Angle Grinder Wheels: A Beginner’s Guide

Maximizing Angle Grinder Potential with Diverse Wheel Choices

Did you know that your angle grinder can do more than just cut metal? You can handle a lot more than you used to by attaching different discs and wheels to it! Read this article to learn more about the different types of angle grinder wheels!

Angle Grinder Wheels: An Introduction

An angle grinder is a power tool used for grinding, cutting, polishing, etc. This handheld tool uses rotating discs that attach to angle grinders. Angle grinders are extremely useful tools that are practical in many industries, from metalworking and construction to woodworking and auto body shops. These power tools are highly versatile because you can attach a wide range of wheels and discs to them. With the help of these discs, they are able to perform various tasks, from grinding and cutting to sanding and polishing.

We have gathered here a list of different and useful angle grinder wheels and discs. If you are eager to get the most out of your angle grinder and maximize efficiency and productivity, be sure to read this article and get more information.

We have gathered here a list of different and useful angle grinder wheels and discs. If you are eager to get the most out of your angle grinder and maximize efficiency and productivity, be sure to take read this article and get more information.

Related Article: Angle Grinder Complete Guide

Diving into the Variety of Angle Grinder Wheels

Angle grinder wheels are divided into two types: abrasive wheel types and grinding wheel types. They are each designed for specific applications, but what are they, and just how do they differ from one another?

Abrasive Wheels

Abrasive wheels are used for cutting and shaping materials. They are made from abrasive particles and they are designed to quickly remove material and provide precise cuts. Common types of abrasive wheels include cutoff wheels, diamond wheels, etc.

Grinding Wheels

Grinding wheels are used for grinding, sharpening, and smoothing surfaces. Grinding wheels are available in different shapes and sizes to accommodate various tasks, such as surface grinding, cylindrical grinding, and tool sharpening.

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Key Differences

The main difference between abrasive wheels and grinding wheels lies in their intended purposes. Abrasive wheels are primarily used for cutting while grinding wheels are designed for grinding and smoothing surfaces.

We have gathered here a list of different and useful angle grinder wheels and discs, for both abrasive wheels and grinding wheels. If you are eager to get the most out of your angle grinder and maximize efficiency and productivity, be sure to read this article and get more information.

Getting to Know the Different Types of Abrasive Wheels

The capability and type of an abrasive wheel are determined by the type of material and the bonding agent that was used in it. It needs to be able to resist the high friction rates, the shock, and the high temperatures as well.

We have prepared a list of different abrasive wheel types for you, to help you pick the wheel that will turn your project around!

1-Cut-off Discs

The second-most-used wheel for angle grinders is the cut-off disc. As the name clearly indicates, cut-off discs are used for cutting metal bars and sheets. Compared to grinding wheels, cut-off wheels are thinner in order to deliver the most accurate cuts. This is why working with them is more dangerous. If you suddenly change the position of angle grinders or use them in a position that makes them bend, they shatter easily. The flying small parts of a shattered cutting wheel are hazardous and can result in serious damage. Therefore, you should use high-quality safety gear when trying to cut with an angle grinder. Ronix cut-off discs are made from the highest-quality materials, which makes working with them safer compared to low-quality discs.

Usages:

You can use cut-off discs for cutting metal bars, metal tubes, and small pieces of metal sheets and plates. You can also cut out welds with them. For shortening the length of various bolts, it is also a good idea to use an angle grinder and a cut-off wheel.

2- Flap Discs

Flap Discs and grinding discs share a lot of similarities. The difference is that, unlike grinding discs, flap discs are mostly used for finishing. This is why they have a smoother nature. Again, just like grinding discs, flap discs come in different grits. The higher the number, the smoother a disc is.

Usages:

A flap disc is used to smooth a heavily grinded surface. It is also great at getting rid of burrs and scratches. Burrs and scratches are sharp, and if one touches them without protection (for example, a safety glove), the result is painful cuts. Additionally, you can chamfer, take the sharp edges off with them, and shine up gouged metal.

related article: 5 Angle Grinder Uses + 11 Safety Tips You Should Know!

3- Wire Wheels

Wire wheels consist of a set of wires attached to a circle-shaped base. Similar to other angle grinder discs, wire wheels are produced in different shapes and sizes because they are used for different purposes. If a wire wheel has thick, twisted bristles, it is considered more abrasive and is able to get the job done faster and easier. On the other hand, thinner and straighter bristles are considered less aggressive and are used for finer jobs.

Usages:

If you want to remove rust from a workpiece, one of the fastest and easiest ways to achieve a clean surface is by using a wire wheel. These angle grinder attachments are also used to get the paint off of a surface.

4- Diamond Cutting Discs

Diamond cutting discs are undoubtedly the sharpest among angle grinder discs. These wheels have diamonds fixed on the surface of their edges. They normally have a cutting rim where the cutting process is done. The higher the cutting rim, the more durable they are and the longer you can use them. Ronix produces diamond cutting discs with a 10mm cutting rim that are efficient and extremely resistant.

Usages:

Because of their diamond edges, the diamond cutting discs are suitable for cutting resistant and hard-to-penetrate materials like all types of granite. They are also used for both dry and wet cutting operations.

5- Polishing Pads

If you want a finished and shiny surface, then attaching polishing pads to your angle grinder can get you what you want. The name itself is self-explanatory; with a polishing pad, you can gently polish your desired surface. Just like any other attachment for angle grinders, polishing pads are produced in a wide range of shapes and materials that can each create a unique finished look. Be sure to use polishing pads on an angle grinder that has a speed control switch. Because polishing requires a specific speed, not all angle grinders are suitable for polishing tasks.

Usages:

For making the surface of a metal workpiece shiny, polishing pads are the right accessory for you! This is why polishing pads are widely used in auto body shops.

Understanding Different Types of Grinding Wheels

The most apparent disc and probably the most popular one among different types of angle grinder discs is the grinding disc. Angle grinder discs come in different types and sizes (as the tasks they are expected to do and the size of the angle grinders are varied).

One of the most important factors that differentiates grinding wheels from each other is grit. The hardness and smoothness of a grinding disc are measured by grit. Just like sandpaper, a lower grit number on a grinding disc means it is coarse, and a higher number means the grinding wheel is less coarse. Low-grit grinding discs remove the material faster, but they also produce more sparks and create a rougher look. They can also cause slight burns and more scratches compared to high-grit discs. Ronix produces high-quality grinding discs in various sizes and models, so you are welcome to check out our different models and get the ones that match your needs!

These are some of the grinding wheel types on the market:

1- Straight Grinding Wheels:

Straight grinding wheels are flat, disc-like wheels with a uniform thickness across their entire surface. They are one of the most common types of grinding wheels and come in various sizes and grits.

Uses:

Straight grinding wheels are commonly used for surface grinding, cylindrical grinding, tool sharpening, removing material from workpieces for flatness and smoothness, and enhancing tool performance.

2- Cylinder Wheels:

Cylinder wheels are cylinder-shaped shaped grinding wheels (if that wasn’t already obvious!). They have a relatively large diameter but a narrow width. These wheels are used for cylindrical grinding operations, in which the workpiece is held between centers or chucked and rotated while the grinding wheel removes material from the cylindrical object’s outer surface.

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Uses:

Cylinder wheels are ideal for internal and contour grinding, enhancing workpieces’ performance by grinding the inner surfaces of holes, bores, and cylindrical cavities.

3- Dish Grinding Wheels:

Another type of abrasive tool used for grinding operations is dish grinding wheels. These wheels have a distinctive concave shape that looks similar to a dish or saucer. Dish grinding wheels have a larger contact area with the workpiece than flat or cylindrical wheels, making them suitable for certain tasks.

Uses:

Dish wheels are ideal for tool and cutter grinding, requiring complex cutting tools and sharpening drill bits. They are also suitable for surface grinding, particularly for contoured or radiused surfaces.

4- Tapered Grinding Wheels:

Tapered grinding wheels are grinding wheels that have a tapered or conical form. Unlike flat or cylindrical wheels, which have the same diameter all the way around, tapered wheels have a gradually changing diameter from one end to the other. Because of their particular form, they provide significant benefits in certain grinding applications.

Uses:

Tapered wheels are used to guarantee precision and accuracy when grinding tricky curves on screws, bolts, gear teeth, and complex surfaces.

5- Diamond Grinding Wheels:

Diamond grinding wheels are a type of abrasive tool that uses synthetic diamond grains as the abrasive material. These wheels are known for their top-notch hardness, durability, and ability to accurately grind hard and abrasive materials. Diamond grinding wheels are widely used in a variety of industries for grinding applications that need the highest levels of effectiveness and accuracy.

Uses:

Diamond wheels excel in hard material grinding, precision grinding, and reshaping applications, ensuring high precision and fine surface finishes. They are ideal for tool and cutter sharpening and reshaping.

Types of Concrete Grinding Wheels

As it shows in the name, these grinding wheels are used for grinding, polishing, and shaping concrete, and they come in various sizes and types; there are diamond ones, cup wheels, polishing pads, and other types you’ve already become familiar with. One of the most important factors that affect how the wheels match the concrete grinding wheels is the bonding agent. There are several different types of them, and they all have their own uses, advantages, and disadvantages.

Resin-bonded diamond wheels are designed for fine grinding and polishing purposes, and they are often used to achieve a high-gloss finish on concrete surfaces. Metal-bonded wheels have diamond or other abrasive material embedded in a metal matrix, which makes them durable enough for heavy grinding or cutting purposes. Lastly, hybrid wheels are a combination of different types of bonds, like metal and resin, and they are suitable for various concrete grinding and polishing stages since they provide a balance between durability and a smooth finish.

Angle Grinder Wheels for Steel

Angle Grinders are versatile tools that can be used for various tasks, depending on the type of disc you use. One of those tasks can be dealing with steel, whether it’s cutting, grinding, or polishing. There are a number of different wheels you can use, but consider factors like the material you’re dealing with, the type of cut or grind you want to achieve, and the speed you’re aiming for. Think of it like choosing the right power tool for the right job—except with a bit more disc magic involved. Be smart and be safe!

Beginning with the most popular of them all, the cut-off discs. They are primarily used for cutting through metal, including steel. Generally, cut-off discs are better suited for faster cuts and reduced material waste.

The next type of grinder wheel for steel is flap discs. They are made from overlapping abrasive-coated flaps, which provide a blend of grinding and finishing at the same time, and that makes them effective for removing rust, paint, and other coatings while smoothing and shaping the metal.

But what if you’re struggling with hardened steel or just need really precise cutting? Then the diamond cutting wheels are for you. We’ve already talked about the advantages this type of abrasive wheel brings, and the only disadvantage is that they tend to be a bit more expensive.

Angle Grinder Wheels for Wood

Did you know that angle grinder discs aren’t just for metal? Well, these spinning wonders have a few tricks up their sleeves when it comes to woodworking too. Perfect for shaping, grinding, and even carving, angle grinder discs for wood can help you unleash your inner artist and create wooden masterpieces with style and precision. From carving intricate details to making precise cuts, these discs are like the magical wands of the woodworking world. So, grab your goggles, slip on those gloves, and let those discs do their woodworking wizardry!

Let’s break down the different types of angle grinder discs that are perfect for woodworking. First up, we have woodcarving discs, which are specially designed to whittle eat into wood with precision and ease. These discs typically have sharp teeth and a convex shape that allows you to carve complex details into your projects effortlessly. Whether you’re creating a stunning wooden sculpture or adding little enhancements (hopefully) to your furniture, woodcarving discs are the perfect tool for the job!

Next, we have flap discs, which are essentially sandpaper discs that attach to your angle grinder. These discs are incredibly versatile and ideal for finishing and shaping your wood projects. With different grit levels available, flap discs can grind away rough edges, smooth out imperfections, and even create smooth, rounded edges.

Finally, we have wood sculpting wheels, which are an absolute must-have for any serious woodworker. These wheels feature a flat design and jagged teeth, which allow you to chisel and sculpt wood with remarkable accuracy. Whether you’re creating a unique piece of furniture or carving out intricate designs on your wooden masterpiece, wood sculpting wheels are the ultimate tool for the job!

So, there you have it, a quick breakdown of how angle grinder discs can be used in woodworking. With a little bit of creativity and the right tools by your side, you can create stunning wooden creations with precision and style. Happy woodworking, friend!

FAQ

Is there an angle grinder cutting wheel for cutting wood?

There is no such thing as a wood-cutting angle grinder wheel. However, you can use a wood cutting blade, but it is extremely dangerous, and I do not recommend this.

What is the grit in angle grinder wheels?

The hardness and smoothness of a grinding disc are measured by grit. Just like sandpaper, a lower grit number on a grinding disc means it is coarse, and a higher number means the grinding wheel is less coarse.

What is an angle grinder’s wire wheel?

Wire wheels consist of a set of wires attached to a circle-shaped base. Similar to other angle grinder discs, wire wheels are produced in different shapes and sizes because they are used for different purposes.

Which angle grinder wheel is the sharpest?

Diamond cutting discs are undoubtedly the sharpest among angle grinder discs. These wheels have diamonds fixed on the surface of their edges.

What are the most useful types of angle grinder wheels?

Grinding Discs
Cut-off Discs
Flap Discs
Wire Wheels
Diamond Cutting Discs
Polishing Pads