Proper Mounting of a Grinding Wheel

The improper mounting of a grinding wheel is a major cause of grinding wheel breakage. Proper steps in mounting a grinding wheel are as follows:

  • Handle and store grinding wheels in a careful manner. Handle and store all grinding wheels as if they were made of glass!
  • Select the proper grinding wheel and machine for the job.
  • Lock out and tag all machines before working on them. Disconnect portable machines from their power source before changing the grinding wheel.
  • Visually inspect all grinding wheels. Also, the use of “ring testing” or “vibration testing” is required for many grinding wheels. NEVER USE A DAMAGED GRINDING WHEEL.
  • Check the machine speed against the maximum operating speed of the grinding wheel. The speed of the grinding wheel must be equal to or greater than the machine’s speed. NEVER OVERSPEED A GRINDING WHEEL.
  • Inspect the machine and its guards. Check the machine’s speed with a tachometer before mounting grinding wheels. NEVER USE A DAMAGED MACHINE.
  • Clean arbor and flanges before mounting a grinding wheel.
  • Check the mounting flanges for proper type, size, and flange condition. NEVER USE MISMATCHED, UNDERSIZE, DIRTY OR DAMAGED FLANGES.
  • Use only machines designed and guarded for the grinding wheel you are using. NEVER MOUNT A GRINDING WHEEL ON A MACHINE THAT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR THAT GRINDING WHEEL.
  • Use proper mounting blotters when required or supplied by the manufacturer.
  • Do not reuse blotters and use only one blotter for each side of the wheel.
  • Care must be taken to ensure that all blotters are not allowed to “bunch up” or fold over and do not get caught inside the wheel’s hole.
  • Do not force a grinding wheel onto the mounting arbor. If the wheel does not fit, don’t use it.
  • Don’t over-tighten the mounting nut or mounting screws. Tighten flanges just enough to prevent wheel slippage or to machine manufacturer’s recommendation. EXCESSIVE TIGHTENING CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE MOUNTING FLANGES AND WHEEL BREAKAGE.
  • Replace all guards and reset the machine to accommodate the new grinding wheel.
  • Wear all required personal protective equipment.
  • Allow the grinding wheel to run at operating speed for one full minute before using the grinding wheel. Do not allow anyone to stand in front of or in line with the grinding wheel during this test.

 

Also learn about Starting a Grinding Wheel and Proper Grinding Wheel Storage.

 

For additional information on this topic or if you need any other abrasive safety information, please review ANSI, OSHA and all literature provided by the abrasive wheel and machine manufacturer. You may also contact the Saint-Gobain Product Safety Department at Tel. (508) 795-2317 or Fax: (508) 795-5120 or contact your Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc. representative with any safety related questions.