Grinding/Abrasives

Pedestal grinders are used to sharpen high speed steel cutting tools used on the lathes and milling machines. Surface grinders and sanders are used to remove surface imperfections and to work extremely hard materials. The abrasive wheels are made from an abrasive medium (usually aluminum oxide or silicon carbide) held together by a vitrified (glass) bond. The wheels are rotated at very high speeds (up to 10,000 rpm). It is important therefore that the wheels are not damaged, as fractured wheels can disintegrate and fling painful clumps of wheel in a wide area. That is why the grinders are shielded with extensive guarding.

• Inspect the grinding wheels to ensure that they are not damaged
• Ensure that all guarding is in place- Never remove guards
• Wear safety glasses
• Rest the work piece on the tool rest when grinding
• Do not force feed the work piece into the wheel
• Do not grind non-ferrous materials on the grinders