Abrasives: Grinding Discs for Angle Grinders

What is a grinding disc?

A grinding disc is an abrasive wheel that is very similar to a cutting disc. The main difference being they are usually considerably thicker.

For example, a typical 115MM diameter cutting disc is 1MM in thickness.A typical 115MM diameter grinding disc is 6MM in thickness. Cutting & grinding discs are made of the same materials. That being abrasive material, bonding resin & fibreglass.

What is a grinding disc used for?

Grinding discs are used to quickly remove large amounts of stock from metal. Whereas cutting discs are used to make a thin incision in metal. Stock removal is the process of removing metal from a workpiece. Grinding discs carry out this process in a prompt manner with minimal effort.

A common application for grinding discs is the removal of deficient welds so the workpiece can be re-welded.

Common Grinding Disc Diameters & Thickness'

The most common grinding discs are:

• 115MM (4.5 inch) x 6MM
• 115MM (4.5 inch) x 7MM
• 125MM (5 inch) x 6MM
• 125MM (5 inch) x 7MM
• 150MM (6 inch) x 6MM
• 150MM (6 inch) x 7MM
• 178MM (7 inch) x 6MM
• 178MM (7 inch) x 7MM
• 230MM x (9 inch) x 6MM
• 230MM x (9 inch) x 7MM

Some larger diameter grinding discs (178MM and over) can be purchased in an 8MM thickness for extended lifespan.

Which materials can I grind?

As with cutting discs all materials can be ground. However, all materials have their own idiosyncrasies. For instance, aluminium can very quickly clog a grinding disc. Stainless steel can be very hard waring on grinding discs which results in decreased life span.