Thread: Mesh-Backed Sandpaper vs Normal Sandpaper

Originally Posted by aldav

Looking at those pictures I'd be chucking the window and installing an aluminium one. 125mm angle grinders are much more useful than 100mm ones, but I guess if this is the only thing you'll ever use it for it doesn't really matter.

I've looked into all of the alternatives. Getting the window replaced was going to cost around 4 grand which for a small bathroom window seemed too much! I also looked into getting the window repaired however I couldn't find anyone who would do it. The only person interested would only do the whole block (12 apartments). I also looked at getting the window sandblasted however the job was too small for them too.

Is there a sydney tool or blackwoods near you? Ive bought them off the shelf from them. Might only need 1

Ive only ever used 125mm grinders, I suppose the usable area of 100mm grinder is a lot less.

I have a $30 grinder I got at Masters many years ago. I dont use grinders much and usually reach for the cordless one now but that $30 was well spent. For a tool I hardly use it was great value and when using these paint and strip or flap discs etc I put close to my entire body weight on it sometimes and it never missed a beat. Grinders are fairly simple tools and I presume what you pay for most in more expensive ones are ergonomics, maybe more compact motor, less vibration, more quiet but I reckon for some occasional DIY it could be ok?

I see bunnings has a cheap 125mm grinder
Just a moment...

seems to have good rating? Might be worth it?

But for this type of thing or sanding discs on grinders, Im pretty sure you can put a 125mm disc on a 100mm grinder. Not that Im advocating for it

Originally Posted by qwertyu

Im pretty sure you can put a 125mm disc on a 100mm grinder. Not that Im advocating for it

Check the arbour size first.
A lot of 100mm grinders use 16mm arbour while 125mm use 22.23mm, there may be exceptions out there.

There are also 115mm discs with same bore as 125mm

I'm thinking a 125mm grinder would be a better investment as the 125mm discs seem a lot easier to get. I thought they'd be a lot more expensive that the 100mm but they only seem to be marginally more expensive.

For fifty bucks you can get an Ozito 125mm grinder from Bunnies with a 3 year warranty, so you should be finished the job before the warranty runs out

I am still concerned that an angle grinder is too agressive for this job, especially in inexperienced hands. Accidentally touch the glass and the abrasive will mark the glass, probably irrecoverably.

In my view, the flat areas of the frames might be doable with very high care. Problem areas are"

1. External corners outside the arc of the grinding disk,
2. Edges of the steel window frames that butt against the glass,
3. Especially the internal corners due to the grinder arc, and
4. Anywhere where your attention wanders for a second.

I have notated the problem areas in red.

Steel Window Frame.jpg

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

I am still concerned that an angle grinder is too agressive for this job, especially in inexperienced hands. Accidentally touch the glass and the abrasive will mark the glass, probably irrecoverably.

In my view, the flat areas of the frames might be doable with very high care. Problem areas are"

1. External corners outside the arc of the grinding disk,
2. Edges of the steel window frames that butt against the glass,
3. Especially the internal corners due to the grinder arc, and
4. Anywhere where your attention wanders for a second.

I have notated the problem areas in red.

Steel Window Frame.jpg

The glass is coming out as there's areas of rust in behind it.

Originally Posted by cpsmusic

The glass is coming out as there's areas of rust in behind it.

That will make it a lot easier.

That will leave only the external corners - Is it feasible to remove the steel sashes?

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

That will make it a lot easier.

That will leave only the external corners - Is it feasible to remove the steel sashes?

Haven't had a close look but from what I can see they're held in with large rivet-like pins top and bottom so I don't think so. I will check this though because if the sash can come out it will be easier.