Features of straight grinders

Straight grinders are well-known processing tools and are widely used in construction and renovation. Devices are widely represented on the modern market and are indispensable helpers for both home craftsmen and professionals.

Straight grinders have a fairly simple design and are characterized by the absence of complex assemblies. They consist of an electric motor that converts electrical energy into torque, a gearbox that transmits rotation to the working tool of the unit, and a spindle on which various attachments are fixed. The device has a sturdy shockproof housing and is equipped with a comfortable ergonomic grip. A characteristic feature of the tool is its oblong shape and a special elongated structure of the spindle assembly, reminiscent of a long trunk.

The main difference between straight grinders and angular, vibration and broaching samples is the longitudinal position of the spindle relative to the tool axis. Thanks to this design, access to hard-to-reach places that cannot be reached with other types of grinders is greatly simplified. This allows you to grind the inner surface of narrow holes and clean various parts of complex devices without disassembling them.

The scope of use of FSHM is quite extensive. Thanks to a wide range of accessories with a wide variety of sizes and shapes, the tool is successfully used for removing roughness, irregularities and burrs from wood, metal and concrete surfaces. This allows you to actively use it in auto repair shops to remove rust from units, clean welded seams when performing bodywork and plumbing work, and also use the device in furniture and woodworking industries.

The main technical parameters of straight grinders are motor power and torque. Most of the manufactured tools do not belong to the category of electrical power equipment and are equipped with motors with a power of 600 to 800 W. Such models represent the most numerous group of FSM and are used for home use. More serious professional samples have an engine with a power of 2 or more kW, which allows them to be used in a car service and in furniture production.

The main criterion for the classification of straight grinders is the type of motor power supply. On this basis, there are three categories of devices: network, battery and pneumatic models.

• Network devices are the most common type and are equipped with an electric motor powered from the mains. The advantages of such machines are the possibility of continuous operation for a long period of time, rather high power of most samples, low weight and reasonable cost.Among the minuses, one can note the complete volatility of the instrument and the impossibility of using it in the field. In addition, if work is carried out at some distance from the power source, it becomes necessary to pull wires or use extension cords.

• Rechargeable PSHM are devices that are also equipped with an electric motor, the operation of which is carried out from a battery. The advantage of such samples is high mobility and the ability to use in places not equipped with electrical networks. The pluses also include the low noise level during operation and the absence of wires. The disadvantages are the short operating time on a single charge, averaging about an hour, and more weight in comparison with network models. The latter is due to the presence of rather heavy batteries, so the minimum weight of such a device is 1.5 kg.

• Pneumatic PShM used mainly in industrial plants and in construction. They are used to clean weld seams, remove rust, and also remove burrs from metal and concrete substrates. The advantage of pneumatic samples is their high power and the possibility of continuous operation for a long time. The disadvantages include the need to purchase an air compressor, hoses extending from it, as well as the general bulkiness and high cost of equipment.

The next sign by which the classification of PSHM is made is their size. According to this criterion, two types of devices are distinguished. The first group includes full-size specimens with a full-fledged handle, the work of which is done with two hands. The second category is represented by mini-machines of low power, the body of which fits in the palm of the hand.

The working tool of the PSHM is grinding heads, which are an abrasive stone fixed on a mandrel and fixed in a collet. Grinding heads are available in a large assortment and come in cylindrical, trapezoidal, spherical and conical shapes. In addition to the abrasive, a cutter can also be installed in the PSHM collet, which allows, in addition to grinding, to perform some milling work. This significantly expands the scope of the PSHM and makes it possible to work with wood, plastic and aluminum. The grinding heads are available in a wide range of standard sizes with diameters from 3 to 40 mm.

A large number of both domestic and foreign companies are engaged in the production of FSHM. Below is a brief overview of the most popular designs.

• Pneumatic model of the Russian brand "Caliber" PNG-6.3 / 115, produced in China, consumes 115 liters of air per minute and is able to rotate the working tool at a speed of 22,000 rpm. The device is equipped with a convenient case, is equipped with a set of the most "popular" attachments and weighs only 1.2 kg. The price is 1 750 rubles.
• Electric German model Bosch GGS 28 C Professional equipped with a 650 W motor with a soft start function and a KickBack Stop system, which immediately switches off the engine at the slightest blockage of the working disc. The shaft rotation speed reaches 28,000 rpm, the weight is 1.4 kg, and the cost is 12,500 rubles.

• Rechargeable PShM Makita BGD800C It is equipped with an 18 V lithium-ion battery, is capable of rotating the tool at a speed of 25,000 rpm and weighs 2 kg. The body of the product is equipped with rubber pads, which significantly reduces vibration and increases the convenience of using the device.Moreover, the unit has functions of electronic motor protection against overload and stabilization of the number of revolutions under increased load. The battery charging time is 22 minutes, the cost of the tool is 7,000 rubles.

When buying a PSHM, you must first of all pay attention to the power and speed of rotation of the working shaft. So, if the device is needed for work in a home workshop, then you can limit yourself to a network model with a power of no more than 0.8 kW. For work in a summer cottage and when building a private house, it is better to choose a rechargeable device. Such units are completely autonomous and do not require an outlet. If the device is purchased for an automotive service and will perform metal work, then a powerful pneumatic sample will be the best option.

The next selection criterion is the presence of additional functions, which, although they do not have a significant effect on the working qualities of the device, are able to significantly simplify and facilitate work with it.

In the next video, you will find an overview of the Makita GD0800C straight grinder.