Cutting with an angle grinder

[RobertBrown]

I have had those cut off wheels come apart. I pulled 1\5 out of my thigh and found the rest 50' away.
I would not use one any thinner than necessary and go slow and steady. By all means use protective eyewear and keep the guard where it will do the most good.
It's an effective, efficient cutting tool but pretty dangerous.

 

[/pine]

...those cut off wheels come apart...

IMO...this is a good thing...if you bind the wheel (the thicker the piece being cut the easier it is to bind)...beyond the critical point the composite wheel (breaking up) absorbs a lot of the energy and eliminates a lot of the kick back where a solid blade could cause much worse injuries...

 

[DXN1EL]

This is what i am talking about Diamond-X Cut Off Wheel Family - YouTube
http://www.globalindustrial.com/searchResult?q=Diamond-X+Cut+Off+Wheel&x=22&y=12

Todd NE WY
Is this the grinder you mention D28499X 7" & 9" (180 mm & 230 mm) 6,000 rpm 5.3 HP Angle Grinder | DEWALT Tools

Why would they stop making the "WIDOW-MAKER" That Black and Decker I am sure it was badass.

 

[mikehaugen]

I have a 6" metabo and it's main purpose is cutting with a cutting wheel. Definitely need 2 hands not just for safety but to keep a somewhat steady cut. It works great I think. Grinding is usually reserved for one of the 4.5" grinders. I think I may get a 9" next and would not hesitate to put a cutting disc on it.

 

[Arc weld]

Especially on a 7" or 9" grinder, you want a guard installed when using a cutting disc. 7" used to be the only grinders available. A 5 or 6" is a lot easier to handle and control.

 

[Reyer Farms]

Cut off wheels are great. I worked for one co that would write you up for running grinding, wire, tiger discs or cutting wheels other than metabo on a metabo. They were also pretty strict about guards too. I like to pull all guards off my grinders so my wheels won't have flat spots.

 

[Arc weld]

"I like to pull all guards off my grinders so my wheels won't have flat spots."

What does this statement mean?

I've seen a lot of guys put a 7" disc on a 5" grinder and come very close to cutting their finger off holding the side handle. Even on a 7" grinder, it wouldn't be hard to do.

 

[Reyer Farms]

It was an attempt at humor. Wire wheels cut and buff better if you flip them ever so often. Guard will not allow it.

 

[leveled]

This is what i am talking about Diamond-X Cut Off Wheel Family - YouTube
http://www.globalindustrial.com/searchResult?q=Diamond-X+Cut+Off+Wheel&x=22&y=12

I use masonry wheels like these on my 4.5" Dewalt and they are 100 times better than the carbon ones.

 

[muddstopper]

Cut off wheels are great. I worked for one co that would write you up for running grinding, wire, tiger discs or cutting wheels other than metabo on a metabo. They were also pretty strict about guards too. I like to pull all guards off my grinders so my wheels won't have flat spots.

Would you like to see pictures of a co-workers hand that thought pulling the guards off a grinder was a good ideal too. Plenty of blood and gore since you seem to be into that sort of thing.