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.
Keep reading our flap disc buying guide to learn more about these tools and how to select the right flap disc for your project. Flat flap disc: While conical discs are great for rapid stock removal, flat flap discs are best for blending and superior finishing. For each of these applications, whether you’re grinding or finishing, make sure you choose the right flap disc.
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.
The most common options are flap discs and grinding wheels. Since flap discs don’t gouge the workpiece as fast as grinding wheels do, a less-skilled operator can use them more efficiently without damaging the work piece. Grinding wheels can play an important role in your project, particularly during material removal, but when you’re working with metal and need a tool that can achieve results during each stage of the project, flap discs may be your best and most efficient option.
Do regularly check for any damage signs on the angle grinder and the flap disc before using it. Install the flap disc with its arbor hole centered over the raised flange and the abrasive flap disc facing away from the grinder;. Never attach the flap disc when your angle grinder is plugged in.
how to use angle grinder flap disc Related Question:
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.
Can you use angle grinder flap disc 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.
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.
How do flap discs work?
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 I use angle grinder to sand wood?
When you need to remove or sand a lot of surface wood away, turning your angle grinder into a sander is the easiest and most cost effective way to do it.
What grit disc removes rust?
Sanding Rust Off a Car Scrape away paint chips or rust flakes, use 40-grit sandpaper to remove the rust and then feather the edges with 120-grit sandpaper. Use 220-grit paper to smooth the entire patch and then wipe to remove any sanding dust.
What is the difference between a sander and a grinder?
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.
Can you sharpen mower blades with a flap disc?
Sharpening with Angle Grinder For the angle grinder, you can use a flap disc. It is advisable to align the mower blade cutting edge with the grinder’s blade.
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 is grinding disc used for?
Grinding discs are suitable for metal and stone applications across a range of machine sizes. The main use of such discs is in the removal of materials. However, they can also be used for the finishing and preparation of stone and metal surfaces. These wheels allow for the effective removal of paint and rust.
What are flap grinding discs?
Flap discs are used to grind down surfaces using an abrasive coating. The ‘flapped’ formation of the disc improves the lifetime of the product by increasing the surface area and reducing the likelihood of stress points occurring. This means that they tend to last longer than standard metal grinding discs.
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.
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.
Can you turn a angle grinder into a sander?
An angle grinder can be used as a sander if the disc on the grinder is made specifically for sanding. With the high velocity of speed that comes with using an angle grinder, a sanding disc can do twice the sanding capabilities in a shorter amount of time than a traditional sander.
What is an angle grinder used to grind?
Angle grinders are versatile tools that can grind metal and cut tile, stucco and pavers, rout out mortar, plus they can sand, polish and sharpen. Learn to use an angle grinder to cut tile, mortar and pavers; make quick work of rust and loose paint removal; sharpen blades and cut or grind steel.
