Bench grinder wheels
Bench grinder wheels
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE GRINDING WHEELS SANDING DISCS
Materials, intended use and possible combinations
A Bench grinder (double grinder) is a versatile metalworking tool that is ideal for sharpening, shaping and deburring workpieces. Choosing the right grinding wheels sanding discs depends heavily on the Material to be processed and the desired end result. Here is an overview of common materials, applications and proven grinding wheel combinations for bench grinders.
Materials and properties of Bench grinder wheels
Grinding wheels for bench grinders are available in different materials, each of which has different properties and areas of application:
- Silicon carbide (SIC): This material is particularly sharp-edged and is ideal for grinding high-alloy steels and steels with a high carbon content, as well as non-ferrous metals and ceramic and mineral materials. It is also possible to machine carbide. It is mostly used for discs with a coarser grain.
- Corundum (normal corundum/aluminium oxide): Corundum is a universally applicable abrasive, it is particularly suitable for processing unalloyed and low-alloyed steel up to 63 HRC, cast steel and grey cast iron.
- Aluminium oxide (white corundum/aluminium oxide white): A special type of aluminium oxide developed for finer grinding patterns. White aluminium oxide grinding wheels are often used for sharpening cutting tools.
- Diamond and CBN (cubic boron nitride): These materials are particularly abrasion-resistant and are suitable for machining extremely hard steel e.g. HSS. As diamond is not as heat-resistant as CBN, CBN is the most suitable choice for use on double grinders.
Proven combinations of Bench grinder wheels
In many workshops, double sanders are equipped with a combination of coarse and fine-grained grinding wheels sanding discs to cover a wide range of tasks:
- Combination of coarse and fine sanding discs: A bench grinder with a coarse corundum disc on one side and a finer white corundum or fine corundum disc on the other offers flexibility between fast material removal and precise regrinding.
- CBN and aluminium oxide: Bench grinders used for sharpening tool cutting edges, e.g. turning tools, often use an aluminium oxide wheel for pre-grinding and a CBN wheel for final grinding. Aluminium oxide grinding wheels are often only available up to a Grit of 120, while CBN Abrasives are available up to B 46, which corresponds approximately to a Grit of 280. This difference is another reason why the combination makes sense.
Mounting the Bench grinder wheels
Not all Grinding wheels sanding discs fit every bench grinder shaft, as the dimensions and fastening systems can vary. Here are some important points to note:
- Bore size:
Each Grinding wheels sanding disc has a specific inner diameter that ideally fits the shaft of your Bench grinder wheels/double grinder. Common bore sizes are Diameter 12 mm, Diameter 12.7 mm. Make sure that the Grinding wheels sanding discs have the correct inner diameter. - Adapter:
Ifthe bore size of the Grinding wheels sanding disc does not match your shaft, adapter rings can be used to adapt the Grinding wheels sanding discs to the shaft. These adapters are available in different sizes and enable the installation and use of Bench grinder wheels with different bore diameters. - Flanges:
Flanges or flange discs are used to secure the Grinding wheels sanding discs. These flanges must have the same Centre bore as the shaft diameter. To ensure that the Grinding wheels sanding discs fit correctly on your bench grinder shaft, check the specifications of your device and compare them with the dimensions of the Grinding wheels sanding discs you wish to use.
Care and safety instructions
Bench grinder wheels wear out at different rates depending on the type of use and Material and should be checked regularly for cracks or unevenness to avoid accidents. Safety goggles should also be worn when working, as flying sparks can occur during sanding.
