Wire brush wheels and cups and other abrasives

[Sublifer]

I was just wondering if anyone had a great source or a great brand for wire wheels and cups and other abrasives? So far I've mostly used wire cup brushes (knotted) because of the position while grinding(brushing) and the amount of control just by tilting a little, but they tend to be rather expensive.

So how about it, what is your favorite abrasive and where do you get them?

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Check into flap disks. They are a happy balance between a brush and a grinding disk...
Oh, and as far as economical, LONG lasting products, check into Pearl Abrasives. They have a product for almost any grinding/polishing application. Their red rocks are awesome, and no clouds of brown dust.

 

[Sublifer]

I'll check out Pearl.

I'm surprised nobody else has an opinion on this... I thought everybody would have their own favorite type and maybe brand...

Anyone try the harbor freight abrasives? Their cut off wheels are pretty cheap but i've never tried em myself.

 

[radioman]

I have used HF grinder disks and cutoffs. They seem to hold up ok. by ok means it does the job, wears quicker but for the price it seems to be priced cheaper then a good expensive ones. I tried the wire brush for grinder and never again. The knotted wire wheels just breaks off easily so I rather get them from welding supply.

Here is how I see it-
if it black abrasive- HF seems to bee better deal.
If it sandpaper- you get what you pay for so get it locally other then HF for better long lasting paper and longer lasting sand.
wire brushes- local Hardware store or welding shop.

 

[Haywire]

When I was looking for 7" wheels and such, I ended up ordering from Lehigh Valley Abrasives - Premium abrasives and tools at value prices I had no trouble from them.

Ian

 

[Scooby074]

Pearl make a good flapwheel. But i usually use Walter products.

When it comes to wire wheels, you get what you pay for. Walter's wheels are in the $20+ range but they hold up well and almost never throw wire.

 

[yomax4]

Lots of quality abrasives and wire brushes out there. Walter, Milwaukee Brush, Sait, Pferd, Norton. You will pay a buck more but get 2 bucks more use if you buy them from a Welding Supply Store. Some of them like Norton have a good better best option. I have never tried HF abrasives but some say the 3" cutoff wheels are ok.

 

[k0ua]

+1 on the flap wheels. They last a long time and do a great "blending" job. I use dewalt or Milwaukee wire cups and wheels. I have used many of the HF cups, but they do not last as long, and sometimes throw wire. All this stuff is expensive, but when you look at the time it saves you.. it is worth it.

James K0UA

 

[Sublifer]

Just placed an order with Lehigh. Ordered a mix of types of abrasives and from different brands where its an option such as the cut off wheels. I also ordered some strong hand clamps. Some of the best prices I've seen on clamps.

 

[Shield Arc]

You guys be real careful with these cheap grinding wheels. Very good friend of mine nephew lost an eye a couple years ago because of a cheap 4-inch grinding wheel!
I got a good deal off ebay for some disc for my end grinder, first time the disc touched the metal it exploded. Tried a couple more, same thing! They all went in the trash. A lot of times the person using the grinding wheel is safe, but it is the other unsuspecting person across the shop who gets blind sided!