Grinding down welds in confined spaces.

[zxr400]

What are your experiences on the best tool for grinding down welds in confined spaces?

I'm stuck for choice between a die-grinder, or a finger sander...

I have air-supply or mains.

Cheers,

Mark.

 

[brightspark]

What are your experiences on the best tool for grinding down welds in confined spaces?

I'm stuck for choice between a die-grinder, or a finger sander...

I have air-supply or mains.

Cheers,

Mark.

a die grinder with a carbide rotary file

 

[Welderpaul]

Depends on the application -each tool has its use. A die grinder with a suitable bit is much quicker, but requires a bit of care if you are trying to get a flat surface using a rotary tool. A finger sander is fine for small areas but i wouldnt fancy trying to grind down a weld with it - they are slow as hell.

 

[Quarryman]

Any reason why you couldn't use a 4.5" angle grinder?
What category and type of confined space is it?

 

[zxr400]

Any reason why you couldn't use a 4.5" angle grinder?
What category and type of confined space is it?

It's mainly for grinding welds in right angled corners, with flanges at 90 degrees to the upright, others with pipes and wiring looms in the vicinity, which cannot be moved. I have a 4.5" angle grinder, and cannot get in there.

Cheers,

Mark.

 

[Quarryman]

I see, in that case a die grinder would be the best bet. Air fed or electrical would be fine, the electrical one more user friendly due to the lower noise level. A decent oval carbide bit is a must, non of that nasty abrasive wheel stuff.
Just being nosey, but why do you want to grind the welds anyway?

 

[chunkolini]

Bought one of these a few weeks back
http://www.toolbench.co.uk/src/froogle/DeWalt-D28885GB-Die-Grinder-500W-240V-PDEWD28885GB/
It now lives on the end of the workbench permanently plugged in, a conical bit with rounded end is perfect for the job, and no grinder dust.
Just wear marigolds with your cuff tucked in as the swarf is like glitter, it gets everywhere and sticks in your fleece and itches like hell.

Chunko'.

 

[lchris21]

Die grinder with Roloc discs. Awesome combination

 

[chunkolini]

Roloc discs?
what dat den?

Chunko'.

 

[Chickenjohn]

For grinding down welds on car bodywork where access is a problem (is this what you are doing??) an air file is best. With a decent 40 grit 10mm belt they take welds down surprisingly quickly.

 

[Paul.]

Roloc discs?
what dat den?

Chunko'.

Made by 3m. a quick release grinding /polishing system, you can get all sorts of disks and scotchbrite pads to do almost anything, its a good system but expensive, here it is Clicky.

 

[chunkolini]

That looks like some useful stuff, I have added them to my favourites, cheers Paul.
Chunko'.

 

[lchris21]

get my roloc bits off ebay.plenty cheapness. i loves em, but my neighbours hate em