Cut-off Wheels are made of abrasive grain bonded with an organic bond system and used for cutting, notching and grinding. They are used with both portable and stationary tools on numerous materials including aluminum, plastic, sheet metal, stainless steel and more. They are most commonly available in a Type 1 wheel which offers flat/straight profile allowing for deep cuts on the periphery of the wheel.
Diagram of a Cut-off Wheel
Essential Tips:
- Reinforced cut-off wheels are designed with fiberglass on the sides of the wheel or inside the wheel for added support.
- Nonreinforced cut-off wheels are designed without fiberglass. They should only be used on types of machines classified as "fixed base" where the work is securely clamped and guarded, and where the wheel operates on a controlled cutting plane.
- Resinoid wheels are made from polymer or phenolic resins creating a flexible bond. They are less brittle than vitrified wheels. They are ideal for heavy-duty and high-speed applications.
Aluminum Oxide is the most commonly used abrasive. Best-suited for general-purpose deburring and blending, it is tough, economical and fracture-resistant. It is commonly used on ferrous alloys, high-tensile materials, and wood.
Aluminum Oxide/Silicon Carbide blends are durable and are commonly used on steel parts with scale and iron castings.
Aluminum Oxide/Zirconia Alumina blends have a higher cut rate and longer life than aluminum oxide alone. Commonly used on stainless steel and exotic metals .
Ceramic provides a sharp, high purity grain that offers cooler cutting. Commonly used for precision grinding of steels, hard alloys and exotic materials. It is more durable than natural aluminum-based products.
Ceramic Alumina is suited for general purpose deburring and blending. It is commonly used on ferrous alloys and high tensile materials.
Silicon Carbide is a fast cutting abrasive that is harder than ceramic. It is commonly used on nonferrous metals and in low-pressure applications.
Zirconia Alumina is best for medium- to heavy-material removal. The very fine material grain microstructure constantly fractures to produce new sharp edges. It is used on carbon steels, aerospace alloys, forgings, some stainless steels and more.
Cut-Off Wheels are commonly used with several types of machines including:
Pneumatic Cut-Off Saws: Wheels measuring between 1-1/2" and 6" in diameter are designed for use on horizontal shaft grinders. Wheels used with this type of machine should always be reinforced.
Circular Saws: Wheels between 6" and 8" in diameter are designed for use with circular saws. Wheels made with aluminum oxide abrasive grains are meant for work on metal materials, while those made with silicon carbide are engineered for use on masonry materials such as concrete, brick and asphalt. Wheels used on these machines should always be reinforced.
Cut-Off Saws: Wheels measuring between 12" and 16" that are specially marked for high speeds can be used with high-speed saws, powered either electrically or with gas. These wheels are made with either aluminum oxide for use on metal materials or with silicon carbide for masonry work. Wheels used on these machines should always be reinforced.
Stationary Cut-Off Saws (Shop Cut-off Saws): Wheels with diameters measuring between 10" and 24" should be used in conjunction with stationary saws.
Chop Saws: Wheels measuring between 10" and 16" in diameter and hole sizes with 7/64" are designed for use with chop saws. These are available in aluminum oxide grains for work on metal and in silicon carbide grains for masonry.
*NOTE: Visit MSC Saw Machines and find the best saw for your application.
More Grinding Wheels from MSC:
Bench and pedestal grinding wheels are used for sharpening, shaping and deburring parts and tools. Bench grinding wheels are generally used on stone and metal materials. Choose a category below for the right bench grinder wheels for your applications.
Centerless and cylindrical grinding wheels are used for stock removal and finishing. Centerless wheels are used in combination with a feed wheel and a rest blade to support the workpiece. Cylindrical wheels are used when the workpiece is held between centers or chucks and produce cylindrically shaped workpieces.
Depressed-center wheels are used for stock removal, blending, grinding, cutting, notching and deburring applications. They are available with or without a hub and are designed for right angle grinders
Tool and cutter also known as diamond wheels, are used to fabricate, repair or sharpen tools, including milling cutters and drills. They can be used in portable and stationary equipment, including CNC machines.
Surface grinding wheels are used for stock removal to produce a smooth finish on flat surfaces.
Internal grinding wheels are small diameter wheels used for grinding inside diameters of bearings, small cylinders and compressors.
Feed wheels are used in conjunction with centerless grinding wheels on centerless grinders.