Crafting is an enjoyable activity with people in modern life. It is considered a hobby for those competing fiercely in the workplace. However, even if you use the highest quality angle grinders, many feel struggling when conducting it.
Most new artisans wonder “can angle grinder cut metal”. If it is also your case, continue reading this article. The well collected and logically illustrated information below will equip you with the basic knowledge you need about angle grinders and directly answer your concern.
Contents
Overview About Angle Grinders
An angle grinder can be used for many purposes like cutting, grinding, polishing, etc. Only replace the disc, and you can replace many tools simply with an angle grinder. That can reduce a significant amount of money spending on supporting instruments.
Besides, many, when using it, state that this useful item can make even the most time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks faster and easier.
When searching on the market, you will realize that various types of angle grinders are offered in different sizes. Yet, the most recommended one would be the 115mm type because skillful artisans widely use it.
This small model is light, accurate, and generally extremely simple to operate, making it an excellent choice for beginners and professionals.
Can Angle Grinder Cut Metal? (Detailed Explanation)
An angle grinder can cut metal. Although metal is a complex material to separate, the angle grinder can deal with it efficiently.
As you may know, an angle grinder or you can call it a side or disc grinder, is a potent tool designed to cut and polish various materials. Recently, thanks to the advancement of technology, an angle grinder has become even more assertive with supporting power coming from an electric motor or compressed air.
When intending to purchase an angle grinder, you will realize that various types are offered in the market with different functions, features, power, etc. However, all of them will be equipped with an adjustable guard and a side handle for two-handed operation, which can be replaced when worn.
How To Use An Angle Grinder To Cut Metal?
Although an angle grinder is a potent and valuable item for craftwork, many people, even skillful craftsmen, don’t wonder can an angle grinder cut metal because they don’t know how to use it. If it is also your case, follow the seven detailed steps illustrated below to make it done:
Step 1: Gather all necessary tools for preparation
It is expected that people usually skip this step and just jump directly to the cutting one because they want to finish the task quickly. Nonetheless, with crafting, significantly when cutting metal, hurriedness leads to nothing but poor results.
Change your habit by adding this very first step to your to-do list. Then, if you are confused to choose supporting devices, you can refer to the list below to make your job run smoothly:
- A suitable power source
- A long power cord
- Earmuffs
- The appropriate grinder wheel for cutting metal
- The metal you’re planning to cut
- A C-clamp to support and clamp your metal project.
Step 2: Protect yourself with safety tools
Never forget protective items because cutting metal with an angle grinder is quite a dangerous job. If you are not careful enough, you are likely to risk hurting yourself.
Therefore, gather all necessary personal protective gear before starting your work. You will need eye goggles, safety boots, tight cloth, and gloves at the minimum level.
Step 3: Prepare your angle grinder
When turning to this step, place the disc in the grinder. This can be accomplished by opening the spindle, inserting the appropriate metal disc, and tightening the spindle nut. Be careful to check the plug. Make sure it has not connected to the electricity, or else you will suffer some electric shock.
Moreover, be aware of the disc you use because choosing the appropriate cutting disc is the key to successfully operating an angle grinder. Using damaged or broken discs may spit out fragments or shatter during use, posing a danger.
Besides, remember that cutting and grinding discs are not alike, and grinding cannot be done with cutting discs since they are thin and sharp.
Step 4: Draw your desirable design
To achieve the best result, you should carefully conduct this step. Think about how you want your metal to become and plan the cutting line first. Based on your design, you may need to draw different lines and shapes.
For example, if you just need a straight line, the easiest way is marking the two ends and etching a scratch along the line. Other shapes may require various ways of drawing. Hence, you should refer carefully before actually marking on the metal.
Step 5: Start the engine and begin to cut
Now that you have a clear picture of your project, you can turn on the angle grinder and start your work. First, power up your angle grinder and hold it comfortably. Begin with a smooth tap on the etched line while the disc is spinning.
The only caution you should pay attention to in this step is to hold the grinder firmly in your palm and begin slowly to ensure that it does not fly off your hand as it follows the specified alignment.
Step 6: Finish the project
Power off the angle grinder and leave the finished metal on the ground. Be cautious because, at this time, the cutting area will be hot and may hurt you if you touch it. If you are not in a hurry, wait a few minutes or more before continuing with the project.
Once your metal cools down, you might consider that the chopped edges are still sharp and unsafe to handle. Don’t worry because the angle grinder can help you.
Replace the current cutting disc with a 40-grit flapper on the wheeler lock. This replacement will enable you to smoothen the rough edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use an angle grinder to cut wood?
Of course, yes. As mentioned above, the angle grinder even deals with rigid materials like metal. Hence, there is no reason it can not be used to cut wood.
However, be careful when choosing the angle grinder blades because different tools are aimed at various types of wood. In general, there are two basic types of blades:
- Flap blades with abrasive edges: Sanding wood is the most suitable with this sort of grinder. This blade is made up of several little pieces of sanding paper that have been bonded to the side of the disc to generate a rough surface.
- Carving blades with abrasive edges: The unique feature of this blade comes from sharp, tiny teeth located near the disc’s tip. It may be used to shape and carve wood into furniture as well as large and tiny wooden sculptures.
2. Are angle grinders dangerous?
The answer to this concern comes from you. Simply speaking, if you are careful enough, you will never have trouble using this tool. Pay much attention to angle grinder safety to protect yourself.
Prepare all the gear items to ensure you won’t be seriously hurt even if bad things happen. Besides, in terms of the working environment, you can:
- Clean the surroundings: Remove any tools, wires, and toolboxes near the cutting place. This way, you’ll be free to move around without fear of making a mess.
- Remove any combustible materials: While operating, the angle grinder generates sparks, burning materials such as gasoline, fuel, lubricants, paper, and other combustible items.
To know more about angle grinder safety tips, please refer to this article.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, an angle grinder is a powerful tool, and obviously, the answer to your concern “can angle grinder cut metal” is yes. Referring to the above content, tips, ways to finish your cutting project efficiently. Above all, remember that safety is the most critical aspect you should carefully take into consideration.
