Grinder attachments: purpose, characteristics, tips for choosing

The grinder is considered a universal tool, since the attachment can be replaced, and the unit is already suitable for solving a different task. Discs differ not only in purpose, but also in size and materials used in their manufacture.

The attachments for angle grinders help the user to work not only on wood, but also to process metal products, cut off glass, and are suitable for brushing. They can be classified by type of use, size, shape. Any nozzle that is used in the construction of angle grinders has its own color, this is a kind of marking that indicates the purpose of the product.

For example, a disc with blue paint is used for metal. User it is worth remembering that such a product is placed on an instrument that is additionally equipped with the ability to adjust the speed, the other is not suitable for use.

The diameter outside and the thickness of the circle are the main parameters by which the discs are differentiated.

The product is produced in three versions:

• small;
• the average;
• great.

The most popular are 125 mm... The least common circles with a diameter of 150 and 80 mm.

When it comes to woodworking, it can be rough or not.

For the first option, planer discs are used, through which you can quickly cut a log or a wooden post. You can only use such an attachment on an instrument that is equipped with a second handle.... The guard can be removed as the bit is unlikely to break due to the integral disc design.

If it is necessary to remove the bark, it is worth using a peeling disc., which perfectly replaces the usual and more familiar hand tool - an ax. They can additionally saw not too thick boards.

For better processing of wooden blanks, abrasive discs are used, but for this the operator must have the skill and ability.

Among other things, the grinder is a tool used as a grinding unit.

If this is a primary treatment, then cord brushes are used, since they quickly level the surface. The ends are processed with the corresponding end discs.

Petal-type nozzles are always used in the amount of several products, since it will be necessary to take them separately for various operations performed.

To polish the wood, they also use appropriate discs, the working base of which is made from various, softer materials, for example, sponges, sandpaper.

If we classify discs by material that was used by the manufacturer in the manufacture, then they are:

• diamond;
• "Turtle";
• carbide;
• with abrasive;
• stripping.

Diamond cutting wheels are based on steel, on which a special spraying is applied. The versatility of the discs has made them in demand in the market.

The nozzle, which is called "turtle", also has a diamond coating, but at its base is flexible rubber, which is particularly durable. The nozzle has a corrugated structure, they cling with Velcro. If we talk about the design features of the nozzle, then this is a circle in the form of a plate with a special quality glue applied to the surface.

When performing the task, specialized paper is used, on which there is also a layer of glue, due to which the required level of fixation is achieved. The plate has different thicknesses, depending on the model. The manufacturer makes it both hard and soft.

For the manufacture of carbide discs, special alloys are used, which form a strong connection. There is a solder on the edge, which consists of high carbon steel with molybdenum, nickel, chromium. Abrasive articles are made from latex paper because it is characterized as a material with high density and resistance to water. The structure has a reinforced mesh on which an abrasive coating is applied.

Sometimes the wheels have a polymer base. Scraper discs have a metal wire that removes paint, varnish or rust from the surface.

Types of discs are used for:

• cutting the material;
• polishing and grinding;
• peeling;
• milling.

Cutting discs are used much more frequently and are available in various types on the market. If it is a circle for metal, then the size of its diameter is usually 115-230 mm, and 125 mm is also on sale. Depending on the diameter of the nozzle, the thickness of the product varies, as a rule, it ranges from 1 to 3.2 mm.

Inexpensive cutting discs are usually about 2.5 mm, grinding sanding has a greater thickness of about 6 mm. The bore diameter is always 22.2 mm.

Abrasives are more widely used, they cut and grind not only stone, but also metal. Compared to them diamond ones have better performance, since they cut the material faster, moreover, they have a high level of safety.

The nozzles, the main purpose of which is the processing of a stone surface, differ little in parameters from those that are used when it is necessary to cut the metal, however, a different abrasive is applied to them.

Standard blades are thin and inexpensive. Diamond coated on one side with a special coating, versatile, since they can cut any material, therefore they are expensive and have more weight than others. These abrasive nozzles are commercially available with two or one ring of applied abrasive. They can create a continuous slot or cross-slotted.

It is difficult for an inexperienced buyer to understand at first glance what exactly this or that product can be used for, so it is worthwhile to familiarize yourself with the data indicated on the packaging.

There are also many options for felt discs on the market:

• with a sponge;
• with matter;
• with sandpaper;
• coral;
• with felt;
• with the ability to change the sandpaper.

It is very important that the user pays attention to the quality of the abrasive used in the construction. The quality of the treated surface is directly dependent on this indicator.

If rough cleaning is necessary, then it is worth using products with 40-80 abrasive abrasive. There are also products on sale with an abrasive index of up to 3000, which differ little from ordinary paper. They are more expensive and allow for the highest quality polish.

Fiber products are made from fine and flexible fibers held together with a special resin. They need to be used with a lining. Such discs have a wide range of applications, they are quickly replaced by equipment. They create the necessary pressure zone on the material, cut it easily, and are supplied at an affordable price. You can work with them at different speeds.

Nylon mesh is ideal for removing paint and rust. However, it can exert too much influence on the metal and remove it more than the permissible thickness; in this case, special sponges are used that do not damage aluminum, so their use is possible on glass fabric.

Roughing or even such discs are called sharpening discs, they are also different:

• diamond coated;
• with abrasive;
• with twisted wire.

The design of such a product is very simple, it has two cups, and a steel brush made of wire of a certain diameter is clamped between them. Abrasive-type sharpening discs are used for sharpening various tools, as well as for cleaning the weld. There is a hole in the middle, product thickness from 5 mm.

Diamond for roughing is very similar to the previous option, except that they only use one part where the working edge is located. When working with such a product, there are restrictions - metal blanks and surfaces should not be processed, only stone and concrete. There are other attachments that must be mentioned.

For the primary processing of wood, rough and inaccurate stripping, take:

• plane;
• peeling disc.

The disk planer attachment allows you to completely replace hand tools, which significantly reduces the time to complete the task. The product is simply irreplaceable if it is necessary to carry out rough processing, which is very much appreciated in the construction of log cabins or the preparation of wooden poles.

During work requires the user to wear protective clothing, including goggles over the eyes, no bare hands and feetas the chips can fly off at high speed.

The described tool is also used for milling when milling cutters are used. The former are present on the market in a rich assortment, differing in the size of the abrasive grain. Such a nozzle has few differences when compared with a rasp, only the speed of the task is the main difference.

If you have sufficient experience, you can finish using the product.The cutters are sold specially made for working with wood.

Nozzles differ:

• form;
• dimensions of the teeth;
• the location of the sharp ends on the edge.

The main area of ​​application of such a product is the formation of a bowl, groove sampling, edge alignment. They can also be used to cut a small workpiece with the appropriate section.

Particular attention should be paid to grinding wheels... They act as a versatile helper. Changing such a device is as easy as shelling pears; they do it as needed, when significant wear on the working surface becomes noticeable, while the nozzle remains. Used for sanding wood, scraping, sanding or finishing edges.

As for the petal discs, they are very similar in principle to the use of "turtles", the only significant drawback is that such a nozzle is disposable, so the cost of wood processing increases significantly.

Such a disk looks like a small plate on which sandpaper was glued in several layers. The grain size may vary depending on the model selected by the user.

If we consider in more detail the disadvantages of this type of nozzles, then with a large number of revolutions, the disc quickly wears out, clogs, especially if a fine-grained product is used. This circle is best used to remove a layer of paint, for example, on the body of a car, to be sure that the metal cannot be severely damaged.

Metal brushes are also used as attachments for this type of tool. There are many modifications on the market that differ in the thickness of the wire used. Used for cleaning various products, including removing rust, varnish or welding scale.

If we consider the products by the type of wire used, then they can be as follows.

• Corrugated flat steel... They are used for rough processing of metal surfaces, as a rule, the wire diameter is in the range from 0.3 to 0.4 mm.
• Twisted... The main difference is that the wire in the structure is twisted and assembled in a bundle, although it is still made of steel. As a result, in this design, the brush is particularly strong, rigid and resistant to wear. With the help of a nozzle, you can quickly remove a thick layer of paint, treat a large surface area.
• Brass plated: Used when special care is required from a person. They are not suitable for polishing, but due to the fact that a soft and thin wire is used, the surface will be cleaned with high quality, without the formation of coarse irregularities. Often, the nozzle is used when processing wood, but only rough.
• Cups... They are made of twisted wire, but the diameter is 0.7-0.8 mm. Can be applied with great effort, allows you to quickly remove paint and rust. On sale there are nozzles not only for processing wood and metal, but also stone, including grinding granite or marble. As a rule, these are diamond bowls that come in different sizes. The cutting part is located on the outer surface, hence the high efficiency.

Recently, China, as a manufacturer, has taken a leading position in various industries, including the manufacture of inexpensive products for the described tool.Unlike German goods, which differ in both higher cost and higher quality, Chinese units allow you to solve ordinary tasks, while they do not have a long shelf life, which is fully compensated by availability.

Of all the models on the modern market, we will single out a few.

• DEWALT DW4523 4-1 / 2-Inch 1/4 Inch... Has a low lock system in the design. The recessed mesh allows for end work with one eighth blade. The model has 3 sheets of fiberglass, which makes it an attractive service life. It features a high concentration of abrasive and a smooth running wheel.

• P80 ½ BAOSTC 4... Has zirconium oxide on the surface. Possesses high performance and service life. Manufactured with fiberglass backing. The stem is removed quickly during operation, there is no big noise at the time of use. Users are attracted by the low cost.

• SandBlaster 3M 9677 4-1 / 2... Sharpening products, including mower blades. Due to its high quality, it will last a long time, however, you will need an adapter for the disk. They are perfect for finishing a variety of surfaces. It is used when it is necessary to sand the metal or when it is necessary to make the polished surface look perfect. Has high strength, works like a normal fiber disc, but has an improved design.

• DEWALT DW8061B5 4-Inch... Features high performance, thin cutting edge design and two full sheets of glass fabric. There is aluminum oxide on the surface.

Most attachments for a tool such as a grinder are universal. Their main field of use is cutting and polishing. If the tool is used professionally, then it is necessary that the discs for it are appropriate.

Before buying for a large or small grinder, you need to set the type of disc that corresponds to the task at hand. Size is of no small importance, and along with it, the power of the motor in the design of the grinder is taken into account.

Most popular at 115 and 230 millimeters... There are situations when a worker uses a small disc for a pneumatic tool. These handheld aggregates allow for greater precision, which is essential for a variety of tasks.

Not in the last place when choosing comfort, and it largely depends on weight and size.

It is more convenient to work with such a unit, and it fits better in the hand, vibration is not transmitted so much, so you can hold it longer in time.

When choosing a disk, it is not always worth choosing the cheap option, since in the future you can overpay twice. Diamond ones are more expensive, but they also allow you to make a straight, clean cut even after several uses. They also have a much longer shelf life than abrasive ones. To some, its cost may seem prohibitive, however, it is possible to save money if you look at it in the long term.

The main distinguishing feature of a quality disc is the abrasive material that is applied.

Sanding discs began to be produced in the 70s of the last century, over time they have become more advanced and have a longer service life. They are used not only for metal, but also for wood. When it comes to woodworking, nothing works better than abrasive attachments. They have carbide particles that work on all types of wood. These highly sharp, tapered teeth provide excellent superficial removal while remaining easy to use and manipulate to control the angle of the grinder.

There are products on sale that look very much like a chainsaw. They are made of steel, the teeth are well sharpened.At the time of use, maximum care is required from a person. At the time of purchase of the disc, it is very important that the diameter on the outside is not more than the specified maximum value, which is allowed by the manufacturer of the grinder. As an example, you can take a tool with a diameter threshold of 125 mm.

The user should not install a 230 mm accessory because:

• the speed of movement of the incisal edge is exceeded, as a result of which it collapses and can simply fly apart, causing injury to the user;
• a tool with small dimensions simply will not pull the power to work with such a device;
• even if a disc of a larger diameter is put on the equipment, it will be necessary to remove the protection, and this is a direct violation of the rules dictated by safety requirements.

The landing diameter on modern units is 22.2 mm.

Each abrasive wheel has special markings that simplify the selection process for the user.

She points to:

• diameter;
• thickness;
• seat size;
• maximum speed of revolutions;
• materials that can be processed using such a nozzle.

There are several rules on how to use disks in order not only to perform the task correctly, but also not to suffer.

• Before turning on the grinder, regardless of which nozzle is used by the operator, it is worth looking at the element for defects. Cracks, missing pieces, or other damage to the disc are a potential hazard. Never use a damaged disc as it can potentially rip out and throw a piece of material at high speed towards a person.
• Never use a cutting disc for grinding because the product is thin and not designed to withstand lateral pressure, unlike discs used specifically for this purpose. They can bend and collapse. If the lateral edges are applied to the material, this will thin the disc, overload it and potentially lead to the fact that it simply shatters into small pieces.

• Discs should not be used at a speed higher than that for which they were designed. There is a mark on the surface indicating the maximum speed. The larger the disc, the slower its maximum rotation speed.
• Before starting work, make sure that the flange nut is tightened tightly, and the disc itself is installed correctly.
• Do not use the attachment if the expiration date has passed. The material suffers from moisture and time, loses its original qualities, which leads to softening of the binder resin and weakening of the structure.
• The “cavity” on the depressed center disc should face outward.

• If you need to cut stainless steel, use a nozzle made of a difficult abrasive material. Thinner ones are available for cutting metal and are used for metal profiles. They cut through the material quickly, with less friction, without damaging the protective coating. However, they also wear out faster. Diamond can be used to cut brick, stone, concrete, slate and tile.
• The best way to cut metal is to first mark the cut line using a Tippex mark. Then the ridges are cut first, and then the depressions. The best way to avoid rolling back is to cut the ridges from the back by pulling the grinder towards you, and then cut the indentations away from you. Sheets for metal profiles are so thin that the disc can deflect and hit with the edge, then it will simply burst. In any case, the pressure should be minimal to reduce the likelihood of such a situation developing.

See below for more details.