Lots of businesses and DIYers own a bench grinder. However, not everyone fully knows how to change the wheel either due to its quite damaged structure or messy look. So, we performed a thorough research and came up with the perfect way to change your bench grinder wheel in no time.
As someone who loves doing tasks at home that require the use of sharpening tools, it is worth investing in a bench grinder to make your job easier and faster. It works by grinding down a blade that is held against the wheel. It is then angled in your desired shape for cutting purposes. All grinders have arbors – known as the mounting holes.
Also Read: Check Out these Great Bench Grinders
A Step by Step Guide on How to Change Bench Grinder Wheel
The good news is that you don’t have to kill much of your time and exert too much effort just to change the wheel of your grinder. We’ve made this process simple for you to do right now. Even beginners can execute it.
Safety First
Do not let your excitement to control you. Remember that changing wheels still requires safety gears to ensure a successful job.
- Wear safety glasses and safety gloves.
- Ensure to follow the recommended level of torque to tighten the jolt upon securing the grinding wheel.
- Ensure the replacement wheel has the correct speed rating and size for the grinder machine.
- Disconnect your bench grinder at the main source before tackling the job. Turn off the reinforcement control as well. Completely remove the power lead if possible so it won’t be able to cause any obstruction during the process.
Tools You Will Need
- Safety gloves
- Safety glasses
- Replacement wheel
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Lubricating oil
Before beginning, take time for a quick study of the bench machine to be familiar with it. This way, you’ll be able to complete the job at and easier.
Determine which certain parts require replacement and how it works. Check the instruction manual included in your machine as it contains all the information you need. Here, you’ll find how to disengage and replace the bench grinding wheel.
Steps
- Take the safety guard feature off in your bench grinder in removing the wheel quickly. Do it by finding the screws that help connect it to the machine’s main body. Gently remove them with a screwdriver. Now, the safety guard is ready to be taken off entirely.
- Use a wrench to unscrew the washer and nut that anchors the grinding machine. Keep them aside. Put some oil on the joint of the nut and pole if they are stiff. Then, cautiously remove the wheel. Be sure to wear safety gloves when doing it for protection.
- The new wheel of your bench grinder is now ready to attach. Slide it to the furthermost reaching point. Afterward, put the nut and washer using a wrench. Do not put an excessive amount of force when tightening the nut into its proper place as it will normally tighten as soon as the wheel is in motion.
- Lastly, test the bench grinder machine. Switch on the power and watch as the wheel turns. Check for any strange development or noise. For instance, you heard a different noise. Turn off the machine immediately before attempting to fix the problem. But, if you’re sure that the grinder is in proper condition after replacing the wheel, switch off the machine and attach the safety guard again.
It is not too hard as you expect, right? Even newbies can use this guide to carry out their first bench grinder job.
The Do’s and Don’ts for a Safe Grinding Wheel Replacement
Replacing the bench grinder wheel is safe when it is executed according to the basic rules. Otherwise, there could be a higher chance for the wheel to get fractured. Not to mention, your safety might be put at risk. Be sure to understand and apply the dos and don’ts for efficient, safe work.
DO’S
- Handle the wheels carefully.
- Do a visual inspection and hammering test or ring test before mounting the wheel on your bench grinder. Check for any issues like chips or cracks.
- Allow the newly mounted grinding wheel to function at operating speed for at least 1 minute before using it for your actual grinding job.
- Wear necessary protective gears (e.g., dust-proof mask and safety goggles) all through the operation.
- Your working area must have enough ventilation and dust control to prevent respiratory sickness.
- Keep your workstation clean and free of anything that can make contact or strike with the wheel.
- Strictly follow the OSHA and all of the safety materials supplied both by the bench grinders and the wheels.
DON’TS
- Do not use a wheel in which strangeness was found throughout the inspection or that was prone to impact.
- Do not touch a rotating wheel directly with any of your body parts.
- Do not use too much force when pressing the workpiece against the wheel and vice versa.
- Do not stand in front of or in line with the wheel rotation direction through the testing operation.
- Do not start the grinder until the safety guard feature is securely and appropriately in place.
Choose the Right Grinding Wheel
With so many options out there, you may find it overwhelming finding the right bench grinding wheel for your job. We have straight, cylinder, saucer, tapered, diamond, and cut off wheels. Each has its own pros and cons.
Recommendations: Bench Grinders with Variable Speed Settings
Straight Wheel: Delivers a concave surface on a particular item you are grinding. Ideal for sharpening chisels.
Cylinder Wheel: It is hollow and can only be used with vertical or horizontal grinders.
Saucer Wheel: A bit specialized type of the bench grinder wheel that is used for grinding twist drills and other items.
Tapered Wheel: A perfect option if you’re aiming for a delicate and dedicated work. It is able to grind gear teeth or threads.
Diamond Wheel: Typically used for cutting tough materials. It can also be used on gems and concrete.
Cut Off Wheel: A well-equipped and self-sharpening type of the bench grinder wheel. It is commonly used in construction for various tasks like cutting bolts or rebar.
