Yard sale grinder

[flashback]

I picked up a bench grinder at a yard sale and though it runs great the grinding wheels have a bunch of what appears to be aluminum embedded in them. I know someone has run into this. How do you get the aluminum out? Thx.

 

[jbcurt00]

Google grinder dressing tool

 

[Scott Danforth]

Or buy new grinding wheels

 

[flashback]

Google grinder dressing tool

Ok I did. Didn't know about those, bit like the buffing spur. Thanks

 

[airshot]

Be prepared to get messy, the wheel dressers remove layers of the surface of the wheel along with those aluminum bits. If the wheels are worn down, you might consider replacing them. Belt sander type grinders work far better on aluminium ...

 

[racerone]

The best way to grind aluminum is to load the wheel up with wax.----Aluminum bits then do not stick in the wheel.

 

[flashback]

I'm gonna use my Ace points and get a star wheel dresser, I measured the diameter of the wheels and I think the dresser will clean them up. I have 5 bucks invested in this thing, and it looks like new wheels would be too much coin, so I'll get the spur and learn how to use it. I suppose keeping the surface squared will be the biggest challenge.

 

[airshot]

The best way to grind aluminum is to load the wheel up with wax.----Aluminum bits then do not stick in the wheel.

Only limited success doing that as the aluminum creates lots of heat and the wax melts away quickly. Actually oil and grease work better, but makes a real mess

 

[dingbat]

Actually oil and grease work better, but makes a real mess

You can say that again.

My first job I had to weld up these large aluminum enclosures then grind the welds then finish for painting with a 5 hp Milwaukee grinder, #80 soft pads, a squirt can of oil.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Grinders are for steel

Sanders are for aluminum

 

[airshot]

Grinders are for steel

Sanders are for aluminum

For most fab jobs yes, but as a tool maker for more than 50 years, I spent a great amount of time on surface grinders, precision grinding aluminum for tooling. Sanders cut faster, but often precision fits require grinding.

 

[dingbat]

What is a Sander?​

Sanders are designed for smoothing surfaces through abrasion, gently removing material from a surface. They do this by moving sanding discs, sandpaper sheets, or a sanding belt across the material's surface in either a circular or linear motion.

What is a Grinder?​

Picture sparks flying or cutting through metal with ease. Grinders are powerful tools used that operate at high speeds for much more aggressive material removal. They use a hard, abrasive disc or wheel to cut, grind, or polish surfaces.

Grinders vs Sanders: Understanding Differences and Applications

Grinder or sander? Find the perfect tool for any job with Empire Abrasives. Discover our expert advice and shop today

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