We carry specialty flap discs such as high density, surface conditioning discs, and felt polishing flaps. If you want to use a flap disc to grind aluminum, we carry a special flap disc for aluminum that avoids loading and has a calcium stearate coating to keep the temperature lower while grinding. Ceramic flap discs are another strong abrasive that can grind metal surfaces from carbon steel to aerospace alloys.
SURFACE CONDITIONING COLUMN. BY JOE O’MERA. Flap discs have been used with high-speed angle grinders for decades, but new technology is now making them an appealing alternative to standard grinding wheels. Many flap discs remove up to five times the material with less workpiece gouging than standard grinding wheels. Smaller flap discs in the 2-to-3-inch range will outperform standard quick-change discs, allow access to tight areas, and the design will help prevent the disc from “Walking” on the part.
CHOOSING ABRASIVE FLAP DENSITY. High-density flap discs contain more abrasive cloth material than standard flap discs, so they are thicker and more forgiving. Type 29: Type 29 high-density flap discs have an angled profile associated with conical flap discs. If a long lifespan is a high priority, operators may want to choose high-density flap discs over standard flap discs.
angle grinder flap disc Related Question:
What is a flap disc for angle grinder?
A flap disc is an abrasive product designed for right-angle grinder applications that consists of overlapping abrasive “flaps” glued radially to a backing plate. Flap discs became popular for benefits like fast stock removal and the ability to perform grinding, blending, and finishing in one product.
What is the difference between a flap disc and grinding disc?
Flap discs are the recommended choice when you’re working with metal, especially when you intend to make right angle cuts. Being flexible, these discs make it easier to achieve contours in the metal. For grinding, apply heavy pressure and for finishing, apply light pressure.
What angle should you use the flap disc in?
Proper Grinding Angle and Surface Type 27 flap discs should be used at 0°-15° angle and Type 29 flap discs should be used at 15°-25° angle to the workpiece. Do not use flat or on the edge.
What are flap discs good for?
Flap discs are used to conform and shape metal. They have densely layered abrasive cloth flaps that can shape certain metals while leaving a finished look. They are most commonly used in welding, machining, heavy-duty equipment, industrial maintenance, agriculture and food production.
Can you use flap disc to sand wood?
To use a flap disc to sand rough timber, gently stroke the angle grinder over the surface – starting with a low grit and working your way up to a 120-grit flap disc to finish off. If you want a smoother finish, use an Orbital or Random Orbit Sander to finish off.
Can a flap disc be used on wood?
Flap discs for wood: Flap discs are great tools for working on wood. The flap discs designed for use on wood are similar in nature to the ones designed for use on metal. You can use aluminum oxide grits for wood applications.
Can you use flap wheel to sand wood?
Whether you are working with metal, wood, rubber or plastic, flap wheels will grind and polish both flat and contoured surfaces. They are easy to use and to control, and will not dig into your work piece.
What type of flap disc is best for grinding metal?
Type 27: Type 27 high-density flap discs have the same straight profile associated with flat flap discs, and they contain added thickness. They are ideal for grinding at angles between 0 and 15 degrees.
How can I make my flap discs last longer?
To maximize the effectiveness and longevity a flap disc, it is important to use the proper pressure at the proper angle. Putting too much pressure on a flap disc when it does not work fast enough can cause premature wear or lead to gouging, undercutting or burning — when the real issue is the need for a coarser grain.
What is the difference between Type 27 and Type 29 flap disc?
Type 27 is used for grinding the plane and outside corners. In the bucket program we see lots of Type 27 discs used only on the edges so the recommendation is to switch to a Type 29 disc. A Type 29 flap disc is referred to as a curved disc. It is best used at a 15-25 degree angle.
When should I replace my grinding disc?
If you do not know, a good “rule of thumb” is to discard the wheel when you are 1” away from the recess. Portable cup wheels must be discarded when the machine’s guard prevents proper grinding. In this case a proper guard will determine discard size by preventing additional grinding on the wheel’s rim.
What grinding wheel should I use to sharpen mower blades?
For lawnmower blades, we recommend grinding wheels or files with a 60-80 grit rating. This is generally known as the medium coarseness range and it provides a balance between removing materials and precision sharpening.
What is the best angle to sharpen a lawn mower blade?
Lawn mower blades come from the factory with a specific angle on the angled edge. This angle should be kept as you grind your blades over time. The most common lawn mower blade angle is 30-35 degrees. When sharpening your mower blades it is important to keep this 30-35 degree angle over time.
Can I use a grinder as a sander?
Can a grinder be used as a sander? Most grinders can be switched to a handheld sander just by changing the disc. Sanding discs are cheap and readily available, and flap discs, that use small overlapping pieces of sandpaper arranged in a ring, make sanding a large area with a grinder pretty simple.
What is the difference between grinder and sander?
Sanders are only used to sand, but grinders can be used for multiple things. They can cut through metal, strip metal, and polish surfaces. Be aware of what your project entails before choosing which of these to rent. Maybe you need both or one.
