What tool did I see?

[Gfranklin]

A couple of nights ago on TV were a couple of programs about building custom Harley's. They were cutting sheetmetal with what looked like a typical 4-1/2" angle grinder that had a "blade" on it that was at least 6" in diameter and appeared to be pretty thin. It looked metallic but I could be wrong. I went to Home Depot and all I saw was the composite type cut off wheels. I am just wondering if they are using something that may not be available in the local big stores. If they are using these abrasive wheels that I saw at Home Depot then how are they attached to the angle grinder. The hole in the wheel was 7/8" I believe and my arbor is 5/8" threaded. Anybody know anything about this or have any ideas?

Greg

 

[TWINKLE_TOES]

Greg,

Since it was on TV (where cost is secondary) I would guess a diamond cutoff blade. These are sold at my hardware store to fit die grinders (under lock and key)

 

[HJP]

Yeah ,I remember the ad I know there are web sites advertizing tv gagets but I forgot it, I'll call around and post it when I find it,however I use a cutting blade, brand name"RAZORBLADE" they come in 1/16,1/8, and 1/32 widthes. 4,4 1/2,5,6,7,9 inches dia for angle grinder/saws. They are strictly for CUTTING metal any side load and they WILL GRENADE !!!!! They blow through high carbon steel and stainless well. I know that" northern tool" sells them reasonable but their shipping kills you. I get mine from a local welding supply shop>

 

[Gfranklin]

Are these the composite reinforced type blades made of an abrasive material?

Greg

 

[HJP]

yes

 

[Gfranklin]

Thanks Guys,

I have seen these diamond cutoff wheels used on tile and masonry before. Can these be used on metal too?


Greg

 

[ronjhall]

Greg
I see these slicer cut off wheels used a lot.

The grinder and wheels are made by Metabo.

I found one company that sells them Tools-plus. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.tools-plus.com/metw14-150.html>Click Here</A>

They aren’t cheap, but they do a very good job of cutting up to 2” thick material.

There may be other companies that make similar wheels. But these are the ones I see on jobs.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

If you go to your welding supplier you can find a "pipeliner" wheel for your seven or nine inch grinder. I carry one on the truck for those instances where none of the saws or the torch will work quite as well as the pipeliner wheel.

It looks like a regular composite grinding wheel but it's only an eighth of an inch thick.

I have some thin wheels for the smaller grinders too at the shop. But will all the other options at my disposal they don't get much use.

One of the fancy twists in forging involves heating a piece of square stock and then chiseling a groove in the middle of all four sides. When the material is reheated and then twisted it gives the illusion of four individual pieces being twisted instead of just one. There are variations from there. Sometimes I'll use a thin abravise wheel and do the grooves with that while the material is cold. It's a cheating the process but not hurting the product kind of thing.

 

[Gfranklin]

My guess was the same as TWINKLE TOES but I have not been able to confirm that a diamond blade is used for cutting metal. The website you referred me to (thanks) has these composite reinforced blades. Looks like the route I'll persue. Thanks everybody for the replies and If anybody knows for certain that a metallic/diamond type blade is available for cutting metal, please let me know.

Greg

 

[Loges1]

Where I work we call them Vader Blades( not sure of the spelling). They work great for cutting out tacks when a fitter screws up and has a "do over". They also work real good for notching small gage tube. Just have to watch the side loading