Precision grinding is a refined technique to remove any deformities and jagged edges from a manufactured product. It involves a spinning wheel that is lined with abrasive material and evens out the surface of any part. Precision grinding is done on newly constructed pieces that have a high tolerance. Accuracy is the main focus of precision grinding, and it is an excruciating process that requires long execution hours and a fine eye for detail. Here are a few safety tips to keep you away from dangers lurking in a grinding project.
Wheel Inspection
Always check the grinding wheel for cracks. Do not blindly mount it onto the grinder tool and begin your tasks. A cracked wheel can spin-off or even break while using, the chances of which are very high. It can hurt you and your teammates working on a grinding project. Try to dry-run the grinding wheel for about a minute or two before using it on the target surface. This habit can save your efforts and point out the anomalies in your existing grinding wheel or grinder.
Maintain speed
Precision grinding wheels come with a specified speed of operation. Do not rev up the grinder or perform the grinding at high speed without prior checking.
Protection
Always use a grinding wheel with an ANSI B7.1 wheel guard. It can easily protect the operator from sustaining heavy damage even if the grinder malfunctions. Also, ensure that the wheel hole fits the machine properly. Loose wheel fitting can come off as you increase the speed of the grinder.
Precision grinding generates a lot of sparks that can damage the eyes and face. Make sure to wear ANSI Z87+ safety glasses at all times and also to use helmets if the sparks are flying high.
Handling
Precision grinding requires a firm hand to operate and is often done freely rather than mounting it somewhere. It generates a lot of force and if you try to hold it one-handed, managing it becomes difficult. Make sure to mount the work piece on a firm platform and ensure that it does not budge from its place.
Read the manual
Even if you are a seasoned professional, reading the work manual can give you insights into the type of grinding to be performed on the piece. You can get a good idea about the type of wheel and the grinding speed to use for a particular part. Click here to learn more.
