What is an electric angle Grinder ?

An electric angle grinder is a hand-operated tool that is powered by electricity and is used with several attachments for grinding, cutting and polishing. Although it can be powered in three ways- through a petrol engine, compressed air or an electric motor this article will focus only on the electric angle grinder. Its name is derived from the fact that the mounting of the cutting head is done at an angle to the motor’s driveshaft. For metal cutting or grinding the discs are usually made from reinforced abrasive material.

For stone and brickwork cutting, the discs may be either abrasive cutting discs or a diamond cutting disc. Diamond cutting discs cost higher and are superior to ordinary abrasive discs. Angle grinders are widely used in metalworking and construction, as well as in emergency rescues.

 

Side note :

What are diamond cutting disks? A diamond cutting disk is a cutting tool with diamond grains fixed on it using bonding material or various other methods. Because diamond is a super hard material, diamond tools have many advantages as compared with disks that are made with common abrasives such as corundum and silicon carbide. A diamond disk will make a much cleaner and faster cut, and the discs will last far longer than abrasive discs – ultimately a diamond cutting disc represents much better value.

 

Specification chat for Angle grinding wheels. Need to buy online? Just click on the image below.

How do angle grinders work?

Angle grinders are available in different sizes of grinding/cutting discs, voltages, and wattage. See here…

Uses of Angle Grinders

Cutting – Depending on motor wattage and suitable attachment one can cut stone, metal or concrete. Diamond tipped edges are the strongest discs. Ideal users would be General Contractors, Auto-body repair and Plumbers.

Sanding – For all the jobs that require smoothening out of surfaces and sharpening of blunt tools and other items.

Sharpening – sharpen garden tools like your lawnmower blades, axe, and shovels, hedge shears and machetes

Grinding – Grinding wheels are suitable for restoring edges and smoothening surfaces after welding.

Polishing – Buff up metal with an angle grinder that has a suitable buffing attachment fitted. To remove corrosion and rust simply fit wire brushes viola!

Safety Precautions while operating an Angle Grinder:

Bwm Services compiled a list of safety precautions you could follow when using an angle grinder. Some of the risks to be aware of while using angle grinders include the following:

– Sudden kickback

– Flying debris

– Working near combustibles/flammables

– Noise exposure

– Repetitive strain injury

 

You can prevent the above factors by doing the following:

– Following safety procedures

– Becoming familiar with the product’s safety features

– Using additional safety accessories

– Follow Safety Procedures for Angle Grinders 

 

The first step in using an angle grinder safely is to follow basic safety procedures. This includes wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as the following:

 

 

-Hearing protection

 

 

 

Safety glasses

 

 

 

Gloves

 

Personal Protective Equipment is important for the operator’s safety as well as the safety of those working around him or her.

 

 

Safe Environment

In addition, make sure to check the environment to ensure it is safe for angle grinding. A clean, dry and well-lit environment help prevent tripping and electrocution hazards. Never perform angle grinding near combustible liquids, gases or dust. Safeguarding the equipment also includes eliminating distractions, which are a significant cause of injuries. When possible, turn off or remove cell phones and other distracting devices from the area where you perform angle grinding.

Furthermore, operators must make sure they are physically capable of working an angle grinder. If the operator is tired, he or she needs to take a break. Also, don’t perform angle grinding under the influence of substances.

 

Proper Tools

Following angle grinder safety procedures also includes using the right tools for the job. When working with unique applications, a specialized tool might be necessary. For example, when working in tight spots, a die grinder with a flexible shaft, or possibly a flat head grinder, might be a better option than an angle grinder.

 

When starting work, operators need to be able to answer the following questions to ensure proper tool selection:

-Is a slicer or a grinding wheel needed?

-Is the right guard installed on the grinder?

-Does the grinder size match the grinding or slicer wheel size?

-Does the maximum rpm of the grinding wheel match up with the maximum rating of the grinder?

-What direction is the wheel spinning?

-When it comes to angle grinder safety, the appropriate guard also needs to be between the spinning accessory and the operator. 

 

Become Familiar with Your Angle Grinder’s Safety Features

Most manufacturers have engineered corded and cordless angle grinders with a series of safety features. These features help manage and control the tool to protect the operator and others around them.

 

Slip Clutch

One such feature is the mechanical slip clutch, which absorbs the forces that create kickback. Kickback is one of the most common hazards. It occurs when the wheel comes to an immediate stop.

For instance, if the wheel binds to the material you are cutting or if the tool loses power. As a result, the clutch helps keep the operator in control of the grinder. Additionally, it significantly reduces the risk of the accessory shattering and producing flying debris, which can occur with cutting wheels.

 

Mechanical Safety Brake

Another safety feature available on the grinder is a mechanical safety brake. This can stop a slicer wheel in less than 1 s and a grinding wheel in less than 2 s when the grinder’s switch is disengaged. If the operator loses control of the tool, this safety feature helps prevent a serious injury from happening by stopping the wheel quickly.

 

Auto-Balance and Anti-Vibration Features

Grinders that have an auto-balance feature and an anti-vibration handle are also crucial for injury prevention. Operators typically work with their power tools for hours at a time. After working with an angle grinder, they might feel tingling in their arms and hands. Over time, this can cause permanent nerve damage referred to as repetitive strain injury (RSI). Another condition that can develop after long-term use is hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). This is also known as white finger syndrome. HAVS is a permanent and potentially debilitating disease. It causes a restriction of blood flow to the hands and arms, resulting in pain and numbness.

 

Using a grinder that has auto-balance and anti-vibration features significantly reduce the vibration that transfers from the tool to the hands and arms. An additional benefit of the auto-balance features is that it increases the life of the tool and wheel.

 

Drop-Secure

Another critical safety feature is a drop secure, which reduces injuries from accidentally dropped tools. A 6.5-lb angle grinder dropped from 30 ft can strike with more than 600N of force.

Therefore, having a drop-secure feature on the grinder is an easy way to prevent serious injuries. Some tools also have to tether on the rear of the tool. This allows for the attachment to a lanyard.

 

Use Accessories to Enhance Angle Grinder Safety

When performing angle grinding always utilize the accessories that are provided at the time of purchase. These accessories include such as the guard and side handle. Review the accessories that come with the tool and make sure you understand the purpose of the accessories. Also, you must install and use the hand that is provided during operation. It is also crucial to never alter the tool. For instance. some users remove the handle because they feel it gets in the way. If this is a frequent issue, you can purchase a multi-position handle that offers many options for positioning the handle.

 

Vices and Clamps

Another overlooked point in angle grinder safety involves securing the work. This requires using proper vices and clamps, which keep the work-piece safely in place, preventing additional hazards such as over-reaching.

When using a grinder, it’s vital that operators position themselves in an athletic stance that feels and comfortable and well-balanced. Therefore, they don’t have to over-reach or take a hand off the tool. In addition, this ensures they are ready in case of unexpected binding.

 

Extension Cords

It is also important to use an extension cord of proper gauge and length. Depending on the amp rating of the tool you are using, this will vary. Refer to the owner’s manual for recommendations, or the operator can call the manufacturer if they are unsure.

When changing accessories on a grinder, it’s imperative to unplug (or if it’s cordless, disengage the battery from) the tool. Therefore, the tool doesn’t unexpectedly turn on. Many users don’t consider the electric plug they are using or even the extension cord. However, make sure to check all electrical cords to prevent injuries. Additionally, never alter the manufacturer’s plug. This may cause electrocution as well as void the manufacturer’s warranties.

 

Grinder Wheel

Inspect all accessories, particularly the grinder wheel, for chips, imperfections or cracks before installing them on your grinder. A small crack in a grinding or slicer wheel can result in shrapnel flying before the operator realizes something is wrong. After visually inspecting the wheel, run the wheel at no-load, down and away from the operator and others, for 60 s test the wheel’s integrity. If the operator feels the wheel has any unusual vibration, it’s time to replace the wheel. Make sure to discard the current wheel as well.

 

Conclusion

Being knowledgeable about how to identify and mitigate the risks associated with using angle grinders and power tools will help reduce the possibility of injury. In addition, operators must follow safety procedures, use their tool’s safety features and take advantage of safety accessories.

 

Furthermore, the operator needs to follow their company’s safety management rules. Also, always remember to expect the unexpected while using angle grinders and other power tools. Following these straightforward rules allows the user to greatly reduce the risk of injuring themselves and others. Therefore, it will help to increase angle grinder safety.

 

The smaller angle grinders operate at higher speeds – 4½ inch grinder will typically operate at 10000 rpm whereas a large 9-inch grinder will rotate at only 6500 rpm. Because of the higher speed, the smaller discs tend to wear out faster than larger ones – but the smaller discs are cheaper so there may not be any advantage in having a larger grinder.

Angle grinders are available to operate on 110 or 230 volts AC – the 110-volt ones are intended to be used with a step-down transformer for added safety on work sites. Air operated and cordless angle grinders are also available.

 

Typically wattage range from 500 to over 2500 watts – the higher the wattage, the more powerful the grinder will be – the larger the grinder, the larger the wattage.

 

 

One comment

  1. Reynard Warden

    Good day Coco

    Thank you so much for your support. We are happy that you found the content useful.

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