Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

And to continue with some safety tips on using Large Angle Grinders :

When choosing to use a large angle grinder, make sure these grinders are equipped with deadman switches.

These switches can easily controlled by one hand, it has a safety device that needs to be pressed while gripping the handle at the same time gripping the starting switch, ones the hand let go of the switch trigger the grinder's motor will stop and the grinding wheel will slowly stop spinning.

These are my large angle grinders and their corresponding grinding discs.

These are the different brands of grinding discs I use for the large angle grinders.

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

When operating a large angle grinder make sure to double check the disc attachements, flange, locking nut and the correct size of grinding disc plus the grinding guard to be used.

When installing the grinding guard, be very sure to tighten it properly yet movable. Tighten it enough that it does not fall off during grinding process, and yes still movable in the sense that the guard can be rotated easily by hand in case a different position of grinding will be required.

Then install the flange properly fitting the slot provided underneath.

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

Grinding disc can now be installed, just make sure it fits properly so that the locking nut will also fit the diameter of the hole of the grinding disc.

This is the locking nut with a part protrusion that will fit properly to the hole of the disc installed and also will fit the M14 stud provided to be able to fasten the locking nut correctly.

Ones the locking nut has been properly installed and hand tightened, a correct wrench or spanner can be used to securely tighten the locking nut. A loose locking nut will make the disc wobble or probably not spin properly.

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

Another additional safety tip before proceeding to grinding those metals :

If every attachments have been installed, do check again the unit for loose auxilliary handle, loose nut and grinding guard and possible cracked grinding disc, we do not want our disc flying and shattering while grinding and make sure power cord is behind the angle grinder and away from the metal we are grinding.

Do move or rotate the guard a bit to the right so that our hand is not in a direct position/direction of the grinding stone.

OK, LETS START GRINDING AND SHAPE THOSE METAL PROJECTS OF OURS !! :work: :chopper:

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**Next will be how to use a cutting disc properly and safely**

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

ANOTHER REMINDER HERE BROS :

link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=eJOiKuVeXA0

link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8gQ9aK36vI&feature=relmfu

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

As from previous tips or tricks on the use of an angle grinder and with all the safety precautions stated, I have here additional safety tips or precautions again, this time on how to use an angle grinder fitted with a metal cutting disc.

Since we all know that an angle grinder is a very versatile hand power tool, it can also be considered as a very dangerous tool specially when fitted with those thin cutting discs.

Cutting discs are made differently from a grinding discs, cutting discs are made with thickness of only 3.0mm, 2.5mm to 2.0mm or even down to only about 1.5mm to 1.2mm, yes that is how thin the last one are, that is why it is very dangerous, they may not be as sharp as a kitchen knife but it is the speed of rotation that makes it cut metals and if in case the disc/blade shatters, it can cause heavy damage to the face, neck, hands or any part of the body if we are not properly protected.

HERE ARE SOME VERY IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS TO ALWAYS REMEMBER :

1.) Always check the cutting disc for cracks or distortions if any before mounting and starting your angle grinder.

2.) When you start your angle grinder fitted with the cutting disc, test id by letting it run for a few second face down and away from your body just to make sure it is running properly.

3.) Check the arbor or flange nut, auxilliary handle, and the guard if they are properly tightened or secured.

4.) Don't or never, never operate the grinder with out the guard, it was placed there for safety reasons like in case the cutting disc suddenly shatters in the course of cutting metals.

5.) Don't ever mount a larger diameter cutting disc to a smaller size angle grinder, example is fitting a 9" or 7" cutting disc to a 5" or 4.5" angle grinders, very very dangerous. Lots of disc vibration and hand control is very hard and of course the correct guard will not or cannot be fitted properly.

6.) Always be aware of your surroundings when performing the task of cutting metals, make sure there are no flammable materials or any flammable liquids around that may cause fire due to the continues flow of sparks.

7.) As much as possible, stay away from the direction of the sparks which may cause burns or irritations on your skin and possibly burn holes in clothings.

8.) When cutting metals, do not force the grinder down to cut the metal immediately, let the weight of the grinder do the cutting or simply apply a little pressure by sliding or moving back and forth on the metal until the metal is totally cut.

9.) Make sure to cut metal in one direction, its either straight down vertical only or straight flat position horizontally.

10.) Never try to twist or bend the the cutting disc while in operation, this might cause the thin cutting disc to break or shatter.

11.) When using a cutting consumable, always wear eye protection and a face shield, ear plugs or ear muffs, gloves, some long sleeve shirts with thick work apron, thick denim pants and steel toe work shoes.

12.) After cutting the metal, switch or turn off the motor and let the disc stop to a halt before setting it down on the table or ground.

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

And some pics to support the above safety tips and for easy understanding and visualizations :

These are pics of different thickness of cutting discs, very much different from the thickness of grinding wheels. The commonly sizes that are made comes in 3.0mm thickness, some are in 2.5mm to 2.0mm thickness and have come across recently some 1.5mm or 1.2mm, yes that's how the last ones are so thin now, hhmmmmmm very scary and dangerous to use.

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

These are some of my grinders that I usually use for cutting plus the different brands of cutting wheels for the 4", 5", and 7" angle grinders.

And they have their specific guard perfectly fitted to each size for protection and safety use.

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

This very thin cutting disc is so nice to use in cutting metals, it produces a very thin kerf or metal cut but also kinda scary to use, there is this apprehension always and hoping it doesn't shatter, but if it does, there is the metal guard to deflect the pieces and probably prevent hitting any body parts.

It is not really advisable to remove the metal guard specially when using a cutting disc, our hand or fingers are so open to the edge of the cutting disc and you may never know when l accidents will happen and POW !!, we're stunned by the possible pieces of the cutting wheel hitting us.

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

SOME MORE PICS FOR EASY VISUALIZATION :

Some people tend to remove the metal guard when performing grinding or cutting metals for the purpose of reducing some weight on the angle grinders. This is a very bad practice and really not advisable, we have just placed ourselves in danger and possible physical injuries. 😮

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

I could imagine a few times when I could have used a 7" cutting depth. A large angle grinder is a good tool to have in the arsenal.

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

AND MORE PICS :

Another bad practice here for example, my two angle grinders, the 5" and the 7" have the same arbor bolt size, M14, some practice here is to replace the 5" cutting disc with 7" cutting wheel, not a very wise decision or approach.

This very un-acceptable practice is a no no, it has become even worst, it is already very dangerous removing the metal guard and yet a proper size wheel fitment is replaced with a larger wheel when using a smaller size angle grinder. What happens here is that balance of the grinder has been jeopardized likewise the safety of the user. Excessive vibration becomes so difficult to control plus again body parts are exposed to possible injuries if and when the cutting wheel shatters. :****:

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

And lastly,

Comparing a 4" angle grinder to a 4 1/2", 5" or 7" angle grinders, there will never be a problem in the exchange of cutting wheels, the former cutting wheel arbor with only M10 wheel arbor will not fit the larger angle grinders and vise versa, the only problem to watch out is the removal of the guard where some users take this for granted, really exposing themselves to possible injuries, let's always hope this accidents never occur/happens.

So with all these tips on safety use of angle grinders will really make us think wisely and properly on how to handle and use this very powerful, versatile and dangerous hand tool.

Thanks for viewing and stay safe always !!!! :fetch1:

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

I could imagine a few times when I could have used a 7" cutting depth. A large angle grinder is a good tool to have in the arsenal.

Yes JayL, THAT IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT !!! Having one or two larger angle grinders makes grinding or cutting faster and easier. Like what you said with your new 5" BOSCH angle grinder of its torque, you've got to try the larger ones, probably their 7" angle grinder, feel the power of its wheel rotation, the torque when you start the motor, very different from the smaller ones. ;):)

Re: Simple TIPS or TRICKS for Angle Grinder users !

made a short video on how to properly use an angle grinder.... GWS8-100Z