Angle Grinders 101 | How to Use an Angle Grinder

Рет қаралды 566,009

2 жыл бұрын

A straight to the point explanation of grinders, wheels and safety.
My 4.5 inch angle grinder may be the most useful tool in my small workshop. It can be used to cut metal if you don't have a band saw or a chop saw or to grind welds. I usually keep a second angle grinder with a wire brush installed to remove slag from stick welding or flux core welding. In this video, I show my favorite disks and wheels for metal fabrication with an angle grinder. For cutting, I use abrasive cutoff wheels and diamond cutoff wheels. For grinding, I often use flap discs.
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***Links to Items Mentioned***
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DeWalt 7 Amp Paddle Trigger Angle Grinder: amzn.to/3mPxKlc
Diamond Cutoff Wheel: amzn.to/3CRkbHP
Standard Abrasive Cutoff Wheel: amzn.to/30GZjSn
Offset Cutoff Wheel: amzn.to/2SvPfHg
Flap Discs: amzn.to/3qhfwv9
Wire Stringer Wheel: amzn.to/33G25tf
Wire Cup Brush: amzn.to/3d2YJ6B
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Пікірлер: 283

@fastbusiness 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the safety tips. Of all the tools in the shop, I have injured myself more with an angle grinder than anything, and I try to be safe. A few things I've learned: 1) After grinding a piece of steel, it gets very hot -- don't forget it. 2) A grinding wheel will cut through your skin a lot faster than metal -- it will take time to heal. 3) Wire wheels usually throw off wires at high speed -- they penetrate easily through cloth, so think how much easier they will go into your eye. 4) Don't think it will make you look like a pro if you take the guard off.

@ve2jgs Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the waning. Convinced me not to buy this overrated tool.

@fastbusiness Жыл бұрын

@@ve2jgs Greg, the angle grinder is a very useful tool after welding and during other metalworking operations. Kind of like fire, you use it but you always respect it. Grinders are like any other power tool in the sense that they have no conscience, and can do damage to the operator just as quickly they can to the part being ground. I use grinders often, but I'm always trying to be aware.

@madmouse7915 9 ай бұрын

@@ve2jgsIt's not an overrated tool it's a tool often used improperly by amateurs who haven't bothered to educate themselves.

@blessnorthamerica7919 8 ай бұрын

Should wear gloves when use this tool ? Saw a comment saying Not to wear

@blessnorthamerica7919 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience. I decided not to touch this tool

@firesong83 11 ай бұрын

I am 73 and just learning to work with tools. You are one of the best teachers I have met. Sir you know how to "keep it simple".

@wallebo 5 ай бұрын

I agree. This was all killer, no filler.

@jenwhitedesigns Жыл бұрын

Great tip to pass on-zip tie your wheel wrench to the plug-end of a corded grinder. Not only will you never lose your key, you’ll never forget to unplug the power when changing out a disc. (Can’t remember where I picked this up, but thanks to original source! Works like a charm.) Tim, you do a fantastic job and your videos are my favs. I’ve learned so much from your channel. 🙏

@harlhequim Жыл бұрын

A simple tip, a massive difference. Not only for the safety issues but when you have your mind focus on doing something there is no biggest disruption of your thought process than looking for the damn wrench, which is always out of place or missing. It also works for the drill key.

@RawFitChris 11 ай бұрын

Great tip, automatic safety and efficiency.

@albertjowd8482 7 ай бұрын

You don’t need the wrench… unless it’s seized up

@jonfisher9214 6 ай бұрын

@@albertjowd8482 what would you use instead?

@andrejatodorovic4094 2 ай бұрын

@@jonfisher9214Nothing, you just use your hands (preferably with gloves) to pull the disc (counter clockwise) while holding the button with the thumb of the other hand. Then when you change the disc, tighten the nut with your hand as much as you can and finish the tightening by pulling the disc (clockwise) with your hand. I worked in trades for years and you will almost never see someone on construction site using the wrench.

@tink6365 10 ай бұрын

Just purchased my first personal grinder and full face shield. The grinder at my work always made me super nervous to use, no guard and no handle. Great tips! Feeling so much better now

@alanmcrae8594 Жыл бұрын

Nice video. I recently started using an angle grinder for cutting angle steel, and for removing old paint, primer & rust from a steel I beam bridge. We found that the Bauer Surface Conditioning Tool with the 40 Grit Stripping Drum was superb at removing a large swath right down to the bare metal, but we needed angle grinders with both the knotted & wire cup brushes to get into the tight curves & welded corners. Together both tools did a great job getting down to bare steel, so we could come back in paint with a metal primer & a top coat to restore the steel bridge to very good condition. I wore a Tyvek coverall w/ hood, booties, safety goggles, 3M P95 respirator and gloves because these tools really throw out some fine grindings that you don't want to breathe or get in your hair, skin or clothes, for that matter. We also used a large tarp to catch the grindings rather than let them get into the environment. Take care of yourself, take care of your fellow workers and take care of the environment. And use the right tools to get the job done efficiently.

@melgross 2 жыл бұрын

I can certainly agree about wearing safety equipment for your face with these, or even Dremel type tools. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was wearing safety glasses and a face shield, and still got something in my right eye. I was moving around a large part I welded together, and didn’t realize that the massive sparking was traveling around the wheel as I was moving. It ended moving around right at my face. That’s a huge amount of sparks. One managed to get through, and in my eye. Fortunately, it wasn’t too hot when it got there likely bouncing around inside my gear before entering my eye. But, if I didn’t have that protective gear, I could have had a massive problem. I’ve been doing this for a long time, and I’m normally pretty careful (don’t listen to these guys on KZfaq who tell you to take the guards off the grinders). But the more you do, the greater chance something will go wrong. Don’t be stupid, it’s not manly to go blind.

@osbaldohernandez9174 2 жыл бұрын

Don’t ever take that guard off I’m a welder but I did roofing work with my father and some idiot from the other company said this how a real man uses a grinder took the guard off cut some metal the disc broke and cracked hit the dude in his shoulder and by his neck

@tummytub1161 2 жыл бұрын

I'd say it's not manly to be stupid

@melgross 2 жыл бұрын

@@tummytub1161 absolutely!.

@zhetesteur3654 Жыл бұрын

Going blind is ghey

@brianwintermute9551 Жыл бұрын

And wear good leather gloves to help protect your hands.

@tinkeringinthailand8147 2 жыл бұрын

Great post Tim. I tend to have 3 grinders on the go at any one time. 1 with a cutting disk, 1 with a grinding disk and one with a wire cleaning wheel. I used to use my grinders without a guard but after seeing many horror stories when things go wrong, I always use the guard and eye protection.

@TimWelds 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! 3 seems to be the magic number for me as well.

@1nvisible1 2 жыл бұрын

*Grinder 1: Cutoff wheel* *Grinder 2: Grinding wheel/flap disk* *Grind 3: Poly rust/strip disk - great for stripping alum etc of paint without cutting it in half*

@markslates8324 Жыл бұрын

@@1nvisible1 but.

@e33420ify 6 ай бұрын

@@markslates8324bbɓ😊ĥ😂

@amarbirdhillon Жыл бұрын

Thank you, There is so much I am learning about metal fabrication tools and welding

@AutoExpertJC 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Tim.Also a good safety tip is: Keep your head and body out of the plane of rotation of the disc, because in the event of kickback or wheel failure, you're not in the most likely path of shrapnel. Also, gloves can be an entrapment hazard between the guard and the disc. Very impressed you said clamp the work and put both hands on the grinder - I see a lot of KZfaqrs not doing this - very dangerous practice to hold the work with one hand and operate the grinder with the other.

@josephallananunciacion4133 2 жыл бұрын

@samsonsteelfabricationptyl774 2 жыл бұрын

Point taken

@tummytub1161 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed, except I would recommend wearing gloves definitely with wire wheels and brushes. If your glove gets caught in-between the disk and the guard, it's in the wrong place to begin with. Just make sure your gloves fit... well like a glove. No flappy bits and strong fabric made for the purpose. They will keep your hands from being stripped to the bone.

@pjgppjgp Жыл бұрын

I hold the tile I’m cutting with my bare feet and hold the grinder with two hands

@billyblackie9417 4 ай бұрын

Best video on angle grinders I have seen. Good man Tim and a million thanks

@nicholasofield6923 16 күн бұрын

I am 74 and purchased just yesterday, my first 115mm (4.5 inch) battery operated grinder however, I have yet to purchase any grinding or cutting discs while I research exactly what it is I need. Thank you for providing a large part of that information & knowledge ... I am that much nearer to selecting and purchasing my first disc or discs, with which to 'giving it a go!' Thank you again for sharing your knowledge and experience.

@rpan5441 Жыл бұрын

Very well explained. Great tips and safety precautions. You covered everything. Will check out more videos as well. Thanks a bunch.

@Douglas-hw8is Жыл бұрын

Great vid - packed with useful information - many thanks. Short and sweet, yet surprisingly comprehensive - because no waffle.

@bryce_hello 2 жыл бұрын

I just bought a ginder today with multiple different wheels... then drive home and see you posted this. Perfect timing!

@michellerigdon6492 Жыл бұрын

I have a project and realized I need to buy and operate a grinder. So I looked you up and I think I'm well prepared! Thank you so much for an enjoyable lesson on what to buy, how to handle it and especially the safety gear to use. I have ordered safety goggles and a flip-up face shield along with my grinder. I've subscribed to your channel. Thanks again.

@jayshaunpatty5329 Ай бұрын

Great video. It's been awhile since I used a grinder but your video helped to refresh an old man's memory. Thanks for a great video

@KristynRaeV 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your videos! I recently learned to weld Stick and have been working with metal and grinders/cutoff wheels a lot at my new job. It’s all so new and unfamiliar to me and I mostly learn by observing and asking questions, but it’s great to watch your videos so I approach things with a bit of basic knowledge in my back pocket!

@devilsadvocate6989 Ай бұрын

Tim, I gotta tell ya....I love your videos. I know all about grinders and wheels, but you do an awesome job of explaining things in such a simple way that I watch all your vids anyways. thanks man.

@wallebo 5 ай бұрын

Very mood video. All killer, no filler! Grinder wheels were always a mystery to me and this certainly clears up some of my questions for sure.

@vincej9275 10 ай бұрын

Thank you very much , I ordered an angle grinder today and while I waiting it to be delivered, I thought it was wise to learn some tips since I have never used one before. Thank you once again for this video which was very helpful.

@billabram8512 Жыл бұрын

As a newbi to angle grinders your video is unequalled! Great video, Thank you.

@justincordes9335 Жыл бұрын

Dude!!! Awesome video. Been a handyman for a little over a year and just now having to educate myself about grinders

@tafisher4495 Жыл бұрын

great video-a lot of common sense and ideas for newer welders!

@Timzhil Ай бұрын

The video I was looking for! Thank you so much! Quick, informative and super high quality.

@truckerflip9977 11 ай бұрын

This video was great! Thank you for making it. I learned so much about angle grinders.

@vince6829 4 ай бұрын

You are a great teacher. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

@overgrowthplanet7531 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for shating all the grinding, cutting, and safety info

@terrenceolivido741 Жыл бұрын

another channel extremely perfectly presented with great information. in this case for someone who has not used an angle grinder before.

@harlhequim Жыл бұрын

Simple, informative and to the point videos ........thanks

@Shiznaft1 10 ай бұрын

Great video! Thank you for the instruction and the safety pointers.

@paulmeynell8866 Жыл бұрын

Excellent video thank you. Answered all my beginners questions.

@juanmaldonado8211 Жыл бұрын

You're one hell of a mechanic you work on everything and anything just like me I used to work

@barrybebenek8691 5 ай бұрын

This vid was exactly what I was needing for my cutting wheel/angle grinder, answer. (I have the same model Dewalt you have in the vid so it was perfect for me). Have referenced this channel for countless tips/procedures for all my welding. Thanks again for posting. 🇨🇦👍🏼

@dmwagnersalisbury Ай бұрын

Thank you so much! This was extremely informative. Now I feel like I can go into the store and make an informed choice for doing larger wood carving projects!

@woodennecktie 6 ай бұрын

the first YT that shows angle grinders with the shrew or safety cover on the machines

@siamaklighvani3951 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for your safety tips , according to my experience, I would like to share my experience. Angle grinder is very useful at the same time can be dangerous. It is an unpredictable powerful machine , specially more power and speed causing it more unpredictable. For those who have an accident , use the used, one with lower RPM , use those with less watts , hold it tight, grip it right and stand comfortable expect that although you are doing all right, but something goes wrong.this machine kicks back and you have to control it tight .be alert at all the times , if you are tired do not work with this machine..

@xordoom8467 8 ай бұрын

Outstanding Video... Thank you, I learned a lot from your video, its greatly appreciated!!

@garymyers4496 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for all the tips.The info is appreciated thank you

@mikemorgan4670 Жыл бұрын

That was excellent. Learned heaps. Very little experience with an angle grinder, but I do own one. Think I am alot more informed in its use and safety.

@dormio558 5 ай бұрын

This is one of the best of this type of video I've ever seen.

@simonc5685 Ай бұрын

I rarely comment on KZfaq but could not pass this without saying what a fabulous and concise video this is. Thank you so much for this. I learned an awful lot. The only thing I would add is some safety glasses. I am sure this video will undoubtedly prevent many accidents

@brianpite0893 2 жыл бұрын

Very comprehensive lesson. Thanks

@AshishSharma_71 3 ай бұрын

Nice and concise. Thanks a lot!

@MrBerksboy 2 жыл бұрын

Superb detailed instruction, Thank you. When you're new to purchasing something, it's always a benefit when you have video's like yours that help what to look out for before buying.

@zulkarneynification 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for a very valuable video.

@Vegandroid16 Жыл бұрын

Great video, I learned a lot. Thanks for sharing!

@waterfuntimes 2 жыл бұрын

Lotta info, FAST! Love it!

@rubenMarquez37 2 жыл бұрын

heyy. thank you very much for the tips o disc and for the safety somtimes we want to run forgeting the first rule. safety very usefull video. congratulations !!!

@kilipoheikekanilehua4049 2 жыл бұрын

Great post, but you missed a type of wheel that I find super useful. The scrubby pad kind, called a strip disk. It's great for cleaning material before welding and painting. It takes off mill scale and rust really well but doesn't take off much metal like a flap disk can.

@Restorology 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

@softwarephil1709 Жыл бұрын

Great explanation!

@billyblackie9417 4 ай бұрын

Tim I'm very happy that you explained the disc and which side of the Tom ring should be turned into the disc I was always confused with this and I only use my angle grinder as a home hobby on a rare occasion so I usually forget by the time I use it again.

@08Roadgl 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim...as a Boomer looking to start welding for a hobby, your videos offer a lot of great info in all areas.

@semperfidelis225 Ай бұрын

Very well explained sir. Thank you.

@JoeMcLutz 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice compendium! Thank you! 👍🏻

@charlesquinn1526 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks for posting

@scottjohnson3226 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the informative video!

@Mrdealornodeal618 Жыл бұрын

Buying my first angle grinder today. Thank you.

@onezavalar Жыл бұрын

A heartfelt thank you. I had no idea what which grinder to choose, but most importantly, what are the different grinding wheels for.

@rwg727 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim! You make really good videos! You explain things very nicely 🙏🏼

@rappmasterdugg6825 Ай бұрын

Great video, very helpful!

@brentonkelly3780 11 ай бұрын

Very informative Tim. Thanks

@szacsesz Жыл бұрын

Nice summary and video in general!

@edgarhasbun5950 2 жыл бұрын

Hello Tim. I did learn from this video plus laugh a lot remembering mishaps that I have had in my shop. like paper towels catching fire because the sparks. and other things. I love your video and enjoy the very much. too bad you are on the other side of the world for me. really need friends in this type of job to share experience. you know. I learn to weld by doing it T.my church. during the 90's and started watching welding videos about weldingike 3 or 4 years ago. Greeting and Lot of blessing from Honduras

@stephaniejosine 4 ай бұрын

Thank you, very helpful 🙏🙏🙏

@user-sj8uq5sk7p 2 ай бұрын

Wonderful skill and creativity !

@leebarker539 2 жыл бұрын

This is a terrific video, packed with good information, well edited, and entertaining to watch. We're smart, and you acknowledge that by not repeating yourself. Thank you!

@jpi28602 26 күн бұрын

Excellent video. 👍 Additionally, I like the idea of a second fire extinguisher in case the first one catches fire.

@TimWelds 26 күн бұрын

The second one is Halotron. I do some electronics work and this is a specialty extinguisher that won’t cause additional damage to electrical equipment.

@philippabayliss2941 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Answered my question at 3:14 flipping the nut over.

@Angela_800 11 ай бұрын

thanks for this bro. from the Philippines

@debbie2721 Жыл бұрын

Thx for the tutorial

@johnkruton9708 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve used an 90 degree air grinder at work for 20 years 2” composite for aluminum and occasionally steel to relieve clearance issues. Never had one blow apart but I’m careful, I use deerskin snug fitting gloves to protect my hands as being careless 1 sec at 20K rpm will cut through that glove and nick you pretty good. I have prescription safety glasses with required side shields but if the work will support it I’ll wear a face shield to add another layer of protection. No shield on the grinder. At home I use the shields on my welding grinders as much as possible. I started with an older slower battery powered ryobi at 8K rpm and that one I use with a wire wheel. I’ve actually purchased a few with power cords as they are lighter. I’ve found the battery powered models wear you out with the weight over time.

@blackbeton3923 Жыл бұрын

Very instructive , as usual 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

@bbdetailing9123 Жыл бұрын

Good video. Well made and I learned some things

@troy3052 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for another great video!

@TimWelds 2 жыл бұрын

You are welcome! Thanks for the comment!

@tedbastwock3810 2 жыл бұрын

Yours is my favorite of all the welding channels I've seen (and I've seen many). Thanks for this great angle grinder primer! It's exactly what I need!

@niconine268 Жыл бұрын

Thankyou. Highly professional

@Mackandal- Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the lesson beginning at 3:00

@jessewhitchurch5100 7 ай бұрын

This was really good thx

@Thats_that824 Жыл бұрын

Nice job!!! Thank you.

@mikeash7428 11 ай бұрын

Lotsa good info, thanks

@mikepierson3097 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Tim. Very informative and helpful!

@Richard-dh8ny 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for this excellent video. I'm new to grinding and found it very helpful. You mentioned a variable speed grinder, but it doesn't seem like it's your tool of choice. Are there any jobs that you use a variable speed machine? Perhaps that's more suitable for working with wood as some have mentioned.

@jeepcj3b436 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Thank you.

@normancharles2523 Жыл бұрын

Thanks, Tim!

@niconine268 Жыл бұрын

Yeah great video Tim. Thankyou

@daniellebordeau606 Жыл бұрын

Great fucking detail...love all the small details for us that are clueless when it comes to any type of tools..I learned a ton..please keep the videos coming!!! 👏👏👏

@morgancaflisch-peryk1326 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video Tim. I always snap my used discs in half so people (my grandfather) don't take them out of the garbage and try to use them!

@pokojoe9741 2 жыл бұрын

Very good video. Thanks a lot

@mrlaw711 Жыл бұрын

Very good tips.

@dusanstevic89 Жыл бұрын

I remember a situation at the construction site where several older workers gathered around to talk about something and one of them was setting up the angle grinder. The moment he turned it on, the disk exploded into million pieces. Luckily, everyone walked away without a scratch. Few minutes before that, a huge drillbit had snapped while being operated by another guy. Do these things happen on a regular basis? This was 3 years ago, and I was a fresh structural engineer. So after this and quite a few other accidents at that very site, I decided to pursue the rest of my career in the bureau. Thank you for making this video and make me feel a bit more comfortable with power tools.

@jawa6066 Жыл бұрын

great review thank you

@steveg9088 3 ай бұрын

Thanks bro. Love you.

@tinaminahan772 Жыл бұрын

Hi Tim, thank you for the valuable information. I started using an angle grinder for embellishing some wood turned objects. How to safely use the angle grinder was explained very well in the literature that came with it. However, it was very difficult to try to understand the different discs And how to properly buy and use them as this information was not included. Great explanations and videos. Tina

@rontiemens2553 Жыл бұрын

excellent. thank you!

@russwoodward8251 Жыл бұрын

Really good. Thanks.

@culturebreath369 Жыл бұрын

Just picked up a corded DeWalt today.

@tsizzle Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video and tips. I was wondering if you could comment on the other uses for an angle grinder for such things as cutting tiles or stones, or perhaps for sharpening axes? Also, what are your thoughts on the small light duty Bosch 1375A angle grinder. It’s only 6amps, 11,000 rpms though.