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Pneumatic Grinder Safety
Technical Information

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Basics of... Pneumatic Grinder Safety

When Using Grinders...

  • Do not use tools if actual free speed exceeds the nameplate RPM
  • Before mounting a wheel, after all tool repairs and whenever a grinder is issued for use, check the free speed of the grinder with a tachometer to make certain its actual speed at 90 psig (6.2 bar/620 kPa) does not exceed the rpm stamped or printed on the nameplate. Grinders in use on the job must be similarly checked at least once each shift
  • Always use the wheel guard furnished with the grinder. Failure to do so could result in injury
  • Do not use any wheel for which the operating speed listed on the blotter is lower than the actual free speed of the grinder
  • Inspect all grinding wheels for chips or cracks prior to mounting. Do not use a wheel that is chipped or cracked or otherwise damaged. Do not use a wheel that has been soaked in water or any other liquid
  • Make certain the grinding wheel properly fits the arbor. The wheel should not fit too snugly or too loosely. Plain hole wheels should have about 0.007′′ (0.17mm)maximum diametrical clearance. Do not use reducing bushings to adapt a wheel to any arbor unless such bushings are supplied by or recommended by the wheel manufacturer
  • After mounting a new wheel, hold the grinder under a steel workbench or inside a casting and run it for at least 60 seconds. Make certain no one is within the operating plane of the grinding wheel. If the wheel is defective, improperly mounted or the wrong size and speed, this is the time it will usually fail
  • When starting a cold wheel, apply it to the work slowly until the wheel gradually warms up. Make smooth contact with the work, and avoid any bumping action or excessive pressure
  • Always replace a damaged, bent or severely worn wheel guard. Do not use a wheel guard that has been subjected to a wheel failure
  • Make certain the wheel flanges are at least 1/3 the diameter of the grinding wheel, free of nicks, burrs and sharp edges. Always use the wheel flanges furnished by the manufacturer; never use a makeshift flange or a plain washer
  • Guard opening must face away from operator. Bottom of wheel must not project beyond guard
  • Always use a wheel blotter between each wheel flange and the wheel. The blotters must be at least as large in diameter as the wheel flanges
  • Do not attempt to disassemble the controller. The controller is available only as a unit and is guaranteed for the life of the tool if it is not abused
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