Disc Cutter and Discs
– Cutting discs, also known as cut-off wheels, are made from a solid abrasive disc.
– They are composed of an abrasive mix of grit and adhesive.
– The discs have fiber webbing running through them for strength.
– Some discs for cutting ceramic tile or stone have an edge coated with diamond grit.
– The most common size for cutting wheels is 4+12 inches in diameter, but they can range from 2 to 16 inches.
Applications
– Metal fabrication is one of the most common uses for cutting wheels.
– Cutting sheet metal, sizing metal stock, and cutting and notching steel pipe are examples of metal fabrication tasks.
– Die grinders and chop saws are common tools used with cutting discs.
– Smaller or more precise cuts may require a die grinder equipped with a cutting wheel.
– For long straight cuts on sheet metal or light cut-off work, a standard circular saw with a 7+14-inch cutting wheel is used.
Types of Cutting Discs
– Type 1 cutting discs are flat, while type 27 discs have a raised hub.
– Type 1 discs are commonly used for cutting metal.
– Type 27 discs are often used for grinding and blending applications.
– Type 1 discs are less aggressive and provide a smoother cut, while type 27 discs are more aggressive and remove material faster.
– The choice between type 1 and type 27 discs depends on the specific application and desired outcome.
Safety Considerations
– Cutting discs are strong but can break while in use.
– Broken cutting discs can cause serious injuries to the operator or nearby co-workers.
– To avoid breaking cutting discs, never exceed the maximum speed specified on the disc.
– Do not overload the disc by cutting with excess force or jamming the wheel into the workpiece.
– Proper training and adherence to safety guidelines are essential when using cutting discs.
Additional Tools and Accessories
– Die grinders are commonly used with small cutting discs for precise cuts.
– Chop saws are often used for larger cutting tasks.
– Circular saws with larger cutting wheels are suitable for long straight cuts on sheet metal.
– Cutoff saws are used for cutting heavy materials like metal stock and large metal pipes.
– Lubrication or coolant may be required when cutting heavy materials to prevent overheating. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disc_cutter
A disc cutter is a specialised, often hand-held, power tool used for cutting hard materials, ceramic tile, metal, concrete, and stone for example. This tool is very similar to an angle grinder, chop saw, or even a die grinder, with the main difference being the cutting disc itself (a circular diamond blade, or resin-bonded abrasive cutting wheel for a disc cutter vs. an abrasive grinding wheel for an angle grinder). This tool is highly efficient at cutting very hard materials, especially when compared to hand tools.
