Every good tool manufacturer has entered into the “Great Easter Egg Hunt”. They’re searching for that tool, that they can make, that’ll enable workers to do their job better and quicker. If they find that “Egg”, then it’ll be $$$ Happy days $$$! And those happy days will roll along until their competitors come up with their “enhanced” version. As you can guess, this isn’t an easy Easter Egg Hunt.
When they find this great Egg, what’ll be their selling price? The exact number we don’t know. But, we do know how much the buyer will be willing to spend. The buyer wants to be shown 2 things: (1) how much more money can he earn (or save) with it and (2) how easy is it to use. Believe it or not, there was a time when computers (with less computing power than we have today) sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. And the buyers gladly paid it. The advantages exceeded the cost of the machine.
One of these products is the abrasive cut off wheel. It cuts through concrete, asphalt, steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
But, even though it’s undoubtedly a great product – it doesn’t necessarily mean it produces great results. There are variables that affect the performance of the wheel – things the manufacturer has no control over: how the grinder spins the wheel, how the user uses the wheel, how the wheel is clamped to the grinder, how the work piece is clamped, etc.
Here are some things that’ll enhance and ensure you get top performance from your cut off wheels:
1. Match the Speed of the Wheel with the Speed of the Machine.
– The wheels were designed (yes, designed) to be spun at a certain speed. Don’t go over or under the limit.
2. Mount the Wheel Correctly
– The flanges need to be equal in diameter. When they don’t match up, it creates stress on the wheel. The stress will lead to distorting and/or breaking the wheel.
– Continuous over excessive tightening will eventually distort the wheel.
3. Clamp The Work Piece Properly
– Don’t let the work piece shift.
– When cutting make sure the piece falls away correctly; you don’t want the piece pinching the wheel.
– If the bar or tube is warped, make sure the convex side is facing downwards; this avoids the Pinch.
4. Abusive Operations
– The wheel is inanimate object but it can and will react to abuse. If you don’t treat it right; it won’t treat you right.
– The cut off wheel is a thin disc that has lateral strength. It wont react well with pressure on the side of the wheel.
– If you can’t clamp the work piece and you’re using a portable cut off saw – be careful. You don’t want to be a recipient of hurtful surprises (i.e kick backs)
– Cut off wheels were designed for certain type of work: don’t ask it to do more than it was made for. You don’t want to be surprised with flying broken pieces.
5. Improper Wheel Condition
– Loose wheel spindles create excessive end play.
– Loose or vibrating machine parts lead to breakage.
– An under powered machine is both unsafe and uneconomical.
– Table saws were not made for abrasive discs and vice versa.
Some Safety Hints:
Before You Use the Wheel
If a wheel is going to break, it’s when they’re first used. With that in mind, let the wheel spin for a full minute before engaging it in the work.
Inspect the wheels for chips, cracks and warping from being over heated.
When Using the Wheel
Excessive vibration isn’t a healthy sign- the wheel is no longer round. No sharpening the wheel or bumping the wheel against the work.
Limit the bystanders or people in the vicinity of where you’re working
Transporting the Wheel
Take the wheel out of the tool – why increase the risk of future problems.
We are always interested in helping you get the most out of your products. If we can help, give us a call.
Cheers,
Ron-Son’s Troch