check for cracks or bits missing from the edge, if there are any break it up and throw it away. Same if you get vibrations in use.

Don't put any side forces on the disk and let it cut at its own rate.

Always wear a face/brow guard, decent overalls and try to position yourself out of the firing line just in case.

 

[michael1703]

if you drop the grinder, throw the disc away

 

[Luke]

generally, change it when it's too small to do the job. that can vary depending on what you're trying to cut. if you have to change out a relatively large disc keep it for other jobs.

The only other reason to change a disc is if it's damaged, as above.

 

[Arsonista]

Try the 0.8/1.0 thick discs. They cut faster because you're removing less metal. I had one of these 'let go' a week or so ago, it snagged in a piece of angle and flew into pieces. Damage (to me), was minimal, but i hate to think what pieces of 2.5 thick disc would have done. I'm just glad it didn't hit my new full face grinding mask that was sitting on the end of the bench.

 

[Chipper]

Save some before they get too small to use; they'll be good for cutting tighter curves.

 

[bigbird76]

Not telling you to suck eggs or anything most people know this but cutting disks are for cutting and grinding disks are for grinding steel, I have met a few people before who were using cutting disks to grind its very dangerous just bear that in mind and goggles or a face/grinding mask are essential..

Cheers

Leigh

 

[Hitch]

Change it when it physically to small to cut through what you want.

As mentioned, check for dmaged edges, cracks, loose centres...

Shouldn't be using them to cut curves, that tends to put a lot of twist on the disc whic isnt good.

 

[Smith&ARROW]

As has been suggested here, thin Cutting Wheels are for cutting a straight line - thats it - take the time to change wheels for any curves or grinding.

Another reason to change or not use a thin cutting wheel is if it has been sitting around for a long time. Generally speaking they are made of an organic resin that "dries out" when exposed to the atmosphere over time(especially the very thin 0.8mm or 1mm wheels because of the large surface area to thickness ratio). A very thin wheel that has been sitting on a bench or on a hook for 6 months will not cut as well as one that has been stored flat in a box away from the elements.

The sharper the wheel, the faster the cut, and the less temptation to exert pressure on the grinder - a practice that should NEVER be employed, and one that will always, eventually, end in tears.

 

[Chipper]

OK to qualify the H&S side - cut curves on thinnish sheet. Obviously don't push the thing and stress the disc, use a bit of common sense. Have cut lots of curves with no problem, bike parts, chassis parts, no thicker than 3mm. Granted only DIY use but with no probs.

teeth not done by grinder, the rest cut out from an existing muddie

 

[Hitch]

Of course its possible chipper, but strictly speaking you shouldn't.
Same as using a 0.8 disc to deburr, its perfectly possible, but you shouldn't.

 

[Benny]

i was recently using some carbosan discs and hated them. they didnt cut well. the centers broke out of 2 and outer hoops flew across the yard. was glad i wasnt in the garage where it would have hit walls etc

 

[Specialist]

Thin cutting discs are the thing you need for cutting, forget thick ones. You can use the disc until it is too small for the job you need it for. They will break if overstressed, or if there is too much pressure put on them. So use common sense, and don't force it. I've had a few of them break up and hit me, not too big of a problem, they sting a bit but thats all. On the other hand, I wouldn't like to have that happen with grinding discs.