Technology has now become crucial to a range of factories and industries. They require various tools and components to create cutting-edge products that are well-designed and functional. For example, an under voltage relay helps protect the circuits vital to operating a range of machinery within a factory.
Similarly, angle grinders are tools that are incredibly important to a variety of industries. This includes body shops, metalworking, woodworking, and construction industries. These powerful, handheld tools can fulfill various purposes like sanding, grinding, cutting, and polishing.
Angle grinders lend their functionality to various parts that can be interchanged depending on the task. F.i. With the right sanding wheel, you can use an angle grinder to sand.. However, it would be best to consider certain factors before operating an angle grinder. This will ensure your safety and yield positive results. In this article, we will delve into these essential factors.
You can also find more info in my cordless grinder review and best angle grinder guide
Let’s dive in.
Workplace Risk Assessment
Angle grinders are powerful but dangerous tools that can damage the operator and those nearby. Therefore, you must assess the workplace to ensure that hazardous situations don’t occur. For starters, clear away any obstacles that can cause you to slip or trip. By losing balance, you risk losing your grip on the angle grinder, which can be fatal.
Additionally, remove any flammable substances and dust hazards in the area. Angle grinders can produce sparks that can cause flammable substances to catch fire. Dust hazards can cause problems with breathing and concentrating, which can hamper your coordination during operation. Finally, ensure that the workpiece you are grinding is in a comfortable position at waist height. Ensure that you do not operate the grinder between your legs when on the floor under any circumstance.
Protective Equipment
Regardless of how experienced and skilled you are, there is always the possibility that an accident can happen when operating an angle grinder. In such a situation, you must wear the proper protective equipment. For starters, you and everyone around must wear eye protection with an optional face shield. This protects your eyes from sparks and fragments in case a disc shatters when operating the angle grinder. Such fragments can cause permanent damage or even lead to loss of life.
Wearing earmuffs and earplugs is also vital, as angle grinders can produce a lot of noise depending on the disk and material being worked on. Finally, high-quality gloves that are cut, heat, and abrasion-resistant should be used. These will protect your hands if they come up against the disc. Other protective pieces of equipment you must consider are safety boots in case you drop the angle grinder and flame-resistant clothing.
Correct operating technique
Using the correct operating technique for positive results and safety is crucial. For starters, two hands should always be used when operating the power grinder. This ensures that the handle and the weight are supported for optimum and safe usage. When turning on the machine, it is vital to turn up the speed slowly until the desired power is reached. If you speed it up too quickly, there is a chance of kickback which can be dangerous and result in a mistake.
Additionally, the discs should be applied at an angle between 15-30 degrees. It would be best not to bump it against something to avoid damage or harm. Finally, ensure that the disc has completely stopped before you move or place the grinder somewhere.
Understand and choose the right disc
The disc is a crucial component of the angle grinder. It is available in various sizes and materials, which dictate the disc’s hardness, smoothness, and strength. Low-grit discs are coarser, meaning they work faster but create more sparks, resulting in a rougher finish, while higher-grit discs are less coarse. Therefore, you should choose the correct grit number depending on the task.
On the other hand, you mustn’t use too large a disc as it can shatter, while a smaller disc can cause the grinder to be unbalanced. Use wheels that are only appropriate for your grinder.
In conclusion
Industries require a range of tools and technology to produce quality work. One such tool is an angle grinder. Angle grinders are powerful tools, but they can also be dangerous. Therefore, there are certain factors to consider before you begin operating the machine for positive results and safety. Perform a workplace risk assessment to ensure you or anyone around don’t get injured. Wear protective equipment to prevent harm in case an accident occurs. Using the correct technique when using the grinder is crucial for optimal results. Finally, understand and choose the right disc to prevent accidents and get the required result.
I hope this article proves insightful and enables you to use an angle grinder properly. Thank you for reading!
