Surface Grinders
Metal surface grinders are important tools in the metalworking shop, used to smooth a variety of parts. These machines are designed to grind flat surfaces with precision. They can also be used to grind hard materials that are difficult to machine with other methods. This type of machining is often used to eliminate the need for chemical products when working with metal, and can help keep work safe and fast.
There are a few different types of surface grinders, but all of them use the same basic structural design. This includes a table that holds the abrasive wheel and a device called a chuck to hold the material being worked on. The chuck can be magnetic, vacuum, or mechanical and allows the worker to hold the work piece in place so it doesn’t move as the abrasive wheel is spinning. Most modern surface grinders are programmable and require little to no manual input from the operator once they’re set up.
This is a major advantage over other machining methods that may be used to make metal parts. Many times, other machining processes will leave behind little ridges and uneven spots in the metal that are known as burrs. These can be a result of machine errors or unique issues with the metal itself. Metal workers can use angle grinders every day to smooth these out manually, but a surface grinding machine can do this much faster and with more accuracy.
The abrasive wheels on these machines can be adjusted to suit the needs of each application, and they are designed to be very durable. They can handle a variety of metals, including stainless steel, and are available in different grits to provide the best results for each task. They can be used to cut, polish, sharpen, or even remove mill scale from steel. Mill scale is a rough, non-adhering coating on steel that can be difficult to remove with chemicals.
Aside from removing mill scale, these machines can be used to prepare surfaces for coatings. This is especially useful in industrial settings where multiple different coatings will be applied. These grinding wheels can easily remove any existing coating from the surface of a steel part, making the job easier and faster.
Angle Grinders
Angle grinders are very versatile tools that can do a lot more than just cut metal. They can also be used to strip paint and rust from various metals. They are also great for polishing metal to a shiny finish. The versatility of an angle grinder means that it can replace a variety of other tools.
To use an angle grinder properly, the user must be aware of some important safety procedures. They should wear protective clothing such as a dust mask, ear defenders and safety goggles to prevent contact with sparks. They should also make sure that the work area is decluttered of any flammable materials, such as gasoline, diesel, oil or paper. This is because the blades of an angle grinder can create sparks that might ignite these flammable materials and cause fires.
The most common grinder disc size for an angle grinder is 12 cm. This size is suitable for small jobs, such as cutting wood or thin metal. Larger sizes, such as 23 cm, are suitable for jobs that require cutting through metal or stone. The angle grinder can also be fitted with a variety of other types of discs, such as a cut-off wheel for steel or a diamond tile cutting disc.
An angle grinder can also be equipped with a disc that is designed to strip paint or rust from metals. These discs contain abrasive synthetic fibers that can easily wipe away the old, flaky layers of paint or rust from various metals. They can also be used to remove other types of hangers-on like glue, lacquer, or Bondo that have been used on metals in the past.
Other metal-specific angle grinder discs include a sanding disc, which can be used to smooth a heavily-grinded surface. This is particularly useful on welded surfaces, where the metal has been distorted by welding heat. A chamfering disc is another option, which can be used to remove sharp edges on metals, as well as to smooth the surface of the metal after machining.
An angle grinder fitted with a surface conditioning disc can be used to buff metals to an ideal sheen. This can be especially helpful on welded surfaces, where the metal may have become discolored during welding or grinding.
Overall Advantages
When it comes to precision, nothing beats a surface grinder machine. This type of power tool uses an abrasive wheel suspended above a table to smooth the surface of a piece of metal that sits on the chuck of the grinder. The machine is able to remove tiny amounts of material, down to a ten-thousandth of an inch or less, at a time. This makes it an essential part of a metalworking shop.
In contrast, an angle grinder is a handheld power tool that has many useful applications. The tool can be fitted with a variety of discs that allow it to perform a wide range of tasks, from grinding and cutting to sanding and polishing. This versatile tool is used in a variety of industries, including construction, metal fabrication and woodworking.
If you’re looking to purchase either a Surface Grinder or an Angle Grinder, check our inventory out today! Tramar Industries has an extensive inventory of surface grinders and angle grinders available. Contact us and we’ll help you find the right machine for the job.