Are you a DIY enthusiast looking for a cost-effective way to sand large surface areas of wood?
Look no further than your trusty angle grinder! With the right attachment, you can turn your angle grinder into a powerful sander that makes sanding a breeze.
But can you put a sanding disc on an angle grinder?
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of discs that can be used with an angle grinder and how to use them effectively.
Say goodbye to expensive sanding discs and hello to a more efficient sanding process.
Let’s get started!
Can You Put A Sanding Disc On An Angle Grinder
The short answer is no, you cannot put a sanding disc on an angle grinder. Sanding discs are designed to be used with orbital or random orbit sanders, not angle grinders.
However, you can turn your angle grinder into a sander by using flap discs or fibre discs. Flap discs are sanding discs with overlapping ‘flaps’ of sandpaper arranged around the outer part of the disc. They are specifically designed for use on an angle grinder and make sanding away lots of surface area a breeze.
Fibre discs, on the other hand, are made from a stiff, card-like backing coated in a wide variety of abrasive materials and are generally used with a rubber or polyurethane backing pad on an angle grinder. They are the recommended abrasive wheels for medium to light stock removal on both mild and stainless steel.
Understanding Angle Grinders And Sanding Discs
Angle grinders are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting, grinding, and polishing. They are commonly used in metalworking, construction, and woodworking. However, when it comes to sanding, angle grinders are not the first tool that comes to mind.
Sanding discs are typically used with orbital or random orbit sanders, which are designed to produce a smooth and even finish on a variety of materials. Angle grinders, on the other hand, are designed for more aggressive applications such as grinding and cutting.
That being said, it is possible to use flap discs or fibre discs with an angle grinder to achieve a sanding effect. Flap discs are made up of overlapping flaps of sandpaper that are arranged around the outer part of the disc. They are specifically designed for use on an angle grinder and make sanding away lots of surface area a breeze.
Fibre discs, on the other hand, are made from a stiff, card-like backing coated in a wide variety of abrasive materials and are generally used with a rubber or polyurethane backing pad on an angle grinder. They are the recommended abrasive wheels for medium to light stock removal on both mild and stainless steel.
When using flap discs or fibre discs with an angle grinder, it is important to follow proper safety precautions. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask. Make sure the disc is securely fastened to the tool before use and never exceed the maximum RPM rating of the disc.
Types Of Sanding Discs For Angle Grinders
When it comes to sanding with an angle grinder, there are two main types of discs that you can use: flap discs and fibre discs. Flap discs are made up of overlapping sandpaper flaps that are arranged around the outer part of the disc. They are specifically designed for use on an angle grinder and make sanding away lots of surface area a breeze. Flap discs are available in different grits, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including removing rust, paint, and welds, as well as sanding and finishing.
Fibre discs, on the other hand, are made from a stiff, card-like backing coated in a wide variety of abrasive materials. They are generally used with a rubber or polyurethane backing pad on an angle grinder. Fibre discs are the recommended abrasive wheels for medium to light stock removal on both mild and stainless steel. They are also suitable for sanding and finishing.
Both flap discs and fibre discs come in different sizes and grits, making them suitable for a range of applications. It’s important to choose the right grit for the job at hand, as using too fine a grit can lead to clogging and reduced effectiveness, while using too coarse a grit can cause damage to the surface being sanded. It’s also important to use the appropriate backing pad for the disc you’re using to ensure a secure fit and safe operation.
Choosing The Right Sanding Disc For Your Project
Choosing the right sanding disc for your project is crucial to achieving a smooth and polished finish. The first step in selecting the right sanding disc is to determine the grit size needed. Grit size refers to the coarseness or fineness of the abrasive particles on the disc. The lower the grit number, the coarser the disc will be, while higher grit numbers indicate a finer disc.
The type of abrasive material used in the sanding disc is also important. Aluminium oxide is a durable synthetic grit that is well suited for sanding and polishing various types of metal and wood. Zirconia alumina is suitable for use on all materials including wood, fiberglass, metal, brass, aluminum, and stainless steel. Ceramic abrasive grain is the top of the range in terms of both effective cutting ability and how long the discs will last. It is extremely tough, sharp, and long-wearing and does not dull quickly because of its extreme density.
It’s also important to consider the backing material of the sanding disc. Resin fiber discs are used for grinding, finishing, or blending metals and come in different abrasives such as ceramic and aluminum oxide. Flap discs have a sturdy backing made up of small pieces of sandpaper and are coated abrasives that come in different grit sizes. High-density flap discs are made from ceramic material and are effective for all different types of metals.
When choosing a hook-and-loop sanding disc, it’s important to consider the size of your sander or grinder. Sanding discs come in various sizes ranging from 4 1/2 inches to 7 inches. It’s crucial to choose a disc that fits your tool properly to avoid any accidents.
How To Attach And Use A Sanding Disc On An Angle Grinder
To attach a flap disc or fibre disc to your angle grinder, you will need a backing pad. The backing pad is a circular piece of metal that attaches to the spindle of the angle grinder and holds the sanding disc in place.
First, remove the existing disc from your angle grinder and attach the backing pad onto the spindle. Make sure it is securely fastened before proceeding.
Next, select the appropriate flap or fibre disc for your project. Flap discs are available in different grits, ranging from coarse to fine, depending on the amount of material you need to remove. Fibre discs come in a variety of abrasive materials and grits as well.
Once you have selected your sanding disc, place it onto the backing pad and align it with the spindle. Tighten the nut on the spindle to hold the disc in place.
Before turning on your angle grinder, make sure you are wearing appropriate safety gear such as eye protection and a dust mask. Start by using a low speed setting and gradually increase the speed as needed.
When sanding, keep the angle grinder level and move it back and forth in a sweeping motion over the surface you are sanding. Be sure to apply even pressure to avoid creating gouges or uneven spots in the wood or metal surface.
When you have finished sanding, turn off your angle grinder and remove the sanding disc from the backing pad. Clean up any dust or debris left behind and store your tools properly for future use.
Safety Precautions When Using An Angle Grinder As A Sander
When using an angle grinder as a sander, it is important to follow the same safety precautions as when using it for cutting or grinding. Here are some additional safety precautions to keep in mind when using an angle grinder as a sander:
1. Wear appropriate protective gear: As mentioned earlier, wearing the proper protective gear is crucial when using an angle grinder. When using it as a sander, you should wear eye and hearing protection, gloves, and a dust mask.
2. Use the correct abrasive disc: When using an angle grinder as a sander, it is important to use the correct abrasive disc. Flap discs or fibre discs are specifically designed for use with angle grinders and are the safest option.
3. Check the speed of the grinder: Make sure to check the maximum RPM of the disc and ensure that the speed of the grinder does not exceed it. Using a disc at a higher speed can cause it to break apart and potentially cause injury.
4. Use minimal pressure: When sanding with an angle grinder, use minimal pressure on the workpiece to avoid the disc from grabbing and causing kickback.
5. Keep a firm grip: Always use both hands to operate the grinder, with one hand gripping the handle and dead-man switch (if provided) and the other hand supporting the weight of the tool.
6. Keep a comfortable stance: Adopt a comfortable stance with feet apart so that you feel well-balanced and have a clear view of the job.
7. Take breaks: Stop at regular intervals for short breaks to rest your hands and arms.
8. Remove power plug when changing discs: Always remove the plug from the power point before changing discs.
By following these safety precautions, you can safely use an angle grinder as a sander and achieve professional-looking results on your workpiece.
Tips For Efficient Sanding With An Angle Grinder
If you want to efficiently sand with an angle grinder, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:
1. Use the right disc: As mentioned above, flap discs and fibre discs are the recommended abrasive wheels for sanding with an angle grinder. Make sure to choose the right disc for your project and the material you’re working with.
2. Wear safety gear: Always wear safety equipment and gloves when using an angle grinder. For extra safety, use eye and ear protection.
3. Secure the material: Ensure that the wood or material you are sanding is securely clamped down or held in place to prevent it from moving while you work.
4. Start slow: Begin sanding at a low speed until you get comfortable with the tool and the surface you’re working on. Once you get a feel for it, you can increase the speed gradually.
5. Use a smooth back-and-forth motion: Guide the flap disc or fibre disc over the material in a smooth back-and-forth motion, maintaining a 20°-30° angle between the tool and the work surface. Let the wheel do the work, but apply enough pressure to ensure that you’re being productive.
6. Finish off with an orbital or random orbit sander: If you want a smoother finish, use an orbital or random orbit sander to finish off after using the angle grinder.
By following these tips, you can efficiently sand with an angle grinder and achieve great results on your projects.