How to choose an abrasive wheel: Grinding and Cut-off Wheels

| BlackHawk Team

Abrasive wheels are used for cutting, grinding, sharpening, surface removal, finishing and polishing operations. There are thousands of product options in a wide range of materials — discs, pads, wheels, stars, bonded, diamond and more. In this first of series we discuss how to choose a wheel for grinding or cut-off operations.

General considerations for choosing a grinding wheel or disc

Choosing a wheel or disc is a function of three variables:

  • Application
  • Workpiece material  
  • Tool to be used — handheld grinder or fixed-position (bench mount or free standing); fixed devices will turn at higher rpms than handheld tools

Scotch-Brite EXL Convolute Deburring Wheel

Application and workpiece material affect the wheel material and wheel thickness that you’ll need. Speed depends on what you need to do and the tools you’ll use. If you have an assortment of wheels at the ready, check the specifications printed on the hub — speed (rpm), shaft diameter, material, grit. The lower the grit number, the coarser the wheel surface. Also consider the hub type. Some wheels are intended to be used in a vertical or horizontal position, or fitted in a specific way, so the hub mount is important. Quick-change discs are convenient when you have to perform different operations in a short timeframe. Consider these factors carefully before purchasing wheels.

Scotch-Brite EXL High Performance Unitized Wheel

Grinding and cut-off

Type 1 (straight) and Type 27 (offset hub) are two common wheels for grinding and cutting. Type 1 wheels, used for cutoff and notching, are mounted at 90°. Type 27 wheels can be used for cut-off and grinding, mounted at 90° or a 15° to 30° angle.

grinding chart

BlackHawk offers a wide range of bench grinders, sanders, dust collectors, downdraft tables, safety shields and enclosures as well as hand grinders and cut-off tools.

For help with product selection, contact BlackHawk sales or customer service.

Always wear protective eyewear, hearing protection and gloves when working with power tools.

For any questions about products sold by BlackHawk, give us a call. We’re happy to help. Our mission is to provide innovative, value-added services and products that reduce our customer’s total cost. Feel free to contact us for more information.

BlackHawk Industrial

1501 SW Expressway Drive

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012

[email protected]

Toll Free: 855-610-1001