eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

click here
How To

How to Use a Surface Grinder

Contributor
By A. De Cuba
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)
Surface Grinder
Surface Grinder

A bench surface grinder is one of the easiest machine tools to use. Designed to create smooth, glasslike surfaces for machine parts, especially in the automotive industry, the surface grinder is a no-frills piece of heavy machinery. Designed to work with little human interference, the majority of the work is done by the grinder itself, moving in a pre-set, horizontal pattern. Mastering a few basics will enable you to operate any sized bench model, from 12-inch by 24-inch grinders to 8-inch by 12-inch grinders.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Eye protection
  1. Step 1

    Adjust the height valve, located on the grinder head, so that the grinder blade is as far from the magnetized palette as possible.

  2. Step 2

    Place the block of metal to be ground on the magnetized palette.

  3. Step 3

    Toggle the palette lever, located near the control panel and typically marked by a red dot. This will magnetize the palette and keep your metal block from moving.

  4. Step 4

    Readjust the grinder height so that it is approximately 2 inches from the surface of the metal block. You do not want to start the grinder with it touching the metal block, as the grinder wheel could be damaged as it starts to spin.

  5. Step 5

    Activate the grinder. This is typically done by turning the ignition key, then pressing the green- or red-colored "Start" button. The grinder will begin spinning and lower itself in a pre-set back-and-forth pattern, rotating a half-inch back and forth until it makes contact with the surface of the metal block.

  6. Step 6

    Watch the surface of the metal. If you leave the block in place, the grinder will eventually grind it to dust. Typically, a bench grinder is used to grind away 1/16 of an inch of metal at most. When the metal surface is smooth and polished, you should turn off the machine and remove your piece.

Tips & Warnings
  • Always wear eye protection when using a surface grinder. Keep your hands away from the grinder while it is in use. Never wear loose clothing while operating a surface grinder.

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Home & Garden
Ruby Bayan,

Meet Ruby Bayan eHow's Home & Garden Expert.

Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden