A versatile hand-held power tool. It functions as a grinder, sander, wire brush, polisher or cut-off tool by accepting a variety of attachments. Each operation requires a different configuration for assembly, and sometimes a different key depending on the lock nut or flange being used. Orange rolling curtains are in the shop and should be used as a barrier to contain debris when removing high volumes of material. Clean up by thoroughly sweeping and vacuuming the floor, table, and all affected surfaces.
A membership or day pass is required to access the Metal Shop.
The Shop Safety Class Metal 1: Shop safety is required to operate the angle grinders.
The angle grinders do not require machine reservations and are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
A versatile hand-held power tool. It functions as a grinder, sander, wire brush, polisher or cut-off tool by accepting a variety of attachments. Each operation requires a different configuration for assembly, and sometimes a different key depending on the lock nut or flange being used. Orange rolling curtains are in the shop and should be used as a barrier to contain debris when removing high volumes of material. Clean up by thoroughly sweeping and vacuuming the floor, table, and all affected surfaces.
Number of Machines | Name | Compatible Material | Freehand Cutting? / | Cuts square pipe/tubing? / |
---|---|---|---|---|
5 | Angle grinder with cut-off wheel attachment | Mild steel | ||
1 | Horizontal Bandsaw | Mild steel square tube, round bar, and stock | ||
1 | Vertical bandsaw | 14 ga and under mild steel, 18 ga and under stainless steel, and 1/8" and under aluminum | ||
1 | Chop saw | Mild steel | ||
1 | Shear | Mild steel sheet metal only |
Tool | Best for | Worst for |
---|---|---|
Disc Sander | straight/flat edges | curves of any type |
Belt Sander | Smooth curves | straight/flat edges |
Angle Grinder | Small details | precise cuts |
The general anatomy across angle grinders is standardized with only slight deviations between each model.
¶ Acceptable Materials:
Mild steel
¶ FORBIDDEN MATERIALS :
Zinc plated metals
Painted metals
Rusted metals
Wood
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
• Sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times.
• Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing must be tied back.
• Safety glasses and earmuffs must be worn when using the angle grinders.
• A face shield must be worn to protect from sparks!
• A dust mask or a NIOSH certified respirator is recommended.
Absolutely no synthetic fabrics within the Metal Shop!
For more information on shop safety visit Metal Shop under "Safety."
Disc Type | Optimal Discs | Suboptimal Discs |
---|---|---|
Grinding Disc: | ||
Cutting Disc: | ||
Flap Disc: |
If the tool or abrasive wheel is damaged do not use it!
If you are unsure whether or not an abrasive wheel is safe to use, get a new one!
Open Works has grinding discs, cutting discs, flap discs, and wire cup wheels available for use!
Always put the angle grinder down face up/grinding disc side up. If the spindle is turning and comes in contact with the table, the tool can run away from you and damage the tool, workpiece, you, or someone else. Make putting the angle grinder down face up a habit.
Always put the angle grinder down face up/grinding disc side up. If the spindle is turning and comes in contact with the table, the tool can run away from you and damage the tool, workpiece, you, or someone else. Make putting the angle grinder down face up a habit.
Now that you've set everything up:
When using a corded angle grinder you may now plug it in, or you may insert the battery on a cordless angle grinder. Make sure that nothing is touching the trigger while doing this.
If you have not already done so, put on your face shield, safety glasses, and hearing protection. Alert other Metal Shop users to put on hearing protection as well.
Review the handle and guard placements. The guard should be positioned to protect you from sparks, and the handle can be oriented on the right or left side of the angle grinder. Change anything that needs changing.
If you are unsure what direction the sparks will fly off to, you can perform a test by briefly grinding the workpiece and observing the outflow of the sparks.
The angle grinders have a lot of torque and the force of the machine is strong enough to jerk it away from you when it starts. Always hold the angle grinder with a firm and steady grip!
Never start the angle grinder with the abrasive resting on the workpiece! The force of the spindle can cause the tool to kick and damage the tool, the workpiece, or you.
Use edge of disc | Use face of disc |
---|---|
Cutting disc only |
|
It is important to keep the cut straight and parallel with the disc. If the disc binds in the cut it can shatter, putting your person, the machines, and your fellow members in danger! | Move back and forth along your workpiece. This will evenly distribute the wear on your grinding disc. |
Keep an eye on where the sparks are going. If the sparks are disturbing a machine, another member, or hitting your body adjust the guard or adjust your position.
When powering off your angle grinder allow the abrasive attachment to come to a full and complete stop before setting the angle grinder down, face up, on the work table.
Once you have finished grinding, your workpiece will be hot! Use caution and handle your workpiece with a pair of locking pliers or while wearing heavy duty leather gloves! Never handle hot metal with synthetic or cotton gloves!
If you are unsure whether or not a piece is safe to be handled with your bare hands you can hover the back of your hand above the workpiece. If you can feel heat coming off of the workpiece it is not safe to handle with bare hands!
Clean up your work area with a broom and dustpan.
All machine maintenance pages are only accessible to Staff. All machine maintenance is only to be done by Staff.
All troubleshooting pages are only accessible to Staff. All troubleshooting is only to be done by Staff.
DWE402, DWE402N, DWE402G, DWE4222N, DWE43114, DWE43114N, DWE43144, DWE43144N Heavy-Duty Small Angle Paddle Grinder Instruction Manual
DCG412 20V Max* Cordless Grinder Instruction Manual
DW831, DW840 Heavy-Duty Medium Angle Trigger Switch Grinder Instruction Manual
DCG413 20 V Max* Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder
Click here to report any consumables needing to be replenished within the Metal Shop!
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