Which Abrasive is Best for You?

Looking to tackle some new projects in your shop? If so, you are in need of abrasives.

Abrasives can be used in a number of ways for a number of projects. Before grabbing just any old abrasive though, you need to determine the task you need to accomplish. Do you need an abrasive for serious stock removal? Does something in your shop need some light polishing? No matter the task at hand, there is an abrasive that Kimball Midwest can provide you.

There are a few different types of abrasives with each one serving a different purpose. By knowing the difference, you can find the abrasive that is best fit for you.

Grinding Wheels and Discs

If you are looking to shape a product or remove stock, using a grinding wheel or disc might be for you.

Grinding wheels are a traditional way of removing stock. These bonded abrasives are layers of abrasive grain that are formed with heat, pressure and a resin binder. This allows the grinding wheel to last an exceptionally long time and allows it to grind a wide range of hard base metals.

Grinding discs on the other hand, are a form of coated abrasives. The discs are similar to grinding wheels because they also remove stock. However, grinding discs are constructed in a way that makes them more flexible and smaller. Therefore, they are perfect for a wide range of applications, including more intricate stock removal and finer finishing.

Flap Wheels and Discs

Both flap wheels and discs are a good option for heavy stock removal and shaping metal. Depending on the project at hand, flap wheels and discs could be better for you to use compared to a traditional grinding wheel. Flap wheels and discs are typically easier to use, so you have more control over what you are doing. They provide a finer finish than a grinding wheel and can be used on contours as well as flat stock. Flap wheels and discs are perfect for facilities where grinding metal is required like food processing, agriculture and facility maintenance.

Surface Conditioning Products

If you need to prepare a surface or polish a work piece for a finishing touch, you will want to use surface conditioning abrasives. These products can be used when you want to remove a coating, paint, gasketing material, or light burrs, without harming your base. Surface conditioning abrasives can also be used for light polishing and finishing because they are non-gouging and are constructed out of an abrasive grain-coated, non-woven nylon. Kimball Midwest offers surface conditioning products in different forms including discs, wheels and rolls. We also have them for use on our Pneumatic Belt Sander for fine and intricate work.

Cut-Off Wheels

If you need to cut any type of metal, you’ll need a cut-off wheel. They can be used for large-scale cutting or small intricate cuts, depending on the size and tool in operation. Cut-off wheels are great because they can be used to cut any type of metal and even materials like glass or stone. But while cut-off wheels are powerful, they can leave behind a rough surface so any piece cut will likely need to be smoothed.

Determining which abrasive to use for a project can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. A Kimball Midwest sales rep can walk you through what abrasives you need and set you up for success. To get started,