A Bench Grinder is an innovative tool that is mounted on a workbench. It is as important to any workshop as a trainer is to a team. The functioning of any grinder is dependent on the grade and bond of its grinding wheel.
Safety is another aspect that makes the grinder suitable for various workshops. Cutting and sharpening metals with precision is an important factor in a welding process. They are effective for chipping lawnmower blades and removing rust from old weather vane.
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Who needs a Bench Grinder?
Anyone who is in need of a metal shaper or bench polisher should opt for a bench grinder. It is an important tool in the inventory of a woodworker. Every tool used by a woodworker needs precision. To keep all the tools in prime condition by increasing their sharpness, the woodworker needs to keep a bench grinder. A grinder makes the job easier by providing a flexible solution. Same is the case with any homeowner, construction specialist or a tool based worker.
Understanding the operation of a Bench Grinder
The operation of the tool decides its applicability. Safety standards are also an important aspect along with the operation.
Workpiece Material
Vitreous bond wheels are the most common parts of any bench grinder. They are known to be the best for completing their intended task. One should keep in mind that the wheels that are designed for processing steel should not be used for grinding softer metals.
Wheel speed
The RPM ratings vary depending on different grinders. It is important to determine the RPM of the grinder depending on the metal that will be cut. Overspeeding the grinder can make the machine explode, and it can lead to safety issues.
Tool Rest
Spark arrestor and tool rest is another important aspect of the machinery. The focus should be on keeping the tool rest tight and the wheel diameter should be around 2 mm. Spark arrestor catches all the stray sparks and keeps the person safe. Grinders should have a proper tool rest as it prevents sudden slips.
Coolant
Power-driven grinders are prone to sudden heating. Most of the grinders are dry and there is less or no cutting fluid present in them. Irrespective of the sector where they are used the person should make sure that appropriate steps are taken to cool it off.
Some people put it in a pot of hot water to reduce temper and keep it cool. The grinders that have coolant present in them are known to be wet grinding machines. It is easy to control them and they cool off pretty fast.
Sides of wheel
Every area that uses Bench Grinders needs to make sure that there is no risk of explosion. Some grinders are only made for grinding on the periphery. Users need to understand their requirements before buying disk-shaped grinders or periphery grinders.
Wheel guard
Wheel guards mainly serve as an intercept that stops the grinder from exploding. They create a guard around the wheels of the grinders.
Types of Bench Grinders
Bench grinders are created depending on their applicability. Some workstations get them custom made depending on their areas of work. It is not only the size but also the functionality that defines a grinder. Each function has its own set of application for getting the job done.
Automotive Bench Grinders
Bench grinders used in the automotive sector needs to have strong blades for cutting hard metals. Their stability is really important, and they need to be reusable. Working on doors, body pieces, handles, and engine parts makes it important to have a flexible bench grinder for the automotive sector. It is different when compared to a wood workbench bench grinder.
Variable speed Bench Grinder
Some workstations require bench grinders that have the feature of working at variable speeds. It improves flexibility and control. The inclusion of the feature of working at variable speeds makes it easier to use them with multiple settings. They can be used in homes as well as workstations.
Electric bench grinders
Portable electric Bench grinders can be easily transported from one place to another. They are mainly used as mini bench grinders. Carrying them from one project site to another and making different metal adjustments is much easier with Electric bench grinders. Most importantly, one merely needs to plugin to a power source and install it conveniently to start operating from any place they need.
Woodworking bench grinders
Most of the woodworking industries require bench grinders. It is common in most of the woodworking factories. Woodworking is known to be an industry that requires focusing on precision. In this industry, one requires bench grinders that can work at slow speeds to sharpen the tools.
Prime areas of application of a Bench Grinder
The main areas of operation define the specifications of any bench grinder. Though the general functionality remains the same, there is a small difference regarding flexibility and strength. In the workstations where the main focus is woodworking, the staff requires bench grinders that work at slow speed with more precision. Here the main focus is on sharpening different tools.
The automotive sector is completely different as here you need to grind sharp metals. It is a sector that needs flexible grinders that work at higher speeds. Working on the doors and engines of a car is different from a general woodwork. To mount the bench grinder, it is really important to make sure that all the measurements are correct.
Bench grinders have also been a part of many households. Some people keep them for small household based work. Though they might not be used regularly, they are effective when it comes to sharpening knives and other household metals. Electric grinders can be effective when it comes to household bench grinders.
Proper wheel setup and good balance make sure that there is no danger to the safety of the person using it. The balance in a bench grinder is very similar to that of a car tire.
