Thread: Vicmarcs New 1/2 Speed Grinder

Originally Posted by NeilS

Unless it is for dust control of the metal grindings off the tool, I wouldn't bother refitting a guard over an electroplated CBN wheel.
Unlike vitrified alox and silicon carbide wheels, or the resin bonded component of a diamond or CBN wheel, which are are all prone to catastrophic failure, an electroplated wheel will not fail in that way.

Catastrophic wheel failure is only one of several reasons for grinders and similar machinery having a guard. Any high speed rotating object represent a risk of grabbing anything loose and floppy so for that reason alone I would suggest a guard. One risk I have experience with was a bolt falling off a shelf onto a spinning wheel that then put a hole through the shed wall.

I see many machine, like buffs and sander,s that were in the past unguarded probably because they were not going to suffer catastrophic failure are now coming out with guards.

Originally Posted by BobL

Any high speed rotating object represent a risk of grabbing anything loose and floppy so for that reason alone I would suggest a guard.

Good point, Bob.

I certainly wince whenever I see an unguarded belt and pulley.

And, I wouldn't have my grinder wheels unguarded if I had anyone in my workshop other then me.

Originally Posted by NeilS

Indeed!

I always stay out of the firing line when spinning the grinder up to running speed with any of the non-electroplated wheels.

Originally Posted by BobL

Catastrophic wheel failure is only one of several reasons for grinders and similar machinery having a guard. Any high speed rotating object represent a risk of grabbing anything loose and floppy so for that reason alone I would suggest a guard. One risk I have experience with was a bolt falling off a shelf onto a spinning wheel that then put a hole through the shed wall.

I see many machine, like buffs and sander,s that were in the past unguarded probably because they were not going to suffer catastrophic failure are now coming out with guards.

Originally Posted by NeilS

Good point, Bob.

I certainly wince whenever I see an unguarded belt and pulley.

And, I wouldn't have my grinder wheels unguarded if I had anyone in my workshop other then me.

All good advice. This is a good example of how we often focus on one hazard but over look others with as much risk and severity of injury. In an industrial setting / workplace an unguarded wheel would be regarded as a breach of the WHS legislation and would attract attention from an inspector. Hobbyists can learn a lot about safe use of tools, guarding machinery etc from "safe work practices" developed for the workplace & its FREE!

Hope this link is of value to others.

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace..._guide2006.pdf

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

. . . .In an industrial setting / workplace an unguarded wheel would be regarded as a breach of the WHS legislation and would attract attention from an inspector. Hobbyists can learn a lot about safe use of tools, guarding machinery etc from "safe work practices" developed for the workplace & its FREE!

even though we all like to bag workplace OHS there is lots of evidence based best practice advice available via this route. Some may be a bit over the top for a DIY but if you want to follow best practice you are much more likely to find it there than in a back yard shed.