Grinding and buffing ....

[mondeoman]

Treated myself to a Clarke 8" bench grinder yesterday, and although the machine itself is gvfm, the grinding wheel and brush supplied are, shall we say, just wrong.

The grinding wheel has a very high wear rate, and I can't see how it can be used to sharpen tools: I think an HSS 10mm drill bit would destroy it. I did about ten pieces last night and its got a 3mm deep groove in it already.

The brass brush, OTOH, is super abrasive and will eat mild steel for breakfast, which kind of defeats the object of the exercise, which is cleaning and surface polishing.

So, throwing this one open to those who know more than me, who can recommend an 8" grinding wheel that will do the job of be-burring mild steel and sharpening HSS drills, and an 8" brush that will remove surface rust without destroying the workpiece.

[Crafty_]

to clean up surface rust, use a knotted wheel on a grinder, easier than the bench item:


Horrible bloody things though, the wires eventually come off and go all directions, will easily pierce skin if you "catch" one.
Safety eyewear is a must, I usually wear welding gloves when using them and have fleece on to cover arms.

Edited by Crafty_ on Thursday 27th September 18:50

[mondeoman]

Thats way too aggressive - I need more of a polisher rather than material remover. But thanks for the idea.

[Crafty_]

It wont remove material at all, its not like using a grinding disc or even a flappy disc - not even close.

[thinfourth2]

mondeoman said:

The grinding wheel has a very high wear rate, and I can't see how it can be used to sharpen tools: I think an HSS 10mm drill bit would destroy it. I did about ten pieces last night and its got a 3mm deep groove in it already.

That isn't the grinders fault

You have bought yourself an 8" bomb

Go research grinding wheel safety as they can be very nasty machines if abused

Oh and don't wear gloves

Leather/fabric catches where as skin doesn't

[G600]

thinfourth2 said:

Go research grinding wheel safety as they can be very nasty machines if abused

Oh and don't wear gloves

Leather/fabric catches where as skin doesn't

This. There's a reason abrasive wheels have their own set of regs.

[ARH]

I have seen one explode, you really don't wont to be in way ever. most tech colleges do a course for not a lot of cash may be worth a few hours of your time.

[mondeoman]

Whoaaa - hold on there boys!

I've used wheels before in a past life, so I do know what they are capable of and I have a lot of respect for them.

What I wasn't expecting was a wear rate like this after just 20 pieces of mild steel tube being de-burred.

[ARH]

I wouldn't say that was unreasonable unless it was 3mm dia tube with very small burrs