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So you've just purchased an angle grinder for your own DIY projects or for your team's upcoming projects on site. Anyway, you might be wondering what you can accomplish with this tool in hand. Of course, you probably know that you can use this tool in its default mode for grinding metal.
But what else can you do? After all, it is one of the most versatile tools that exist, much more than thebench grinderFor example.
This guide will delve into the types of tasks you can successfully complete using an angle grinder. Many of these uses are related to metallurgy and manufacturing, unsurprisingly. But at the same time, you might be surprised how this tool can also be used for carpentry and masonry work.
With all these uses in mind, you're sure to find an opportunity to take your angle grinder on almost any project in the future.
4 uses of the angle grinder in metallurgy
Before moving on to the tool's more specific uses, let's look at metalworking.
grinding
First, let's look at the most obvious usage.
Your unit will likely come packaged with at least one abrasive wheel accessory. With this disc, you will be able to remove access material from the surface of metallic objects. In practice, these abrasive discs allow you to perform a range of important manufacturing jobs, including deburring, smoothing and chamfering.
Keep in mind that while this is the original purpose of an angle grinder, it does come with some restrictions.
In particular, grinding can cause the used wheel to heat up quickly due to friction. So anyone who intends to do a lot of roughing with an angle grinder should have some discs to turn while working. Otherwise, they risk damaging their blades beyond repair.
Paint and rust removal
Angle grinders are also great for removing all types of materials other than metal. For example, with a wire wheel attached, an angle grinder can be turned into a paint removal machine. To that end, these tools are routinely used by professional mechanics and body artists to complete even the most complex paint jobs.
In this capacity, an angle grinder can completely remove paint from a car body in just a few passes.
However, that is not all.
With the same wire wheel, an angle grinder can also be used to remove rust from a corroded metal part. This is particularly true when the oxide layer is quite thin and has not penetrated the inner structure of the metal. Auto mechanics also use their angle grinders for this purpose, especially when restoring vintage cars and auto parts.
pulido
Let's say you have a finished aluminum or steel part that you want to polish before you assemble it in its final location. But without an electric polishing tool, you could spend hours hard at work trying to restore your metal's shine.
However, this need not be the case if you have an angle grinder with a grinding head. With these two parts combined, you can polish a wide variety of metals without investing in a single-use power tool.
Note, however, thatusing an angle grinder for this purpose takes a little extra workFrom you. Traditional polishing tools are designed to apply pressure while rubbing. Angle grinders don't do this by default, so you'll need to apply light pressure to get the most out of their grinding potential.
Cut
Perhaps the second most frequent use of an angle grinder is its ability tocut metal. Specifically, an angle grinder equipped with a tapered cutting blade is fully capable of cutting small to medium gauge metal with relative ease.
In this capacity, angle grinders are commonly used on professional job sites, especially when it comes time to cut sheet metal or rebar.
However, cutting with an angle grinder is easier said than done.
As you'll quickly notice, you'll often need to make several passes across the surface of a piece of metal before cutting through it completely. Also, cutting metal with an angle grinder is bound to throw up a fair amount of debris, not to mention sparks.
Therefore, you must be fully equipped with PPE that covers your skin, eyes, mouth and ears.
2 uses of angle grinders in joinery and carpentry
Next, let's take a look at using an angle grinder when working with wood in one form or another.
sanded
The practical uses for angle grinders in a woodworking shop are few and far between. However, some amateur woodworkers can attest to this tool's ability to effectively sand a rough cut of wood.
To do this, you will most likely need to take a flap abrasive disc, which is traditionally designed for grinding metal. Then carefully run it over the rough surface of the wood until it is perfectly smooth.
In reality, though, this sanding method is technically overkill. In fact, you run a much greater risk of chipping the surface of your piece of wood with one of these discs.
Instead, you should consider usingan oscillating multi-tool with a sanding attachmentoa dedicated sander. This can effectively cut your sanding time in half.
Cut
Some carpenters have also claimed success cutting rough wood with an angle grinder and a metal cutting wheel in hand. While this is theoretically possible, the result is likely to be unsatisfactory. Still, if you want to learn how to do this,read this guide.
Also, due to the edge design of metal cutting wheels, you are at a much greater risk of bursting when cutting in this manner.
Instead, consider usingspecially designed wood cutting sawasa circular sawor table saw.
2 uses of the angle grinder in masonry and concrete work
While an angle grinder isn't an ideal tool for woodworking, it can certainly come in handy when working with masonry and concrete.
Cutting tiles and other masonry materials
Many professional bricklayers and tilelayers have an angle grinder on hand to perform a wide variety of cutting tasks. Specifically, a skilled user can mount a diamond cutting blade to these tools and use them to efficiently cut through brittle tiles as well as thick, dense cinder blocks.cobblestones.
Exceptionally, cutting tile and masonry materials in this way can be done "dry". This is opposed to so-called "wet cutting" which can be cumbersome and time consuming in many masonry environments. Keep in mind, however, that cutting drywall materials with an angle grinder is tricky business. It tends to release a lot of debris, so the proper PPE should always be worn for the mouth and eyes.
grout removal
Many angle grinder owners are unaware that this tool can be used to efficiently remove grout. In fact, it can, making it a great asset to bricklayers who are deconstructing an existing structure.
This job requires a finishing wheel, which is often diamond-tipped to give it more abrasive power. This construction also ensures that the old mortar is sprayed effectively without chipping the surrounding blocks.
As with cutting tile and stone with an angle grinder, those involved in removing grout with an angle grinder must be fully aware of the amount of waste it generates. Grout dust is particularly harmful if inhaled or if deposited in the eyes.
As such, this job also requires eye and mouth protection at all times.
Other Common Uses for Angle Grinders
Finally, let's look at some uses for angle grinders that are unrelated to the above.
Sharpening metal tools
Sharpening metal tools is necessary from time to time. But many DIYers simply don't have access to a bench grinder that can make that happen. In a pinch, an angle grinder can be used to achieve the same purposes.
As long as you have a fine grinding head attached, this tool can return your tools to a like-new edge.
However, sharpening tools with an angle grinder is not an easy task. This is because it requires the user to carefully tilt the entire unit and maintain that angle while grinding the edge. A shield plate would also be prudent because this task is likely to produce a shower of sparks.
Drilling
Although the practice is not as common, angle grinders can also be used to do some drilling work. However, to do this, you will need to purchase a specialized chuck that can be mounted on the accessory spindle of your angle grinder.
With this assembled, you will be able to attach a variety ofspecialized drillsthat can blast their way through everything from wood to brick.
Most of the time, you'll want to use the strongest bit you can get when drilling with an angle grinder. This is because you want to maximize drilling efficiency and minimize friction whenever possible. This can usually be done with a carbide-tipped bit, similar to those used for traditional drilling.
Diamond-tipped angle grinder bits are also available for those who intend to use their angle grinder for this purpose on a regular basis.
Summary
Can you believe how much you can do with just one angle grinder?
If you're into metalworking, carpentry or masonry, you're sure to find at least a few uses for this great all-in-one power tool. In fact, you might even feel empowered to branch out and try a new project with your angle grinder in hand.
just remember to getthe correct disk, wheel, or bitthat can facilitate cutting, grinding, sanding and polishing work.
FAQs
What are the uses of angle grinder? ›
You can use an angle grinder for grinding, polishing, sharpening, cutting, and much more. With their rapidly rotating discs, angle grinders are versatile power tools that can cut, grind, polish, sharpen, and clean a variety of difficult materials, including iron, copper, brass, brick, tile, stone, or mortar.
What is a grinder used for in Masonry? ›Cutting & Tuckpointing Concrete & Masonry Grinders
These grinders slice the edge of their cutting disc into concrete and masonry. Also known as tuckpoint grinders, they are commonly used to remove mortar from joints in tuckpointing applications and cut channels into concrete in crack-chasing applications.
Carving, sanding, and shaping are all operations that angle grinders excel at. You can shape wooden materials like a master craftsman with a wood carving disc attached to your angle grinder.
What is one purpose of using a grinder on tools? ›The primary purpose of an angle grinder is to grind metal. It achieves this with the use of abrasive grinding discs that come in a range of materials, like aluminum, carbide, and diamond-tipped discs. Attach a grinding disc and turn on the grinder to start the disc spinning rapidly.
Can you use an angle grinder to cut wood? ›Angle grinders are fitted with abrasive wheels, not blades. These wheels operate by abrading the material they come into contact with. These wheels are not suitable for cutting wood: they have no teeth.
What materials can you use an angle grinder on? ›An angle grinder is a power tool that can be used for different projects. You can cut metal, aluminium, concrete, bricks, pavers, wood, and other dense materials; you can sand and polish different surfaces to sharpen tools and grind materials. Angle grinders can be used with different types of discs for different jobs.
What are the 3 common types of grinders? ›Three of the most common types of grinders are angle grinders, surface grinders, and die grinders.
Can an angle grinder cut masonry? ›A: Yes. An angle grinder can perform several different functions including cutting a brick wall. To achieve this, however, you should install the appropriate disc. A diamond/mason disc is so far the only recommended blade to use.
Do mechanics use angle grinder? ›Auto Mechanic Shop
Angle grinder is one of the most useful tools at an automobile shop. It is used to grind damaged car parts.
never use a grinder between your legs while sitting on the floor. stop at regular intervals for a short break to rest your hands and arms. never put a grinder down until the disc stops rotating. remove the plug from the power point before changing discs.
What are the advantages of angle grinder? ›
It is known for high power outputs and performance and can also be used for grinding and polishing purposes. The other benefits of this equipment are high capacity and efficiency. Some of its common applications include removing rust or paint from metal, polishing steel, cutting or grinding hard metals, etc.
What are the advantages of grinder? ›Advantages and disadvantages of grinding machines
Ability to machine hard material. Less pressure can be applied to work. Ability to work at high temperature. Offers high accurate dimensions.
An angle grinder is a handheld power tool that can be used for a variety of metal fabrication jobs that include cutting, grinding, deburring, finishing and polishing.
Can an angle grinder be used to cut metal? ›You can use angle grinder to cut metal and all types of it, including bolts, angle iron, rebar, and even sheet metal, when it's equipped with an abrasive metal-cutting disc. However, as you use the discs, they wear down fast, cut slowly, and reduce in diameter.
What can an angle grinder not cut? ›While an angle grinder or drill might cut through the outer layer of a Proteus plate, it will not be able to go through or harm the embedded ceramic spheres, which uses destructive vibrations to blunt any cutting tools.
Can angle grinder be used for drilling? ›How to convert an angle grinder into an electric drill? Remove the angle grinder, leaving only one main motor, and then find a suitable intermediate roller with a point drill to assemble it.
What are the two main types of grinding? ›While belt grinding machines are typically used for finishing processes, surface grinding machines are most commonly used for material removal. When compared to other grinding machines, surface grinding machines are able to remove significant amounts of material, making them desirable for such applications.
What is the difference between a grinder and an angle grinder? ›The main differences between the two grinders are their design, size, and power. An angle grinder is for cutting and rough grinding while a die grinder is a rotary tool used for precision work. The angle grinder is larger so it should be operated with two hands.
Can an angle grinder cut a Kryptonite lock? ›For example, even the famous Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit, undoubtedly the world's most secure portable bicycle lock up until now, featuring an unrivalled 18mm hardened steel shackle, can be defeated in 1 minute with a portable angle grinder.
How deep will an angle grinder cut? ›Since angle grinders are handheld and have a limited disc size, there's a limitation on how deep they can cut. The guard will prevent you from being able to cut deeper than 2.75 in (69.85 cm) deep with a standard 4 ½ inch angle grinder.
Can you use an angle grinder to remove paint from concrete? ›
Angle grinder with a diamond cup wheel.
It grinds the top layer of concrete right off, and with it, the paint.
The way to use water with an angle grinder is to wet the area you're planning to grind. Lubricate the whole surface with water to reduce friction, first of all. Less friction will mean fewer sparks as well as less dust. The water will also keep your angle grinder blade cooler.
Can I use an angle grinder to cut cement board? ›Cement backer board can be cut with an electric circular saw or an angle grinder, both equipped with a masonry cutting disc.
What are the OSHA regulations for angle grinders? ›For right-angle grinders, the grinding face of the wheel or disc should be held at an angle between 5 and 15 degrees from the grinding surface. OSHA standards prohibit the use of accessories that are not specifically designed or recommended by the manufacturer for use with that equipment.
What are the safety rules for angle grinder? ›Angle grinders generate sparks. When required obtain a hot work permit before use. Keep work area clear of debris and flammable materials. Do NOT use in areas where there is grain dust or other combustible dust accumulation.
What are 4 important rules for a bench grinder? ›Safety Rules
Safety glasses are required. Dust mask advised. Don't wear loose clothing or gloves, keep long hair tied back. Grinders are not recommended for material other than metal.
Angle grinders offer a fast and effective way to cut and smooth a variety of surfaces and materials. But they can also be dangerous. Angle grinders are a type of abrasive wheel. They are powerful, sharp, and can cut through hard materials with ease.
What are the advantages of grinding over machine process? ›The advantages of grinding include the capability to machine hard materials and very precise process in terms of size and shape. Grinding is generally used at the end of a machining process to guarantee the highest degree of precision during the finishing of the workpiece.
Why grinding is important? ›Summing up, we can say that the grinding of ingredients generally improves feed digestibility (even if an excessively fine grinding is not recommended because it causes digestion difficulties and requires an excessive consumption of energy), acceptability, mixing properties and pelletability and increases the bulk ...
What are the advantages and disadvantages of grinding process? ›Advantages of Grinding operation:
This operation can be done with less pressure applied on work. It can obtain highly accurate dimensions. It can work at high temperature also. Speed of cutting can be done by this process.
What should you not use an angle grinder for? ›
Angle Grinder Use
Keep work area clear of debris and flammable materials. Do NOT use in areas where there is grain dust or other combustible dust accumulation. speed, and the work to be performed.
You can use angle grinder to cut metal and all types of it, including bolts, angle iron, rebar, and even sheet metal, when it's equipped with an abrasive metal-cutting disc. However, as you use the discs, they wear down fast, cut slowly, and reduce in diameter.
What's the difference between an angle grinder and a regular grinder? ›Die grinders are smaller and lighter than angle grinders, and they have a user-friendly design. It is simple to operate with just one hand. Angle grinders, on the other hand, are larger and more powerful. It can be utilized by holding it in two hands, making it easier to operate.
What is angle grinder advantages and disadvantages? ›Angle grinders offer a fast and effective way to cut and smooth a variety of surfaces and materials. But they can also be dangerous. Angle grinders are a type of abrasive wheel. They are powerful, sharp, and can cut through hard materials with ease.
Can angle grinder cut glass? ›Angle grinders will follow some of the same routines as flat lap grinding but with a few more steps. Since it is difficult to cover the entire area in one grind like you can with a flat lap grinder, you'll generally want to add more steps to the grinding process to make a smooth transition on the glass.
Can an angle grinder cut a padlock? ›An angle grinder is a portable machine that uses a disc to cut metal and tile. Use a 60 grit disc that's 3⁄64 inch (1.2 mm) thick for the easiest way to cut through the lock's shackle. Angle grinders work best on padlocks or bike locks. If you're working at home, use an angle grinder that plugs into the wall.
Can an angle grinder cut rebar? ›Angle grinders are now more compact than ever and can cut just about anything. They are the perfect tool if you are looking for fast work and able to cut your rebar.
Can you cut a pipe with an angle grinder? ›Because you can adjust angle grinders for precise cutting, professionals often use them in their preparatory work. These machines are excellent options for cutting metal pipes, cutting sheet metal, and cutting through metal in bolts quickly and cleanly.
What is the most popular size angle grinder? ›The most commonly used sizes are the 4” and 4 ½”. These grinders typically have the capacity for wheel diameters of up to 7”, with particularly small versions having the capacity for 3” discs.