Abrasive Discs

(For simple discs cut out of sandpaper, see sanding discs)

Rigid abrasive discs are mainly used in metalworking and exist in several varieties. For example, they may be suited for grinding or cutting, consist of layered sandpaper or resin-embedded abrasive particles, and are optimized for different materials.

They fit on different power tools depending on their outer diameter and central mounting hole.

Cut-Off Wheels

ToolInfoBox Cut-Off Wheels
Synonyms:	DE: Trennscheiben
Type:	consumable tool
Material:	depends on the type of disc - NOT aluminum
Used with:	disc grinders, rotary tools, potentially chop saw
Location:	metal workshop
Suggested Donation:	1 € (for 125 mm discs)

Cut-off wheels come in a wide range of sizes and may fit on a rotary tool, disc grinder or even a chop saw.

In order to cut effectively, these discs are very thin. They should not be used for grinding (workpiece contacting the faces) as that could cause them to shatter!

Avoid plunging into the workpiece all at once. Instead make multiple smaller light passes. This will greatly improve the lifetime of the discs.

Grinding Discs

ToolInfoBox Grinding Discs
Synonyms:	DE: Schruppscheiben
Type:	consumable tool
Material:	depends on the type of disc - NOT aluminum
Used with:	disc grinders, rotary tools, potentially chop saw
Location:	metal workshop

Grinding discs are thicker and sturdier than cut-off wheels which makes them suitable for grinding ("sideways" material removal). You should not attempt a cut with these discs, they have a much too large contact area then and will overheat and cause strong kickback.

These discs are usually made for disc grinders.

Flap Discs

ToolInfoBox Flap Discs
Synonyms:	DE: Fächerschleifscheiben
Location:	metal workshop

We don't have flap discs in our metal workshop yet but they are supposed to be really effective for surface work! They are used like grinding discs but consist of layered sandpaper pieces rather than resin-embedded abrasive particles.