Bench Grinder

Materials

 * If it sticks to a magnet it is fine.
 * If it is stainless steel (and you are sure) it is fine.
 * Otherwise check first.

Before Use

 * Ensure that the wheels are free from defects and have no aluminium embedded in them. They should be dull, not shiny.
 * Ensure that the rests are near but not touching the wheels.
 * Ensure that the guards are down - adjust them from the hinge not the loose end.
 * Ensure the wheels rotate freely before switching the grinder on by turning them by hand.
 * When adjusting the clear guards, make sure to adjust the left-hand by grabbing the top of the guard. It has snapped off in the past and been reattached using epoxy.

Using the grinder

 * Do not grip the work too close to the wheel - it gets hot
 * Do not force the work too hard - the grinder relies on speed, not on power
 * When smoothing the end of a rod, steady it with the hand closest to the grinder and turn and rotate it with the other.

Safety

 * Wear eye protection - hot metal in the eye is not pleasant
 * Do NOT wear gloves - they could get entangled and pull your hand into the machine
 * Never use the side of the wheel, however convenient it may seem. This can cause the wheel to shatter
 * Don't stand in the path of the wheel when starting the grinder in case a wheel should shatter
 * Don't leave the grinder until it has completely stopped spinning - other members may not realise it is still dangerous

Bench Grinder Related Pages
Bench Grinder Qualification

Bench Grinder Risk Assessment