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Grinding In Close Quarters

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by IRQVET, Jun 1, 2020.

  1. Jun 1, 2020
    IRQVET

    IRQVET Bubbaification Exorcist

    Tallahassee, FL.
    Joined:
    Feb 5, 2015
    Messages:
    680
    So I have a dilemma, I had a healthy assortment of grinders, surface tools, and of course the all mighty flap disc. However, what the best took for rapid metal grinding in tight spaces that you folks recommend?

    I've seen mini flap discs for the 2 inch surface tool, but I've never used one and them seem pricey. :shrug:

    Specifically, I'm trying to dress welds in tight spaces.
     
  2. Jun 1, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2015
    Messages:
    6,656
    Define “tight spaces.”
    Flat surface in a 90° corner?
     
  3. Jun 1, 2020
    durangotang

    durangotang Member 2022 Sponsor

    Not Western CO
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2010
    Messages:
    501
    Both of these work very well...

    62863_zzz_500.jpg shopping.jpeg
     
  4. Jun 2, 2020
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    The best tool and best abrasive really depends on accessibility to the area .
    In general nothing abrades steel faster than a grinding stone or disk generally made of aluminum oxide.
    The smallest diameter grinding disks are 4” diameter when new.
    And it’s a great idea to save the mostly used disks for small areas.
    Resin backed sanding disks are great to obtain a smoother finish.
    They are available in many grits with 24 grit being the coarsest available.
    They are available from 9” down to as small as 1-1/2” diameter and cut very fast but wear much more rapid than a grind disk.
    Disks only work with right angle grinders.
    For rotary work the bench grinding stone is king while the smallest stones can be mounted on die grinders.
    In some cases the smaller disks can also be mounted on die grinders.
    And yes here’s also where the various types of flap wheels come into common use.
    Bur grinders cut pretty fast into non hardened steels and they too are usually mounted on die grinders or right angle die grinders
     
  5. Jun 2, 2020
    wheelie

    wheelie beeg dummy 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor

    York, PA
    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Messages:
    4,491
    The air powered die grinder with the bits durangotang posted would be my choice in very tight spaces. But it depends on exactly what your situation is. Those bits can remove a lot of material pretty quickly. May not leave you with the the smoothest end product, like a sanding disc might.
     
  6. Jun 3, 2020
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,466
    I have the small belt grinder (in an air tool) and small die grinder with carbide bits like Durangotang posted. They meet 90%, the rest can just stay :D
     
  7. Jul 26, 2020
    Greevesman

    Greevesman Member

    Napa, Ca
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2014
    Messages:
    417
    The small belt grinder is very handy, but buy a bunch of good quality belts. Its like a file.
    Burrs, I always get metal splinters in my hand.
     
  8. Jul 30, 2020
    OnlyOneDR

    OnlyOneDR Member 2023 Sponsor

    R
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2020
    Messages:
    123
    If I have a tight spot like a corner where three pieces intersect then I use a die-grinder or don't worry about it (if not visible). Sometimes it's not worth dressing the weld.
     
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