Bench Grinder Introduction

From CoMakingSpace Wiki

This is the content required for an introduction to our bench grinders - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)

If you need this introduction, please reach out to the following tutors: Lukas, Luzian, Patrick, Sebastian, Johannes, Utis

Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's wiki page and manual, where available (see InfoBoxes).

Safety

Personal protection: Protection - goggles.svg Protection - gloves.svg

(Breathing & hearing protection recommended depending on material and duration of work)

Dangers Precautions
dry grinding: generation of hot sparks that are expelled in varying directions
  • always wear goggles to protect your eyes
  • make use of the grinder's plastic spark guards, if available
  • do not attempt to vacuum up sparks! The dust collection bag could catch fire
Danger - heat.svg
dry grinding: the workpiece heats up and stays hot for a while
wear suitable gloves to prevent burns from sparks or the workpiece when you remove a lot of material
dry grinding: sparks can fly far and deposit themselves as fine dust, metal dust can be a health hazard when inhaled wear proper breathing protection if your material is harmful when inhaled
aluminum can clog an abrasive wheel and cause it to overheat until it breaks do not attempt to grind aluminum
the workpiece can get caught on the wheel and get jerked from your hand
  • let the wheels get to full speed before you start grinding
  • use the tool rests whenever possible
  • do not force your workpiece on the grinding wheels, it will just overheat them and increase the risk of kickback
Danger - sudden start.svg
no prevention of turning on after loss & restoration of power (keine Anlaufsicherung)
if the power has been lost for whatever reason, always press the "off" button before restoring it!
the blades you are sharpening become sharp... do NOT test the sharpness with your finger or other body parts you want to remain intact

Wet Stone Grinding

  • Before you start:
    • Ensure the water trough is filled properly with cold water before you start to grind (there is a "MAX WATER LEVEL" sign).
    • Tighten the knob on the front of the machine (turn it clockwise until the wheel begins to drive)
  • Keep an eye on the water level during grinding. Refill if needed.
  • Do NOT grind a blade with the stone being dry.
  • When you are done:
    • Remove the water. The stone is not supposed to be kept wet!
    • Disengage the drive system with the knob (turn it counter-clockwise) on the back of the machine.