Operation and Safety Standards
– Bench grinders are used to drive abrasive wheels.
– Pedestal grinders are larger versions of bench grinders.
– They are commonly used to hand grind cutting tools and perform rough grinding.
– They can be used for sharpening tool bits, drill bits, chisels, and gouges.
– Wire brush wheels or buffing wheels can be interchanged with grinding wheels for cleaning, polishing, and deburring.
– Safety should always be a priority when using bench grinders.
– The tool rest should be tight and positioned within 2 to 3 mm of the wheel.
– Spark arrestors are essential for catching stray sparks during grinding.
– Grinding is typically done with the workpiece resting on the tool rest to prevent sudden slips and accidents.
– Proper positioning of the tool rest and spark arresters enhances safety and control during grinding operations.
Wheel Speed and Selection
– Grinding wheels have maximum RPM ratings printed on the label.
– The grinder’s RPM must be equal to or lower than the maximum operating speed indicated on the wheel’s tag.
– Overspeeding a grinding wheel can cause it to explode, leading to serious injuries.
– Following the recommended speed limits ensures safe operation.
– Bench grinders typically use vitreous-bond wheels.
– Grinding wheels designed for steel should not be used for grinding softer metals like aluminum.
– Soft metals can get lodged in the wheel’s pores and cause it to crack, leading to potential injury.
– Choosing the right wheel grade for the workpiece material is important for safety and optimal performance.
– Proper selection of grinding wheels ensures efficient and safe grinding operations.
Grinding Limitations
– Grinding on the side of a typical bench grinder wheel is prohibited.
– Bench grinder wheels are designed for grinding on the periphery only.
– Grinding on the side of the wheel can cause it to explode, posing a significant risk to the operator.
– Some tool and cutter grinders have cup-shaped wheels designed for grinding on the side.
– Understanding the limitations of bench grinder wheels helps prevent accidents and ensures safe grinding practices.
References and Bibliography
– Krar, Gill & Smid 2003
– Machinerys Handbook (1996), pp.1105–1109.
– Krar, Stephen F.; Gill, Arthur; Smid, Peter (2003), Machine tool technology basics, Industrial Press, p.33-1, ISBN978-0-8311-3134-0.
– Oberg, Erik; Jones, Franklin D.; Horton, Holbrook L.; Ryffel, Henry H. (1996), Green, Robert E.; McCauley, Christopher J. (eds.), Machinerys Handbook (25th ed.), New York: Industrial Press, ISBN978-0-8311-2575-2, OCLC473691581.
Metalworking and Related Concepts
– Machining and computing
– Computer-aided engineering
– 2.5D
– CAD
– CAM
– G-code
– Numerical control (NC and CNC)
– Stewart platform
– Drilling and threading
– Die head
– Drill
– Drill bit shank
– Drill bit sizes
– Drilling
– List of drill and tap sizes Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bench_grinder
A bench grinder is a benchtop type of grinding machine used to drive abrasive wheels. A pedestal grinder is a similar or larger version of grinder that is mounted on a pedestal, which may be bolted to the floor or may sit on rubber feet. These types of grinders are commonly used to hand grind various cutting tools and perform other rough grinding.
Depending on the bond and grade of the grinding wheel, it may be used for sharpening cutting tools such as tool bits, drill bits, chisels, and gouges. Alternatively, it may be used to roughly shape metal prior to welding or fitting.
A wire brush wheel or buffing wheels can be interchanged with the grinding wheels in order to clean or polish workpieces. Stiff buffing wheels can also be used when deburring is the task at hand. Some buffing machines (buffers) are built on the same concept as bench grinders except for longer housings and arbors with buffing wheels instead of grinding wheels.
Bench grinders are standard equipment in metal fabrication shops and machine shops, as are handheld grinders (such as angle grinders and die grinders).
