You can buy very inexpensive angle grinder tool, but for frequent use or for demanding jobs like cutting stucco or cement, I’d recommend spending a little more for a grinder with a more powerful motor. Outfitted with a grinding wheel, an angle grinder is a great tool for restoring edges on rough-and-tumble tools like hoes, shovels and ice scrapers or for the initial grinding of axes, hatchets and lawn mower blades. Finally, with the grinder off, rest the grinding wheel against the blade and adjust the angle of the grinder to match the blade’s bevel.
That’s why we’ve touched on a few safety tips throughout the article to help understand how to cut metal with an angle grinder in the most efficient and efficient way. Whether you use a corded angle grinder or cordless grinder is really irrelevant as either or will cut through metal. So depending on how dense the material is and how clean of cut you’re expecting, you could always consider another power tool for cutting metal.
A safe bet for most metal cutting jobs however is a 5-6 inch size grinder with a 1-1.6mm cutting wheel. Cutting discs made of Silicon Carbide and Aluminum Oxide abrasives are most commonly used for metal cutting. Follow our step-by-step guide below on how to set up and use your Angle Grinder safely and efficiently for cutting metal.
The secret to successfully using an angle grinder is choosing the right type of cutting disc. Consider how much wood you want to remove and how fast to define the correct cutting disc for your needs. The angle grinder size is determined by the size of the disc, not the length of the tool itself.
At this stage, you should also ensure that you are following all of the right procedures regarding PPE. Metal cutting with an angle grinder will send out sparks and metal debris, so it is essential that you wear eye and ear protection. Many of the most common mistakes made when using an angle grinder to cut metal are related to the tool’s safe operation and implementation. Instead, like all fabrication work, metal cutting with an angle grinder requires practice, not only with this power tool but also with a variety of metal types and gauges.
how to use angle grinder on metal Related Question:
What blade Do I need to cut metal with angle grinder?
An angle grinder fitted with an abrasive metal-cutting disc works well to cut all kinds of metal, including bolts, angle iron, rebar and even sheet metal. But the discs wear down quickly, cut slowly and shrink in diameter as you use them. Instead, we recommend using a diamond blade that’s rated to cut ferrous metal.
Can angle grinder cut steel?
So can an angle grinder cut metal or even dense steel? Yes, it most definitely can. At the end of the day, using an angle grinder to cut metal can be highly effective and extremely safe as long as you have the right equipment and safety tools with you.
Can you sand metal with an angle grinder?
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.
Can I put a metal cutting blade on my miter saw?
Although mitre saws were traditionally used for cutting wood, with the correct blade they can make light work of cutting through steel and aluminium profiles at an angle.
How thick should a metal cutting disc be?
Cutting discs are best for cutting through metal and are available in different thicknesses as explained below. For standard, everyday jobs on stainless or mild steel, opt for a 1mm or 1.6mm disc thickness. For cutting thin sheet metals, choose a 1mm or 0.8mm disc.
How thick of metal can an angle grinder cut?
The most common grinder disc size is with a diameter of 12 cm. It can be used for small jobs as cutting wood or metal with a maximum thickness of 2-3 cm. It’s not recommended to use it for cutting stones and concrete.
What can an angle grinder not cut?
The inspiration behind this creation is the natural defense mechanisms used by shells, grapefruit skins, and fish scales that makes them resistant from the attacks of various sea creatures. The material, named Proteus, cannot be cut using either angle grinders, drills, or high-pressure water jets.
Should you push or pull an angle grinder?
You should work with a straight grinder when cutting using the side (of the bit) and a 90-degree grinder when you are using the front (if possible). That way, you’ll have more control of the thrust and you won’t worry about the tool grabbing or pulling at you.
How do you smooth metal after grinding?
Sand the part with progressively finer sandpaper, working from 40-grit down to 320-grit. Once finished with 320-grit sandpaper, the grind marks should be completely removed. If a polished surface is desired use 600-grit sandpaper and water to remove the very fine scratches left by the 320-grit.
Do you push or pull an angle grinder?
Allow the wheel to pull itself through the workpiece rather than trying to force it through. This minimizes friction and force, and helps extend the life of the cutting grains. Don’t push too hard. Pressure and heat are the biggest enemies of abrasive cutting products.
Can I use my 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.
Do you need special sandpaper for metal?
It is recommended to use a 320 or higher grit count to sand metal. If you need to polish metal, it is best to use a much finer sandpaper grit. Although you could get away with using something as course as a 320 grit count, is it recommended to use something as fine as 1,200 grit count to achieve the smoothest finish.
Can I use angle grinder as orbital sander?
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. To turn your angle grinder into a sander you’re going to need some Flap Discs.
