Safety - Cutting vs. Grinding

No Short “Cuts” for Safe Grinding

Scenario

You have just used your Norton cutting-off wheel to cut a bolt with your chop-saw and, as usual, the cutting-off operation has left a slight burr on the bolt that needs to be removed. Unfortunately, your bench grinder and portable angle grinder are located on the other side of the shop. Is it OK to use the side of the cutting-off wheel to quickly deburr your part to save some time?

NO! Cutting-off wheels are for cutting on the periphery ONLY. Why?

• Cutting-off wheels are thin by design and do not have adequate lateral strength for side grinding.
• The fiberglass reinforcement is in the wheel to add strength. Using the side of the wheel can damage the fiberglass.  This reduces the strength of the wheel and can lead to breakage.
• Regardless of what type of grinding wheel you are using, grinding must only be performed on the surface of the wheel for which it is designed.

Using a cutting-off wheel for side grinding can have serious consequences. The photographs seen here show what can happen to a cut-off wheel when the side is used for deburring or grinding. The workpiece can cut through the reinforcing side fiberglass weakening the wheel. This may result in wheel breakage and injury. 

Don’t take shortcuts with your safety.  Be sure to use cutting-off wheels for cutting only.

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