Bench Grinders
From CoMakingSpace Wiki
| ToolInfoBox Bench Grinder | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms: | bench top grinder, grinding wheel; DE: Doppelschleifer, "Schleifmaschine" |
| Type: | power tool |
| Material: | metal |
| Location: | Lukas |
| Access Requirements: | upon request |
| Similar (More or Less): | disc grinder, files |
This "Brüder Mannesmann" bench grinder from 1996 is used but still in decent condition; the wheels run true and quietly. The grinder is equipped with two different stone wheels with different grits (35 & 60); one for heavy-duty and quick material removal, one for a finer and more precise material removal that will also leave a way nicer surface finish.
Safety
As the bench grinder is not only a power tool but one with openly accessible spinning units precautions need to be made.
- clamp the grinder to one of the workbenches (green workbench or large workbench) in the workshop tightly and make sure to use the big F-clamps as the grinder will vibrate if you don't
- check whether you can still move the grinder by hand - if so, tighten the clamps
- if you have long hair, make sure to tie it back thoroughly as you can receive serious injuries when something gets wrapped around the motors axles or the stone wheels
- never wear gloves and/or scarves, put your pullover's ribbons inside of the pullover or take it off and roll up long sleeves for the same reasons as mentioned above
- make sure you always know exactly what you want to do before doing so, if not ask an expert for advice
- always wear personal protection, especially safety goggles and if necessary some ear defenders and dust masks
- be aware that sparks will fly towards you
Usage
- after plugging the grinder in, turn it on and wait until it reaches its final speed
- if you hear any rattling or other funny noises turn it off immediately and check whether something is loose or whether tiny parts are inside of the casing
- grind whatever you want to grind by holding it against the stone wheel; make sure the piece is supported either by the little table in front of the wheel or some other structure
- do not force your workpiece onto the wheel as that will produce a lot of heat; cooling your piece from time to time is always a good idea
Sharpening
File:Bench grinder sharpening.JPG
sharpening a plane's blade
- approach the spinning wheel slowly so your workpiece doesn't catch on it!
- when sharpening hardened steel make sure to keep the blade cool, otherwise previous hardening may be undone
- it's a good idea to press the blade firmly against the upper support (check the image) to keep a consistent blade alignment
- check the squareness of the blade often to be able to make corrections
- keep in mind that the grinder itself is only for roughing out the blade geometry, for a truly sharp blade you definitely need to work with some wetstones afterwards
[[Category:Metalworking
