How to Remove Small Welds

Grinding corners

A traditional 7mm grinding disc is ideal in tough and heavy grinding applications where the operator has a large amount of material to remove. However, if you’re carrying out light stock removal of smaller MIG/TIG welds, don’t have a huge amount to remove, or maybe you are an infrequent user; you may find a 7mm grinding disc overkill.

Whether you’re working in a production environment, workshop, or garage, you could come across some small MIG welds or welds in tight corners and curves, where a 7mm thick disc will not fit.  This could lead to overgrinding, leaving scratches and damaging the work-piece. 

When looking to remove small welds on thin gauge steel there are several things to consider: 

  • You need more control
  • You need more precision
  • You need less aggression


Here are three abrasive product options depending on what’s important to your needs:

Importance Factor Product Type Product Information
Long Life and Comfort Flap Disc, such as Vulcan Zirconia It uses self-sharpening zirconium abrasive grain. The multi-layer flap construction provides long life. 
Speed and Flexibility Fibre Disc, such as Norzon Fibre Disc F827 The Zirconia grain removes material quickly and the flexible nature adjusts to contours and shapes. However, fibre discs have a shorter product life than flap discs, as they only have one layer of abrasive. 
Speed, Comfort, and Long Life NEW Quantum3 Light Comfort Grinding (LCG) 3mm disc is the best of both LCG discs have the power of ceramic grains to cut through metal quickly and easily and provides a longer life than flap discs as they are made entirely from abrasive grain. This can also be used on its edge, whereas the fibre and flap disc cannot. 

Grinding

Precision is Key

The new Quantum3 LCG 3mm discs are easier to use and provide a smoother grinding experience thanks to less vibration which is key when removing small welds as you need more control. This may be an additional advantage for less experienced users as it’s easier to control. The reduced thickness allows access into tighter areas, such as fillet welds. If you’re looking to remove small welds on different materials and in hard to reach areas, then the Norton Multi-Material LCG may be more suitable.

During the stock removal process, HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome) can occur due to a lack of blood reaching the hands and fingers when using vibrating equipment in the workplace. Although light weld removal may not be as intensive as heavy stock removal, by using the Quantum3 LCG 3mm disc this will result in fewer vibrations being felt through the angle grinder thanks to the precision shaped ceramic grains and light weight. No additional pressure is needed as the wheel does the hard work without grabbing or digging into the metal, when used under the right angle of 15 – 20 degrees.

LCG batteryAlso, due to its light weight, it will use less power when used on a cordless angle grinder, so you can get up to twice as much grinding time out of it helping you complete the job quicker. It also means your battery and grinding disc will last longer.

For best results, it’s recommended the Quantum3 LCG 3mm disc is used on thin gauge steel on battery powered machines and machines from 700W to 1400W.

If you’re carrying out light stock removal, make sure you wear the following:

  • Safety goggles and face shield
  • Safety gloves
  • Dust masks
  • Ear defenders
  • Protective clothing that features flame retardant materials (this may not be suitable for all industries) 
  • Safety shoes

 

If you’re using grinding wheels, make sure you follow these safety tips here.

Click here to find out more about the new Quantum3 LCG discs. For more information and support, get in touch with one of our Norton experts.