Angle and Pedestal Grinders

Pre-operation Checklist
Read and understand the instruction manual before operating grinder. If you do not know how to operate this piece of equipment obtain advice from your instructor or supervisor.

1. Always wear eye protection. (Safety Glasses under a face sheild).
2. Remove ties, rings, watch and other jewellery. Long hair should be tied back and loose sleeves should not be worn. Do not wear gloves when operating a buffing, grinding or polishing wheel.
3. Make sure the wheel guards are in place and properly adjusted and tightened.
4. Don't adjust a grinder when it is running.
5. Blotter ane wheel flanges used to mount the grinding wheels on the shaft of the grinder must be in place.
6. Tool rests must be adjusted and tightened to ensure that there is less than 1/8 inch gap from the wheel.
7. Wheels should be inspected prior to turning on the power. Wheels with cracks or chips or that are badly rutted should not be used. They may require dressing or permanent removal from service.
8. Do not grind on the side of the abrasive wheel.
9. Check that the speed rating of the grinding wheel is equal or exceeds the speed rating of the grinder. The maximum approved speed stamped on the wheel blotter should be checked against the arbour speed pf the machine to ensure that the safe peripheral speed is not exceeded.

Operation

1. Stand to one side of the wheel when turning on the power.
2. Before commencing grinding, allow the grinding wheel to run at operating speed for a least one minute.
3. When commencing a grinding operation, bring the object into contact with the grinding wheel slowly and smoothly avoiding impact or bumping motions.
4. Move the object being ground, back and forth across the face of the wheel, as this prevents ruts or grooves from forming.
5. Dress the wheel on the face only. Dressing the sides may cause it to become too thin for safe use.
6. Use the face of the wheel when grinding. Do not press too hard on the wheel.
7. Vibrating wheels should not be used. They must be dressed or replaced or the bearings of the shaft replaced if they are worn.
8. Do not touch the ground portion of the the workpiece until you are sure it is cool.
9. Shut off the power and do not leave until the wheel has come to a complete stop.
10. Clean the work area when finished using the grinder.
11. Disconnect angle grinders from the power source when making repairs or changing discs. Turn off the power swirch to pedestal grinders and lockout the electrical switch before doing any repairs.

Wheel Dressing Procedure

1. Wear a face shield over your safety glasses for protection against heavy particles.
2. Use a dressing tool approved for the job.
3. Inspect star dressers for loose shaft and worn disks.
4. Round off the wheel edges with a hand stone before and after dressing to prevent the edges from chipping.
5. Use the work rest to support and guide the tool.
6. Use a tool holder if one is available.
7. Apply moderate pressure slowly and evenly.
8. Always apply diamond dressers at the centre or slightly below the centre, never above. Return to Safe Working Practices