For any builders out there, from professional to DIY, chances are you’re looking for a cutting tool for your home renovation. A cutting wheel is a very efficient tool for cutting through tough surfaces, especially concrete. A wheel going at a steady RPM can grind down concrete surfaces in a clean fashion.
What are grinding wheels, and how would they benefit you on the job? We’ll answer this and more, plus what to look for when selecting the right concrete grinding wheel.
What Are Concrete Grinding Wheels?
A grinding wheel is an edged wheel consisting of abrasive particles held together with a bonding agent. The abrasive grains are sharp enough to serve as a cutting edge. An abrasive grain can cut through material accurately, or you can use a less abrasive grain for sanding down to a smooth finish.
A grinding wheel is tough enough to cut through hard surfaces, and its abrasiveness can remove surface coating like a concrete sealer, paint, and rust. If using a smoother type of wheel, it can also smooth down a rough concrete surface.
Concrete grinding wheels are available in various shapes, sizes, and grits. The type you need depends on the desired outcome of the surface you’re working on.
How Do They Work?
By using an abrasive coating, a concrete wheel strips material from a surface by rotating at high speeds. It is used as an add-on to an angle grinder or floor grinder, as it rotates at high revolutions to remove material.
Depending on the finish you want for the surface you’re working on, you’ll need different grinding wheels to get the job done.
Types of Concrete Grinding Wheels
There are several types of concrete grinding wheels, each with a specific purpose in the grinding process. Using the right wheel type will help to significantly speed up your work, but make sure to follow manufacturing instructions for safe use.
Straight Grinding Wheel
Since it’s small and efficient, the straight grinding wheel is the most popular wheel type used to polish small areas and can also be used for household tools.
Grinding Cup Wheel
In terms of larger projects, the grinding cup wheel is the most common tool for polishing and grinding stone. Make sure to use the right grit depending on what you need to do, like removing adhesive or polishing down concrete surfaces.
Grinding Dish Wheel
A grinding dish wheel has a thinner surface edge than a grinding cup wheel and is slightly more shallow. This wheel works great for thin areas and tight corners that the cup wheel can’t fit into.
Benefits of Using Concrete Grinding Wheels
What are the benefits of using concrete grinding wheels? There are a few significant benefits, especially if you want a tool to help cut costs and function at maximum productivity.
- Increased efficiency: Grinding tools are the most efficient way to get the job done since they work so quickly and with high-powered tools.
- Improved surface finish: Their grinding power can buff out rough surfaces, leaving them looking smooth.
- Cost savings: Adding a concrete grinding wheel to your grinding tool can save you, as it works harder for a lower price than other grinding tools.
How to Choose the Right Concrete Grinding Wheel
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the right concrete grinding wheel. One is deciding on the type of bond you’ll need for the grinding wheel. There are three types of bonds: resin, metal, and hybrid.
Another factor to consider is choosing the correct grit on the wheel, which determines the finish you want for the working surface.
Finally, consider the diameter and thickness of the wheel. The wheel size depends on the working surface and how much you want to grind down. Our team offers a range of products, and we can advise you on your specific project.
Types of Bonds for Concrete Grinding Wheels
Grinding wheels are bonded with three different methods:
- Resin bond
- Metal bond
- Hybrid bond, a hybrid of resin and metal
Choosing the Right Grit
There are different types of grit that a grinding wheel is made of, ranging from fine to coarse. Fine grit is used to smooth and polish concrete and rock surfaces, while a coarse grit is used for removing thick surface coatings.
How to Use Concrete Grinding Wheels Safely and Efficiently
There are a few safety precautions to keep in mind to use a concrete grinding tool safely. Following these tips is not only imperative to your safety, but it also ensures the job is done efficiently.
Safety Precautions When Using Concrete Grinding Wheels
Before operating a grinding tool, ensure you wear the correct personal protective equipment, shield your eyes and ears, and wear suitable clothing, depending on the job. Then, secure the workplace by removing trip hazards, checking that electrical cables are safely plugged in, and ensuring your workspace is safe to work in. Check for cracks or damage before grinding down the surface to avoid breakage.
Proper Storage and Handling of Concrete Grinding Wheels
Grinding tools are made of pieces that require careful storage, so make sure the grinding wheel is kept in a dry storage area. Avoid stacking concrete grinding wheels.
Use the correct tool for the grinding wheel, installing and ensuring it is functioning properly before use.
Tips for Efficient Grinding
To use your grinding tool efficiently, it’s essential to stick to the right RPM. A grinding tool generally should be set to approximately 600 RPM. Even though the tool can go up to 1200 RPM, you should not push the tool’s limits. Stick to 600 and adjust up or down to get the best performance.
Apply even pressure when grinding down surfaces, and keep the grinding wheel wet while working to avoid too much friction. A greater downward pressure will result in faster grinding, so keeping an even pressure will result in a smoother surface.
FAQs
What are concrete grinding wheels made of?
Concrete grinding wheels are made from abrasive materials and bonding agents. These abrasive materials can include aluminum oxide, diamond, and silicon carbide. These abrasive materials are effective for grinding hard surfaces, mainly concrete and marble.
How long do concrete grinding wheels last?
Typically, a concrete grinding wheel usually lasts two years from its manufacturing date. This can vary by the amount you use it and how it’s being operated.
Can concrete grinding wheels be used on other materials?
Yes, concrete grinding wheels can be used on other surfaces, such as granite, stone, marble, and cemented carbides. Make sure to test the surface you plan on working on, as too hard of an abrasiveness will cause damage to some surfaces. A diamond grinding cup wheel can work better for more delicate surfaces, such as marble.
What is the recommended RPM for concrete grinding wheels?
The recommended RPM for concrete grinding wheels is around 600 RPM. You can reach speeds up to 1200 RPM, but this generally is not recommended, especially if you have little experience using the machine.
It’s always better to go at a slow, steady rate that cuts through the surface. Going too slow will dull the blade while going too fast risks damage to the equipment and yourself.