Are you looking for an easy and cost-effective way to remove or sand a lot of surface wood?
Look no further than your trusty angle grinder! By attaching a sanding disc to your angle grinder, you can make quick work of large surface areas.
But how do you attach a sanding disc to your angle grinder? In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps and provide tips for using flap discs to make your sanding even easier and more effective.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional woodworker, this guide will help you get the most out of your angle grinder. So let’s get started!
How To Attach Sanding Disc To Angle Grinder
To attach a sanding disc to your angle grinder, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure you have the right type of disc – flap discs are specifically designed for use on an angle grinder and are ideal for sanding large surface areas.
Next, position your angle grinder with the centreline of the spindle about 30mm from the top of the box. Screw two square pieces of timber to the side of the box to locate the grinder, and drill a series of holes on each side of the grinder body. Use 6mm cable ties to secure it down, making sure the cable tie ends are inside the box.
If you’re concerned about the security of the cable ties, you can make a steel bracket to fix the existing handle mount hole to the wooden block. This may be overkill, but it’s better to be safe than sorry when dealing with an angle grinder spinning at 10,000rpm.
Before attaching the sanding disc, cut a slot in the top of the box that is big enough to allow at least 10mm clearance around the disc. You don’t want it touching anything.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to attach your sanding disc. Simply slide it onto the spindle and tighten it in place using the wrench that came with your angle grinder. Make sure it’s secure before starting to use it.
Choose The Right Sanding Disc For Your Project
Choosing the right sanding disc for your project is crucial to achieving the desired result. There are a few different factors to consider before purchasing a sanding disc, such as the type of material you’ll be working on and the level of abrasiveness required.
If you’ll be working on metals, flap discs are a great choice. They provide great flexibility and versatility on the workpiece and offer a softer grind. For aluminum, use a T29 conical disc at a 15-degree angle to provide maximum surface contact for stock removal. If you need to surface-clean or provide a smooth finish, use a T27 flat disc that’s parallel to your work area.
For wood applications, use flap discs with aluminum oxide grits. Start with a heavy grit and work your way up to lighter grits (100+) for a final finish. Work your way through 120, 150, 180 and 220-grit sizes to achieve a furniture-grade surface.
If you need to remove paint or rust from metal objects, non-woven flap discs or those with aluminum oxide are ideal tools for the job. These discs can grind and finish in a single operation while offering a smooth and controlled grind.
For concrete surfaces, use silicon carbide or diamond flap discs for aggressive stock removal without the need for high pressure. These flap discs have rigid backings and can also be used on other surfaces such as engineered stone, granite, marble and ceramics.
It’s also important to consider the grit size of the sanding disc. 40-grit discs are best for heavy sanding jobs such as removing paint or rust, while 60-grit discs are perfect for general-purpose sanding. If you want to remove scratches or prepare a surface for painting, 80-grit discs are best. 100-grit discs work best for final sanding jobs such as giving a surface a smooth finish.
Tips For Using Flap Discs
When using flap discs, it’s important to keep in mind a few tips to ensure safe and effective use. Here are some tips:
1. Use the correct angle and surface: Flap discs should be used at the correct angle and on the correct surface to avoid damage to the disc or backing disc breakage. Type 27 flap discs should be used at 0°-15° angle and Type 29 flap discs should be used at 15°-25° angle to the workpiece.
2. Apply the right pressure: For grinding, apply heavy pressure and for finishing, apply light pressure. This will help you achieve the desired result without damaging the surface.
3. Choose the right abrasive grit material: The choice of abrasive grit material depends on your specific job needs. Ceramic Alumina is great for stainless steel or alloy metals application, Zirconia Alumina is great for carbon and mild steel application, while Aluminum Oxide is recommended for smaller jobs where the product being produced is low-value.
4. Choose the right size flap disc: Choose the right size abrasive flap disc for the tool you are using, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Pay attention to tool speed: Make sure that your grinder has enough power to perform at the required speed, so that the flap disc can live up to its full potential.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you use flap discs safely and effectively for your specific job needs.
Safety Precautions To Keep In Mind
While attaching a sanding disc to an angle grinder may seem like a simple task, it is important to keep safety precautions in mind. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
1. Wear proper safety gear: Always wear protective eyewear, gloves, and a dust mask to protect yourself from flying debris and dust particles.
2. Check the disc before use: Before attaching the disc, inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. A damaged disc can break apart while in use, causing serious injury.
3. Use the right disc for the job: Make sure to use a flap disc that is specifically designed for use on an angle grinder. Using the wrong type of disc can result in accidents and injuries.
4. Secure the angle grinder: Make sure the angle grinder is securely fastened to the box or work surface before using it. This will prevent it from moving around and causing accidents.
5. Keep your fingers away from moving parts: Never touch the sanding disc while it is spinning, and keep your fingers away from any moving parts of the angle grinder.
By following these safety precautions, you can ensure that you stay safe while using an angle grinder to attach a sanding disc.