Is it possible to cut wood with a grinder?
A grinder is a tool that every zealous owner will probably have in stock. However, not everything is simple with this equipment. The device easily cuts metal, but is not at all suitable for sawing wood. Moreover, even the special discs that are sold in the store will not be a salvation. They are very dangerous and can cost the master his life.
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Is it possible to cut wood with a grinder?
Experts answer the question unequivocally: no, this absolutely cannot be done. The material is too heterogeneous. It is soft at first, but can easily change into a thick knot. Once on it, the disc will not fly apart, as a circle on metal would.
He will move the nozzle, snatching the tool from the master’s hands. A dangerous condition, given that the circle at this moment continues to spin at great speed.
Functions of an angle grinder
The main direction of operation of the device is cutting something. Typically these are metal pipes, corners and profiles, as well as ceramic tiles or plastic panels. Wood is usually not included in the list of materials processed by angle grinders, although stores can find a special disc for this task.
Danger of working with wood
The main difference between a grinder and a circular saw or electric jigsaw is the absence of a stopper.This means that the cut is made by weight - without emphasis on a strong surface. As a result, the disc can “walk” a lot, and this will lead to the wheel getting stuck and knocking the grinder out of the master’s hands.
A critical situation always occurs suddenly. What’s most dangerous is that you can’t predict the angle at which the tool will be thrown.
Which attachments are suitable for working with wood?
And yet, manufacturers produce several options for components for grinders that can work with wood. These include:
- chain disk;
- saw wheel;
- tungsten carbide;
- grinding attachment.
All of them will help solve minor problems with cutting wood. However, experts advise working with a suitable device for this.
Milling cutter or chain disk
This option is quite expensive, but has a special mechanism in its structure that will prevent the tool from being knocked out of your hands. It can be turned when biting wood. Its diameter is at least 23 cm.
Saw blade with few teeth
Aerated concrete blocks are usually sawed in this circle. Also suitable for wood. Manufacturers apply markings on a special sticker. Using it you can find out the maximum number of revolutions and adjust the operation of the device.
Tungsten carbide
A durable universal disc that copes with any materials and does not knock out even at high speeds. The price often bites.
Sanding attachments
The machine is designed for grinding, so there will be no problems with the operation. Simply install the holder attachment and abrasive wheel. The grain size is chosen according to the size.
Key points when working with wood
Do not remove or turn the protective cover away from you. This is the main rule.It prevents cutting wheel fragments from hitting nearby people. Otherwise, injuries cannot be avoided. You should also remember:
- Before starting work, make sure that the protective cover is tightly fastened;
- check the integrity of the disk: the presence of chips and cracks makes them unsuitable for use;
- hold the angle grinder with the casing facing the operator;
- before work, check at different speeds - there should be no vibration;
- before cutting, check the tree for knots;
- hold the grinder firmly while cutting;
- periodically check the disk by stopping work;
- take a comfortable and stable body position;
- If jammed, turn off the grinder immediately.
You are only allowed to move around the room with the device turned off. You should not risk your health and the well-being of others. When cutting, do not press the angle grinder with great force: the cutting occurs naturally.
I liked the three-pronged saw blade, which was heavily advertised at one time. 3 vanadium teeth on the circumference. When purchasing, I was warned that I needed to work with it carefully, but of course I ignored it. It was necessary to shorten a dresser drawer in the attic, in a cramped space. I pressed the box with my knee, I saw, I’m happy, it saws without any resistance, like a laser. And suddenly, on the way out, the disk bit. The box flies at my feet, knocks me off my feet, and in order to hold on, I instinctively let go of the grinder from my hands... silence.Having recovered from the shock, I look down - the disk has ripped open the body of the corded screwdriver lying on the floor and damaged the winding. The machine went off and cut off the current. If not for this accident (or perhaps a guardian angel had reacted), the grinder, having bounced off the floor and wall, could have returned to my hands or head and generally gone to hell. I’m thinking of using such a disk on a homemade stand for an angle grinder, which is quite rigid and reliable, and equipping the angle grinder with an additional switch with a “released hand” lock.