Angle grinders are the one of the most versatile tools in any shop – depending on what you want to do with it, an angle grinder can perform a number of tasks. From cutting through tough materials like metal and acrylics to polishing surfaces smoother than glass! Well, kind off with some additional buffing pads but you get the idea. With enough practice even sculpting objects or shaping materials into new shapes becomes possible too.
The angle grinder itself if not of much use without the right abrasive disc, and there is a wide variety, and are the ideal solution for cutting and manipulating tough materials.
Cutting discs are available in different sizes to fit the appropriate grinder, here is a list of the most common sizes:
- 4,5 inch or 115mm
- 5 inch or 125mm
- 6 inch or 150mm
- 7 inch or 180mm
- 9 inch or 230mm
Below we explain more about these wonderful tools that you can use to make your projects easier on yourself!
Cutting Discs
Cutting discs or cut-off wheels, as they are also known, are made from a solid mix of grit and adhesive that is formed into thin, rigid discs with fiber webbing running through it for strength. These discs are often used to cut metal, stone and other hard materials, discs are also available for other materials such as wood and tiles for instance. Discs have different abrasive ratings where particles range in size from ultrafine to coarse grains, depending on what is required.
For cutting through tough materials, diamond-tipped discs are a must. These blades can be used to slice through slate and other brittle substances without fear of breaking the blade or bending it.
They come in both wet cutters which need regular watering from time-to-time when working with them and dry ones that work just as well if not better than their counterparts because they don't require any lubricant during use.
Grinding Discs
Grinding is a subset of cutting and so is the grinding disc to the cutting disc. The construction of the wheels is very similar except that they are much thicker than cutting discs as force is cross loaded on to the disc.
Grinding discs can be used for the removal of materials like metal and stone, but they are also perfect if you want to give your surface that crisp new look. These wheels will smooth out any bumps or imperfections on anything from small tools to large structural parts - including floors!
Flapper Discs
A flapper disc is a type of abrasive disc that has been laminated with a polyester or cotton backing. These flaps overlap each other and form the entire body, giving it stability as well as unique properties depending on what's used in its construction.
The backing of the disc itself is typically made of plastic, nylon or fiberglass making it ridged while the softer flaps give way as needed.
Various abrasives are used on flapper disc with the most common ones being ceramic, zirconia alumina and aluminium oxide, each with there own benefits and characteristics.
Some safety considerations for working with a grinder (there is a lot more)
- The safest way to use an angle grinder is to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any flying particles.
- Make sure that the cutting disc that you are using is not too small for the grinder.
- When using a grinding disc, be careful because the large amount of force that is being used can easily cause injury if not handled correctly.
- Do not put your fingers at the blade's path - always keep them away so they are not close enough to be cut by the disc or grinded down by friction.
Garage Door Spares stocks a variety of quality abrasive discs and equipment from Lukas Abrasives.
Have a look at our selection of cutting discs.
