Tips on using an angle grinder

[LM]

I generally do a light pass just to the side of a pre scored line first then I move the grinder forwards and backwards the length of the cut until I’m through. The amount of passes varies with material and blade. I also think it stops the material over heating too much as your moving the contact with the blade and preventing constant heat build up.
For me I’m too conscious of blade burst so I always have a guard on and keep my head to the side of the cut never above it.
An abrasive wheel course is mandatory with me and is an hour of your life worth spending, after it I doubt you’d risk working with a gaurdless grinder.
I like the logic of the grinder throwing the dust away I just as of yet haven’t been able to get comfortable with it so if conditions need it I’ll use a wet sponge to the back of the wheel with a bag of something holding the piece in place.

 

[Old Mod]

I like the logic of the grinder throwing the dust away I just as of yet haven’t been able to get comfortable with it so if conditions need it I’ll use a wet sponge to the back of the wheel with a bag of something holding the piece in place.

I actually find it far easier to control.
If you’re pushing, being even slightly too heavy handed causes the cutting head to waiver.
Whereas ‘dragging’ the cutting head, it stays true.
It’s also safer in the event of a ‘snag’
If it snags while pulling, it actually comes toward you and you automatically grip it tighter bringing it under control.
With the blade on the left and pushing forward, the tail of the grinder tends to waiver as you push.
If it snags it’s pulled away from you and is easily pulled from your grasp, loosing control.
Only trouble is, I haven’t been able to find that 3rd hand to hold a sponge whilst pulling toward me, so I’ve had to go back to using a grinder in the more conventionally accepted way, pushing with blade on the left. Thats the only way I can cool the blade whilst cutting.

 

[One Day]

So who is going to make us a grinder that counter rotates?
Sounds like what's needed here ...

 

[Old Mod]

So who is going to make us a grinder that counter rotates?
Sounds like what's needed here ...

What I don’t get is how rail cutters with grinder attachments work against the blade rotation.
Does my head in.

 

[Dumbo]

So who is going to make us a grinder that counter rotates?
Sounds like what's needed here ...

Just wire it up backwards

 

[Old Mod]

Just wire it up backwards

I must admit, it’s an option I’ve considered.
Cos I can’t find one that does.

 

[Dumbo]

I must admit, it’s an option I’ve considered.
Cos I can’t find one that does.

I used to know a guy that could get contra rotating9 inch ones . They were used by the fire brigade to make sparks go in the opposite direction because people who were already having a bad day and having to get cut out of their car apparently don't like getting showered in hot sparks as well .
Disclaimer
This may or may not be true .

 

[WetSaw]

Bloody Emigres, coming over here...

Just wire it up backwards

Might be an option with a DC motor..

 

[Old Mod]

Might be an option with a DC motor..

Not that it’d be dangerous at all, especially with a damp sponge.

 

[WetSaw]

Not that it’d be dangerous at all, especially with a damp sponge.

Battery grinder?

 

[Old Mod]

Battery grinder?

Possibly mate.

 

[Doozy]

Interesting thread. Do you all use Tutor Cut wheels?

 

[J Sid]

Ats for me

 

[One Day]

Interesting thread. Do you all use Tutor Cut wheels?

Nope

 

[Old Mod]

Interesting thread. Do you all use Tutor Cut wheels?

All freehand.