How to properly cut a corner with an angle grinder

How to choose the right angle grinder

The correct choice and quality of the angle grinder itself determines the quality of work and the safety of the worker.

When choosing a machine, one should be guided by its main parameters: power and diameter of the cutting abrasive wheel. Its weight is also of no small importance, since it is often necessary to work “on weight”, and dimensions so that you can perform work in inconvenient and hard-to-reach places.

Most buyers at the sight of powerful grinders are somewhat frightened that it is more difficult to cope with it than with a low-power one. This is a misconception. Low-power grinders are more likely to jam discs, i.e. they are physically unable to “pull out” the disk under heavy loads. The situation of how the disk and the machine itself will behave after reducing the load is unpredictable. The angle grinder will most likely tear out of your hands. The consequence of this will be a break in the disc, damage to the machine and injury to the cutter. Therefore, it is better for novice craftsmen to purchase an angle grinder for a 125 mm disc with a power of 800-1000 W and a spindle speed of 10,000 rpm. This power is enough to cut iron.

For cutting metal, there are machines for a 115 mm disc powered by batteries, but, as practice shows, with their high cost in solving household problems, they do not justify themselves.

The handles of the angle grinder must be rubber or made of a material that will dampen vibrations from the machine.

But none of the technical characteristics reflects the convenience and safety in work. The angle grinder should lie comfortably and securely in your hand so that when working with metal you focus on it, and not on how to hold the tool in your hands. It is desirable that the grips are rubber or vibration-damping material with indentations for the fingers.

Low-powered grinders, as a rule, do not have an additional handle.

If you find any inconvenience when choosing, you should look for an angle grinder of a different model.

Cut the corner straight

This is quite difficult and here you need to use a drawing tool, a ruler, a square and a protractor. If you need to cut a corner exactly at a right angle (90 degrees), take a square, align one edge with the plane of the corner, and along the second edge, draw the fishing line across the shelf.

If you need to cut a corner at 45 degrees, you need to use a protractor. Often it is not at hand, in this case, along the corner along the edge, measure the width of the corner and draw the line from this point to the intersection of the shelves at the cut.

After the mowing lines are drawn, it remains only to cut off a corner along them.

For convenience, it is better to select an angle grinder suitable for the size of the corner. For light corners, you can take a small angle grinder with a circle of 115. 125 mm, for heavy corners it is better to use a large angle grinder.

Wherever you are, at home or in the country, you can face a sharp corner everywhere. Unlike other types of rolled metal, when cutting a corner, it often clamps an angle grinder, which leads to the destruction of the cutting wheel and the scattering of fragments. This is very dangerous, which is why in this short article we will try to tell you how to avoid it. We do not guarantee that our experience will 100% exclude the angle grinder from being pinched, but at the very least we will give you an idea of why this happens and how to avoid it. We must say right away that we have carried out our test experiments over the course of a year with an angle grinder with discs of 230 mm and a thickness of 1.6

To cut a large corner (63mm, 75mm, 90mm, 100mm, 125mm and more), it is better to invite a partner. We put the corner on some block, as in Fig. A (one shelf hangs, the other lies with its entire surface on the bar). It is imperative that the cut piece of the corner hangs and does not touch the ground. We press the corner with our foot in the place of contact with the bar, the partner, without undue effort, presses the corner sideways (towards the cut, the edge of the corner). Be sure to start cutting the 1st corner shelf from the edge. We saw through the shelf to the edge, then turn over the corner and put another shelf on the timber. Here a partner is no longer necessary, but can support the cut piece. Cutting the second flange is comparable to cutting a regular sheet of metal and is not particularly difficult.

Our experience has been done on angles of 50mm, 45mm, 30mm, 32mm and 25mm. Here it is important to put the corner with two shelves on the block at once. The piece to be cut is hanging and not touching the ground. As in figure B. Only one person is required to cut these corners. We start cutting from the edge of the corner, evenly going deep into both shelves of the corner. As the cut deepens, you will see how the cut piece, according to physics, will drop with its end to the ground, and the cut area will increase, allowing you to calmly cut the corner.

There is an opinion that the very concept of “angle grinder” has come into our use because this tool was first brought from Bulgaria. This is partly true. But they developed and began to produce it in Germany. He first came to us from Bulgaria, where he began to be released in the seventies. Angle Grinder. Correct Tool Name.

When working with an angle grinder, it is imperative to observe safety precautions, namely: wear glasses, gloves, a helmet and a protective apron.

It is impossible today to imagine the work of builders, repairmen, mechanics, locksmiths without an angle grinder. With its help, you can cut a variety of materials, including metal: fittings, bar, water pipes, corner, profile.

45 Degree Angle Cut With Angle Grinder

The resulting sections can be grinded, polished, sharpened. A large selection of interchangeable attachments makes this tool irreplaceable and versatile.

At the same time, it is the most traumatic tool.

Grinder Safety | How to Properly Use an Angle Grinder

To cut metal with an angle grinder you will need:

Metal corners are of different types, from ferrous metal, aluminum and galvanized, different sizes, reinforced and ordinary, equal and unequal.

But, when performing repair and construction work, all these corners must be cut to size. An angle grinder works best with this task, but it is often very difficult to cut off a corner. Now let’s try to figure out how to cut the corner correctly, at a right angle or at 45 degrees.

First of all, before the start of the cut, it is necessary to fix the corner well so that the corner does not stagger or fall during operation. The corner can be divided into two types, light and heavy. Light corners include a corner of 30 x 30 mm, 40 x 40 mm, 50 x 50 x 5 mm. Heavy corners include 63 x 63 mm, 75 x 75 mm, 100 x 100 mm or more.

You can also position the corner in several ways. First, put a corner so that one shelf is vertical, and the second is horizontally at the top (with the letter D). This option is suitable when you clamp the corner in a vice. The second way is to put the corner so that the support is on both shelves (in the form of a ˄). This method is used when yews are not at hand. With this method, the corner is pressed with the foot, at a distance of about 30. 50 cm from the cut.

An important point is the height at which the corner is cut. If the corner lies on the table, you need to pay attention to the length of the cut piece and the height at which the corner lies. It is desirable that the length of the piece is less than the height of the table, in this case the cut off corner, when it is lowered during the cut, will not touch the ground and will not jam the circle of the angle grinder. For example, you need to cut off a meter of a metal corner, while the table height is 80 cm, respectively, the corner will touch the floor, which can lead to a clamping of the circle. In this case, you can ask your partner to hold the cut piece or lay the entire corner on the ground. In the latter case, the piece will touch the ground, but the angle will be too small and the circle will not clamp.

How to choose the right discs

There are symbols on the circle that will help you choose the right circle.

When choosing discs, you need to know what they will be used for, pay attention to their diameter and thickness. These are the main parameters of the disks.

The smallest diameter is 125 mm, and the maximum, of the generally available ones, is 250 millimeters. In professional grinders, discs can be larger in diameter.

The thickness of the cut part and the maximum depth of cut depend on the diameter of the disc.

If you plan to cut only metal, you need to purchase a cutting disc. It has the smallest thickness from 1 to 1.2 mm, for industrial grinders. up to 2.5 mm. This will facilitate physical exertion on the angle grinder and on the worker. The cut is neat.

If a curly thread is planned for thin metal, then it is done with a disc of the smallest diameter or an old, almost worn out disc.

Many people think that a diamond blade should be used to cut metal. This is a completely wrong opinion. The diamond disc will simply get bogged down in the metal and will be unsuitable for further work.

Experts say that even beginners do not have any special difficulties when cutting metal with an angle grinder.

Basic rules for safe work when cutting metal with an angle grinder

The layout of the most dangerous sectors when working with an angle grinder, taking into account the rebound and destruction of the disc.

The most necessary condition for cutting is strict adherence to the rules of safe work.

Grinder manufacturers are constantly trying to minimize the risks of injury and injury by inventing and improving various protection systems. But no one cares about the worker like himself.

The main dangers that arise when cutting metal are the flight of fragments of a broken disc, the flow of sparks and the smallest abrasive particles, the inability to hold the tool in your hands.

If the disc breaks or gets jammed, the angle grinder can break out of your hands at the most inopportune moment and with great force, therefore, before starting work, you should consider the direction of its possible movement.

Safety rules cannot be neglected even when performing small work.

Protect face, eyes, hands, and if possible all parts of the body.
Remove all combustible materials and objects that are in the direction of the emission of sparks.
Fasten the workpiece to be machined with the angle grinder in a vice, if possible. Do not hold the workpiece with your free hand or press with your feet.
If you install a new disc, you need to “turn” it with an angle grinder at maximum speed, placing it further away: the disc may turn out to be defective and fly to pieces.
Install, adjust and secure the protective cover.

It is best to protect your face with a special shield when working with an angle grinder.

When replacing discs during rest, you must disconnect the angle grinder from the mains.
Use goggles or face shield to protect eyes and face. professionals use both for extended work.
Hold the angle grinder firmly during all work.
To replace a disk, you need to wait until it completely stops.
Wear protective gloves. It is undesirable to use cotton gloves, they do not provide sufficient protection, they can ignite, and the threads wrap around the spindle of an angle grinder or disc.
During work, you need to position yourself so that the face, and, if possible, all parts of the body are not in the plane of rotation of the disk.
wait until the disc rotation has stopped completely and only then put the tool on the floor with the disc facing up so as not to damage it;
disconnect the angle grinder from the network;
make sure there is no smoke or other signs of fire.

A typical mistake that is made when cutting metal: if the diameter of the new circle is larger than the size of the protective cover, it is removed. The casing is a protection in case the disc breaks and shatters during the metal cutting process.

Instead of a disc, many put cutters, saws or other scrap materials. Doing this is strictly prohibited.

How to properly cut metal with an angle grinder. Practical tips and advice

If long pipes are resting on supports, the overhanging edge must be cut. If you cut them in the middle, then due to its own weight, the metal will bend and clamp the disc.

If you do not have the skills to handle an angle grinder, then before starting work, you should learn how to cut on unnecessary parts.

The cut-off wheel only accepts radial forces. Attempting to change the cutting plane while the blade is inside a metal piece will break it.

The heel of the disc (the near lower part of the circle) cuts metal more efficiently.

In order for the angle grinder and discs to serve for a long time, you need to take a break for 20-30 minutes every 5-7 minutes of operation. This rule is especially important for low-power grinders who are afraid of overheating.

To increase the service life of discs, especially expensive ones, and to cool the metal, the place of the cut should be watered. It is advisable to carry out the work together.

Aluminum is a very tough metal. When cutting a part of large thickness, kerosene must be dripped into the seam, observing fire safety rules.

For molding, cutting of tin, curly carving, you should use worn-out discs. “stubs”, so do not throw them away immediately.

Correctly cut the corner not in one go, but separately both shelves.

If long enough pipes, corners, fittings lie on the supports, cut the overhanging edge correctly. If you cut between the supports, the part will bend due to its own weight and jam the disc.

Thick parts are cut only in a straight line. If you need to cut out a curly part, straight-line cuts are made first, then the remaining unnecessary parts are removed.

Do not put pressure on the angle grinder. This will seize or break the blade and overheat the angle grinder. If the cutting process is slow, the blade should be replaced.

The resulting cut should not be processed with the side of the disc. For this, a different type of disc is used.

Melted particles of metal and abrasive, falling on plastic products, glass and car headlights, get stuck in them, and then it is almost impossible to remove them. Therefore, before starting work, they need to be removed or protected.

Is it possible to use an angle grinder for cutting metal tiles and corrugated board?

At a time when they just started to use metal tiles and corrugated board, the instructions said that it is strictly forbidden to use an angle grinder to cut these roofing materials. This is explained by the fact that on both sides they are protected with zinc and polymer coatings and painted.

The abrasive disc heats and melts the material. The slices are ragged. Flying sparks also break the paint. All this causes corrosion of the material and a decrease in the service life.

Recently, however, builders have begun to use an angle grinder for this work. This greatly facilitates the work, it can be carried out directly on the roof. After cutting, the edges must be treated with anti-corrosion agents, primed and painted.

Correctly cutting metal with an angle grinder is not difficult. Everything can be learned. The main thing is to follow the safety rules and follow the recommendations.

Basic rules for safe work when cutting metal with an angle grinder

The layout of the most dangerous sectors when working with an angle grinder, taking into account the rebound and destruction of the disc.

The most necessary condition for cutting is strict adherence to the rules of safe work.

Grinder manufacturers are constantly trying to minimize the risks of injury and injury by inventing and improving various protection systems. But no one cares about the worker like himself.

The main dangers that arise when cutting metal are the flight of fragments of a broken disc, the flow of sparks and the smallest abrasive particles, the inability to hold the tool in your hands.

Safety rules cannot be neglected even when performing small work.

Protect face, eyes, hands, and if possible all parts of the body.
Remove all combustible materials and objects that are in the direction of the emission of sparks.
Fasten the workpiece to be machined with the angle grinder in a vice, if possible. Do not hold the workpiece with your free hand or press with your feet.
If you install a new disc, you need to “turn” it with an angle grinder at maximum speed, placing it further away: the disc may turn out to be defective and fly to pieces.
Install, adjust and secure the protective cover.

It is best to protect your face with a special shield when working with an angle grinder.

When replacing discs during rest, you must disconnect the angle grinder from the mains.
Use goggles or face shield to protect eyes and face. professionals use both for extended work.
Hold the angle grinder firmly during all work.
To replace a disk, you need to wait until it completely stops.
Wear protective gloves. It is undesirable to use cotton gloves, they do not provide sufficient protection, they can ignite, and the threads wrap around the spindle of an angle grinder or disc.
During work, you need to position yourself so that the face, and, if possible, all parts of the body are not in the plane of rotation of the disk.
wait until the disc rotation has stopped completely and only then put the tool on the floor with the disc facing up so as not to damage it;
disconnect the angle grinder from the network;
make sure there is no smoke or other signs of fire.

Instead of a disc, many put cutters, saws or other scrap materials. Doing this is strictly prohibited.

How to choose the right discs

There are symbols on the circle that will help you choose the right circle.

When choosing discs, you need to know what they will be used for, pay attention to their diameter and thickness. These are the main parameters of the disks.

The smallest diameter is 125 mm, and the maximum, of the generally available ones, is 250 millimeters. In professional grinders, discs can be larger in diameter.

The thickness of the cut part and the maximum depth of cut depend on the diameter of the disc.

If a curly thread is planned for thin metal, then it is done with a disc of the smallest diameter or an old, almost worn out disc.

Experts say that even beginners do not have any special difficulties when cutting metal with an angle grinder.

How to choose the right angle grinder

The correct choice and quality of the angle grinder itself determines the quality of work and the safety of the worker.

For cutting metal, there are machines for a 115 mm disc powered by batteries, but, as practice shows, with their high cost in solving household problems, they do not justify themselves.

The handles of the angle grinder must be rubber or made of a material that will dampen vibrations from the machine.

Low-powered grinders, as a rule, do not have an additional handle.

If you find any inconvenience when choosing, you should look for an angle grinder of a different model.

How to properly cut metal with an angle grinder. Practical tips and advice

If long pipes are resting on supports, the overhanging edge must be cut. If you cut them in the middle, then due to its own weight, the metal will bend and clamp the disc.

If you do not have the skills to handle an angle grinder, then before starting work, you should learn how to cut on unnecessary parts.

The cut-off wheel only accepts radial forces. Attempting to change the cutting plane while the blade is inside a metal piece will break it.

The heel of the disc (the near lower part of the circle) cuts metal more efficiently.

In order for the angle grinder and discs to serve for a long time, you need to take a break for 20-30 minutes every 5-7 minutes of operation. This rule is especially important for low-power grinders who are afraid of overheating.