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Grindstones are abrasive tools used for cutting or polishing surfaces. They consist of a steel or aluminum disc with abrasive particles held together by bonding agents. The type of material and particle size determine the abrasiveness and cutting action. Choosing the right wheel depends on the material’s hardness, abrasive material, bonding agent, density, grade, and grain size. Grinders come in different sizes, and it is recommended to consult a knowledgeable person before choosing a wheel. Proper personal protective equipment and familiarity with the equipment are crucial.
A grindstone is an abrasive tool used to cut a material or polish a surface. It typically consists of a steel or aluminum disc, with a rough finish made up of particles held together with an adhesive or bonding agent. There are many different types, sizes and grades of grinding wheels. Common wheel types include straight, tapered, and cutting, but there are many others available as well.
The type of material and particle size used generally determine the abrasiveness of the surface and the cutting action of the wheel. The most common families of materials used for abrasive particles are silicon carbide and diamond. There are many variations of these abrasive materials, such as ceramic aluminum oxide and boron carbide.
Choosing the right wheel for a specific application is mainly determined by the hardness of the material to be cut. Abrasive material, bonding agent, density, grade and grain size are also key considerations. The physical size of the abrasive particles, known as the grain size, will affect the cutting performance of the wheel. A fine grit removes less material and is normally used for polishing and to achieve a fine surface finish. A large grit size will cut the material quickly, but will create a rough surface finish.
A general purpose wheel is normally used for a limited time and then discarded and replaced. A more expensive wheel that is used for fine grinding work is usually dressed and ground, or calibrated, after a period of use, to ensure its performance is maintained and service life extended. Dressing the wheel exposes fresh abrasive material and “trimming” ensures that the surface of the wheel is parallel to the material or object being sanded.
A grinding wheel is often used in a grinder, which is a machine specifically designed to mount and rotate the grinding wheel at very high speeds. Grinders come in many different sizes – from small tabletop or benchtop units used in home workshops to very large industrial units used in machine shops and manufacturing industry. Smaller diameter grinding wheels can also be purchased for use with power drills, to allow for portability when an item cannot be taken to a grinding machine.
Before choosing a wheel, it is recommended that you consult a knowledgeable person in selecting the right wheel for a specific application. It rotates at very high speeds and, therefore, the use of proper personal protective equipment, such as a face shield and non-flammable clothing, as well as familiarity with the grinder equipment itself, is extremely important.
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