Video: How to mount an abrasive wheel
 

Video: How to mount a cutting wheel

Video: How to mount a bench grinding wheel
 

Video: How to mount a large cut-off wheel

• In order not to damage the wheel while mounting them, avoid clamping with too much pressure.
• Never force wheels while mounting. If the wheel arbor hole is too small for the arbor, do not force as an excessive pressure will damage the wheel.
• Check that the arbor hole size on the wheel’s label corresponds to the one shown in the grinder’s instruction manual.
• Do not mount wheels with an arbor hole that is not compatible with the arbor as this situation could generate strong vibrations and be very dangerous.
• Do not mount more than one wheel on the same arbor.
• Never use a Type 1 (EN 41) flat wheel with a depressed center back flange
• Some types of wheels are equipped with a blotter that needs to be mounted between the flange and each side of the wheel before tightening to avoid slippage, compensate slight irregularities of the surface of the flange and wheel, and decrease wear of flange. It is made of soft material (e.g. paper or cardboard) and must be of a slightly larger diameter than the flange used. Always use a new blotter.
• Wheels for bench grinders are equipped with a work rest that need adjustment before use at a distance not more than 3mm (1/8”) from the wheel and should not touch the wheel when it turns.

(The subject-matter of flanges and the relevant mounting procedures is extensive and lies outside the contents of this manual. The grinder must be equipped with correct flanges in conformity with the regulations and instructions on the grinder. Detailed information can be supplied by the grinder manufacturer or links listed in this document.)

• Check that the clamping nut is fully engaged with the corresponding arbor thread.
• Check that the flange is flat, clean, smooth, not worn and without burrs.
• Always use appropriate dimension and shape of flange for the wheel/disc to be mounted.
• Make sure back flange sits flat on grinder spindle shoulder.

In any case, the main rules for flanges on portable and fix grinders are the following:

• Flanges must have the same diameter and shape (recesses) facing down to the wheel.
• Flanges for abrasive wheels and cutting discs normally have a diameter of at least 1/3^rd of the wheel’s diameter.

Exceptions:

• Depressed center and reinforced wheels (type 27) for grinding with portable grinders.
• Conical reinforced wheels (type 28) for grinding with portable grinders.
• Semi-flexible reinforced wheels (type 29) for grinding and finishing with portable grinders.
• Depressed center and reinforced cutting wheels (type 42 /27) for cutting with portable grinders.
• Reinforced and flat cutting wheels (Type 41 / Type 1) for cutting with portable grinders (up to diameter 230mm included).
• Mounted wheels, portable cup, cone or plug wheels with threaded inserts.

Where flanges must have the following dimensions: General guidelines (refer to Ansi B7.1, EN 12413 and FEPA for complete guidelines).

*use clamping flanges no. 30-B 022

In USA (ANSI B7.1): General rule for type 1 cutting wheels, flanges should cover at least ¼th of the wheel diameter.

Special adaptors for type 27 (depressed center), 28 (conical shape) and 29 (saucer shape) wheels with diameters higher than 5” are mandatory in US. The rear flange (adaptor) has to extend beyond the area of the depressed center and support the side of the disc when a side pressure is exerted during grinding. Adaptor nut (clamping nut) is less than 1/3rd of diameter & fits in the depressed center of the wheel to prevent interference with the work piece. When using this type of flange, pay particular attention to the following points:

1. There must be a slight clearance between the most external part of the rear hub and the wheel's surface afte clamping to ensure that a blocking pressure is exerted only in correspondence with the center hub.
2. The periphery of the hub face should be in contact with the wheel’s surface only when this bends under load.
3. Do not use blotters when mounting these types of flanges.

Avoid dangerous clamping conditions as shown in the illustration on the right below.

Video: How to mount a Spin-on wheel

• Wheels must be mounted with a back flange that must be clean and of equal or larger size than Spin-On nut.

• Wheels need to be installed with raised portion towards the back flange (like ALL other depressed center wheels).

• Thread all the way through until the back of the wheel sits flat on the back flange.
• Make sure at least 4 threads are fully engaged with the spindle.
• Inspect wheel threads and machine threads before mounting to make sure they are not damaged or worn.

• Avoid bringing the polymer nut in contact with the work piece.

• Do not use when threads are worn or damaged.
• Do not cross thread or force the wheel on the machine’s arbor.
• Make sure the type of thread of the grinder arbor and the wheel’s threaded arbor hole are compatible (M14 - 5/8”).
• Do not remove and re-use polymer nut on another wheel.
• Thread all the way through until the back of the wheel sits flat on the back flange.
• Make sure all threads are fully engaged with the spindle.
• Inspect wheel threads and machine threads before mounting to make sure they are not damaged or worn.

Video: How to safely operate an angle grinder with a thin cutting wheel

• After mounting the abrasive wheel/disc, make sure that it rotates freely by manually making it turn before starting the grinder.
• Check that the wheels are completely contained within the safety guard. Pay particular attention to high thickness wheels, conical shape (type 28) or when using a thick clamping nut.
• Firmly fix the work pieces before starting any work
• Always firmly hold grinders with both hands.
• Before using the abrasive product, make sure of the proper installation and blocking of the safety guard, remove any foreign object, start the grinder and let it turn for at least 30 seconds without contact with the material. During this test, always keep the open area of the safety guard oriented towards the opposite direction of the operator and never towards other people present in the same area. In case anomalies, vibrations or irregular rotation occur, let the grinder stop naturally, remove the abrasive wheel/disc, check its correct assembly and if the problem persists, reject the wheel and inform the supplier of the problem.
• When cutting pieces made of an assembly of parts joined together or parts with a difficult geometry, make sure to look around the not visible parts as these parts could push and stress the disc dangerously and even break it.
• When cutting or grinding composed parts (soldered, bolted, nailed, jointed), it is possible that the cut frees residue stresses inside the parts or sets parts in motion. This situation can be dangerous (ask for the opinion and the approval of a structural engineer in order to evaluate the consequences of cutting/grinding operations).
• Cutting or grinding operations on parts subject to forces (gravity, elasticity, hydrostatic pressures, fluid dynamics pressures, etc.) can violently set parts in motion. (Ask for the opinion of a specialized engineer before doing this type of operation).
• Do not use abrasive products in presence of combustible or flammable material (organic, inorganic, metallic) and/or physical (solid, liquid, gas, powder) whether they're in an open environment or contained in barrels, tanks or tubes. It is recommended to always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Do not use abrasive materials to grind and/or cut holders, tanks or tubes that have contained combustible, flammable or explosive products (solid, liquid or gas).
  • If the abrasive product or the grinder generate bothersome vibrations, stop using them, replace the abrasive wheel/disc, verify the condition of grinder, equipment and that the work piece is well fixed.
  • If a wheel/disc gets too worn on the sides during use, stop using it and reject it.
  • When a cutting or grinding disc has decreased to 3/4 of its diameter, it must be rejected and replaced with a new one.
  • Never allow the work piece to wear the area of the depressed center (with depressed center wheels) or touch clamping nuts.
  • Operate grinder in a way that sparks fly away from face and body of personnel in the surrounding area.
  • Always use safety common sense with abrasive products

Types 27, 28 and 29 grinding wheels of must not be used with an either too low or too high angle to the work piece.

Type 27 grinding ideal angle varies from 15° to 30°

Type 29 ideal angle is 10°

Type 28 ideal angle is lower than 10°

Type 27 combo (cutting and grinding) wheels ideal angle is of 90° or 20°

The only permitted angle for cutting wheels is of 90° to the material

(Type 1 (EN 41) –flat)

Type 27 / (EN 42) – depressed centered)

Eyes / Face: Sparks generated during grinding/cutting applications can cause serious damage to eyes and skin. It is recommended to wear suitable eye and face protections, masks or shields that cover the whole face, combined with goggles or glasses. Evaluate specific hazards and select appropriate protection accordingly. Refer to Ansi Z87.1 (American national standard /occupational & educational personal eye and face protection devices).

Protection of hearing: The noise generated by abrasive products can exceed 80 dBA. A prolonged exposure to the noise generated while using abrasive products can cause permanent damage to the auditory system of the operator and personnel in surrounding working area. Always carry out an evaluation of the noise risk associated to the use of abrasive products and use suitable precautionary and protective measures such as ear plugs, anti-noise screens, etc.

Protection of respiratory tract: Abrasive products and work pieces can generate or release particles, powders, fumes or vapors harmful for health. An excess of these contaminants in the air can cause irritations and permanent damage to eyes, skin and respiratory tract. It is compulsory to always carry out an evaluation of the physical and chemical risks associated with the use of abrasive products and adopt the suitable protective measures.

Protection of hands and arms: Splinters, sparks, fragments, hot parts or burrs generated while grinding/cutting, or handling wheels or work pieces can burn, cut or irritate the skin. Wear heavy leather protective gloves that also cover forearms and wrists.

Splinters, sparks, fragments, hot parts or burrs generated while grinding/cutting, or handling wheels or work pieces can burn, cut or irritate the skin. Wear heavy leather protective gloves that also cover forearms and wrists.

- Wear resistant and fireproof clothing, hats or head protections, thick leather aprons and safety shoes. Never leave uncovered body parts while working. Clothes worn by the user have to cling to the body in order not to get entangled in the wheel or against the work pieces. A cloth that is dragged by the wheel or grinder can cause serious injuries.. Also, personnel not directly using abrasive products but present in the working area should wear suitable protection equipment.

Protection from vibrations: Abrasive products and grinders on which they are used can generate vibrations. The prolonged exposure to vibrations can cause physiological damages to the operator from loss of sensitivity and ability of the fingers, hands and arms, tingling and numbness, pains, rigidity, inflammation of tendons, muscles and ligaments up to permanent inabilities.

The entity of these symptoms depends on:

• Type and level of exposure
• Duration of exposure
• Condition and types of wheels, grinders and accessories used (flanges, backing pads, etc.).
• Working conditions

It is therefore recommended to keep grinders, equipment and flanges in efficient conditions and replace obsolete grinders with high vibration levels, by newer grinder models with low vibration and by using balanced abrasive products while adopting suitable and protective measures.

Exclusively use grinders provided with suitable safety guard and verify that they are safe and in good condition. Safety guards have to be well structured and withstand shocks of pieces of wheels projected if it should burst. They must cover half the wheel surface from both sides of the wheel and leave enough uncovered to carry out the work. The open part of the safety guard has to be oriented towards the opposite of the operator. If safety guards are adjustable, they must always be mounted in order to protect the user from sparks, fragments and, in case of burst, from pieces projected from the wheel by centrifugal force. Do not modify safety guards. In case of doubts, contact the manufacturer or distributor of the grinder. Safety guards must comply with regulations EN792, EN13218, EN 1454, EN50144, ANSI B7.1, CSA-C22.2 (UL 60745-2-3).

Guards for shaft mounted abrasives

Guards are required for wheels (any of these conditions):

1. More than 3” diameter
2. More than ¼” thick
3. Faster than 9500SFM (45 m/s) (ex. More than 18000RPM for 2”)

Verification of grinder and equipment: Many accidents occur because of faulty or worn grinders. Always check the maintenance schedule of grinders and equipment (flanges, backing pads, pivots, adaptors, etc.) before mounting abrasive products, especially if it has not been used for some time.

Electrical protection: Avoid using electrical grinders in presence of wet pavements, rain or high humidity conditions. Pay attention not to damage or crush the electrical cable of the grinder. If the cable is damaged, do not use the grinder. Static electricity generated by the rubbing of abrasive products on work piece can cause electric discharges.

Environment and working conditions:

• Avoid uncomfortable, dangerous positions of instability, repeated stress of particular body parts of the operator, avoid unnecessary bending, always be in a stable position in case of sudden and/or heavy stresses originated by the use of the grinder.
• Assure appropriate lighting
• Keep the working environment at comfortable temperatures and humidity
• Keep air circulation in the working environment
• Keep working area clean and free of obstacles. Make sure the floor is not slippery (wet, greasy, frozen, covered with snow, etc.).
• Always check for incandescent particles that can be directed or emitted, and check that they will not cause fires, damages, injuries, etc.
• Remove all combustible, flammable or explosive materials from working area.
• Use collective protection devices such as shields, screens and anti-noise barriers.

• Allow untrained personnel to handle, store, mount or use abrasive products.
• Mount or remove an abrasive product before the grinder has come to a complete stop and unplugged from its power source (electric energy, compressed air, oil pressure, etc.).
• Use wheels if you are not sure of the previous stocking conditions, if they were left unattended or taken from the rubbish or of doubtful origin.
• Wet abrasive wheels and do not use them if they have been exposed to high humidity or liquids.
• Use dropped, damaged, broken, too worn wheels or that seems to be used in an incorrect way or the consumption is irregular.
• Use abrasive wheels on grinders rotating at a higher speed than shown on the disc or on grinders that do not show their rotating speed on their plate.
• Mount wheels of a different diameter/type than the one marked on the plate and/or grinder’s instructions.
• Try to force mounting, alter or enlarge the arbor hole size of wheels. If the arbor hole is not suitable, choose another wheel with a correct size.
• Tighten nuts with excessive torque or using a hammer or lever.
• Use wheels without suitable flanges, with damaged/dirty flanges or where surfaces are not perfectly flat.
• Re-use built-in nuts or flanges (metal or plastic type) on other wheels.
• Use abrasive wheels for different applications than the one for which they were manufactured and/or on different materials than those for which they were designed.
• Use cutting discs (ex. type EN 41 and 42) for grinding. Do not apply side pressure to cutting discs. Do not use cutting discs to cut curves.
• Use grinding discs (type EN 1, 27, 28, 29) for cutting.
• Mount more than one wheel on the same arbor.
• Use grinding wheels on the wrong side.
• Grind with the side of a disc/wheel unless it is expressly designed for this application.
• Start the grinder if the abrasive product is in contact with the work piece or with any other object.
• Stand in the axis of rotation of the wheel when starting the grinder
• Use grinders or abrasive wheels that generate excessive vibrations.
• Hit the wheel on the work piece or vice versa.
• Abuse or jam wheels in the works
• Hold the work piece with the hands while working on it.
• Remove or modify safety guard and do not use the grinder if the guard has not been re-positioned, adjusted and firmly locked.
• Remove handles from portable grinders.
• Modify abrasive products in any way.
• Use discs without personal protection equipment such as goggles, mask, ear protection, apron, gloves, etc.).
• Use abrasive products in presence of combustible or flammable materials.
• Use abrasive products near other people if they are not wearing protections.
• Use abrasive products in environments without suitable powder/fume ventilation and suction devices.
• Allow abrasive products to overheat. Too high temperatures could damage the product’s structure and make it dangerous.
  • Overheating can be generated by:
    • Grinding /cutting on non-conductive materials
    • Grinding/cutting on too hot or incandescent materials
    • Excessive pressure applied on the abrasive product
    • Bad or not suitable cutting with the abrasive product
    • Clogging

• Use care when handling abrasive wheels as they can be damaged
• Consult MSDS for each product involved in the grinding process
• Visually check the wheels for damages and make a ring test before mounting
• Ensure that damaged, defective and worn-out wheels are destroyed to prevent their usage
• Make sure machine speeds does not exceed operating speed on wheel package
• Wheel hole fits on machine arbor properly and that flanges are clean, flat and of equal size and of the proper type for wheels being mounted.
• Use mounting blotters when supplied with wheels
• Always use a properly designed safety guard covering at least one half of the grinding wheel and ensure guard is correctly positioned
• Wear suitable protective clothing
• Always wear protective glasses and additional eye and face protection if required
• Grind with proper ventilation, employ dust controls and or protective measures appropriate to the material being ground
• Always firmly hold grinders with both hands.
• Make sure work piece is secured to make sure it will not move in operation
• Rotate the wheel manually to ensure that it runs freely before turning on the grinder
• Run the wheel for at least 30 seconds at operating speed after mounting before working.
• Stay outside the axis of rotation of the wheel when doing this.
• Make sure other people in the same area are protected from sparks and debris
• Stop using or replace a wheel if there is too much vibration in the operation.
• Be sure the work rest is properly adjusted on bench grinders (should be centered with wheel & no more than 1/8” away from wheel)
• If possible, cut solids with a moderate rocking motion to dissipate heat

Disposal of abrasive products must be done in conformity with the laws in force in your country and always by respecting the environment. In order to dispose, it may be necessary to have the product’s Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Products to be disposed must be broken into pieces to be sure it will not be used.

Personnel involved in operations, orders, transportation, stocking, handling, assembly, use, disassembly, disposal of abrasive products must be trained on all subjects referring to safe use of abrasive products. It is important that the information (instructions, booklets, tables, etc.) be accessible to all personnel at all times. Keep and update a registry of the personnel trained.

Participation to special training courses is highly recommended. Walter supplies free safety seminars upon demand. Contact your local Walter rep for more information.

• Basic security measures for grinding wheel use - PDF document 242 Kb.
• Basic security measures for use of Zip Wheel - PDF document 378 Kb.
• Troubleshooting guide - PDF document 12 Kb.

• How to mount an abrasive wheel
• How to mount a spin-on wheel
• How to mount a cutting wheel
• How to mount a bench grinding wheel
• How to do a ring test to verify if a wheel is not broken
• How to mount a large cut-off wheel on a chopsaw
• How to safely operate an angle grinder with a thin cutting wheel

• A-01 Resin Bonded Abrasive
• A-05 Vitrified Abrasive

The content of this document is protected by copyright. Distribution is permitted and encouraged. However, modifications, omissions and reproductions are absolutely forbidden.

Walter Surface Technologies’ bonded abrasives products are complying to the highest standards of the industry, namely ANSI B7.1, “Safety requirements for the Use, Care and Protection of abrasive wheels in North America” and EN12413, “Safety requirements for bonded abrasives products”. The EN12413 standard mentions in A.1.2.2 that “Abrasive products with type of bond B and BF for use on hand-held machines (except mounted points and wheels, plugs and cones) shall be marked with a date of expiry. The date of expiry shall be within three-years (3) from the date of manufacture. It shall be expressed as month and year e.g. V04/2021”. Particular products (spinon , aluminum hub wheels, etc) could bear the expiry on the product label through notches made on the label periphery in correspondence of the proper pre-printed expiry month/year. This recommendation assumes that bonded abrasive products have been stored under ideal storage conditions.

• DO NOT use if damaged

• Use safety guard

• Wear heavy leather protective gloves

• Wear suitable eye and face protections (hearing and respiratory protection)

• 1: Machine backing flange
• 2: Clamping nut
• When operating flap discs with slim shaped backings and arbor hole, use the flat side of the clamping nut!

• 2: Clamping nut
• 3: For power tools with longer spindle shaft
• Use the universal back flange to adapt to the height of the guard. 30-B 016 for M14 spindle and 30-B 017 for 5/8"-11 spindle.

• 1: Machine backing flange
• 2: Spin-on thread

• 5: Machine backing flange
• 6: Conical clamping nut