Don’t worry–you aren’t the first to ask. Here are some answers to questions we get asked often.

What is causing material from the work piece to become present on the contact surface of an abrasive wheel? How can I correct this problem?

This is referred to as wheel loading. The cause of this issue is using the incorrect wheel specification - too fine of a grain. To correct this problem, change wheel specification to a coarse grit or a more open structure to allow clearance of chips.

What is causing wheel glazing? What is the solution to this problem?

Wheel glazing occurs when exposed grain becomes dull and does not let new sharp grains become exposed. This is caused by using the incorrect wheel and/or faulty operation. The solution is to use a coarser grit size - soft bond for hard material, hard bond for soft material.

What is causing the wheel to break?

Irregular wheel breakage is caused by the wheel being damaged in handling or the wheel jamming. Chordal wheel breakage is caused by too much side load pressure and radial wheel breakage (three or more pieces) is caused by too much wheel pressure on the work surface. Causes could also include wheel jams in work surface, improper wheel mounting, or wheel speed being too high.

Why is the wheel cutting slowly?

Slow cut rates can be caused by the following reasons: not enough power, contact area being too large, grit size too fine, wheel bond being too hard, or the wheel not running true. Solutions can include: increasing the pressure on feed rate, reducing contact area, using a coarser grit, using a softer, thinner wheel, or checking the machine spindle and wheel run out.

What causes the work piece to burn?

The wheel is too hard or coarse and/or the feed rate is insufficient. Try using a finer grit and more power. Try working the machine at maximum power or go with a softer grade wheel.

Why is the wheel not cutting square cuts and how do I resolve this issue?

Reasons for cuts not being square could be that the work is not properly secured, the spindle bearings being too worn, or the wheel bond being too hard. Check clamps and remove residue from cuts. Check spindle and alignment and/or try a softer wheel.

Why does the wheel have a short life?

If your wheel has a short life, the wheel is more than likely too soft. Try using a harder bond.