Thread: wire wheel

Originally Posted by BobL

I have seen a large 3 phase grinder with a wire wheel on one side and buffing wheel on the other. Both wheels had custom made guards that only covered the top half of the wheel that could be easily flipped right out of the way when in use. The reason for this was because when one wheel was in use the other wheel was also rotated and this represented a potential hazard. Presumably that also kept grit from getting onto the buffing wheel.

Also, I would think a guard over the top would also prevent stuff from spraying up and then falling down onto the user.

Pete

Originally Posted by issatree

I Stripped all the Components from the RH side of my 6in. Grinder.
Took all the Coverings off. Put the Wheel back on, & it work like a charm.
The Wheel is there just on its own, No Covers, No Tool Rest.

Yep. Safety guards can be taken to the nth degree. Just take a look at drill presses with a guard around the chuck so you cant switch it on if the key is still in. of course it makes it awkward to use the drill in any place. Lathes are similar, great big perspex hinged cover over the chuck. makes it impossible to work up against the chuck or use a faceplate. Some things are basic safety and you cant protect against stupidity. Sometimes common sense has to be used.

Problem is that someone with none or a liitle knowledge and background forsees a possible danger and then with little or no thought devises a remedy for a danger that may not even exist.

Cheers Phil

Originally Posted by 12bolts

Yep. Safety guards can be taken to the nth degree. Just take a look at drill presses with a guard around the chuck so you cant switch it on if the key is still in. of course it makes it awkward to use the drill in any place. Lathes are similar, great big perspex hinged cover over the chuck. makes it impossible to work up against the chuck or use a faceplate. Some things are basic safety and you cant protect against stupidity. Sometimes common sense has to be used.

Problem is that someone with none or a liitle knowledge and background forsees a possible danger and then with little or no thought devises a remedy for a danger that may not even exist.

Cheers Phil

Yeah, I agree, but I've heard it straight from the horses mouth (senior WH&S guy) that there is no such thing as an accident; no such beast as common sense; and the intention is to work to the lowest common denominator, ie. someone with none or little knowledge! I see it as a slippery slope to a workers with no skills and no responsibility.

Originally Posted by Andy Mac

Yeah, I agree, but I've heard it straight from the horses mouth (senior WH&S guy) that there is no such thing as an accident; no such beast as common sense; and the intention is to work to the lowest common denominator, ie. someone with none or little knowledge! I see it as a slippery slope to a workers with no skills and no responsibility.

Our OHS people are all about the paperwork. We had an inspection recently. They spent 15 minutes doing a quick walk through a couple of work areas and looked at one of our first aid kits, and then spent the rest of the day looking at paperwork and procedures.

Originally Posted by pjt

Also, I would think a guard over the top would also prevent stuff from spraying up and then falling down onto the user.

Pete

Yeah - but the guards were tilted out of the way during use!

That's an impressive shiny hammer you have there in that 1st pic Pete.Another pic of the offending apparatus would be a nice touch.I would take soundmans' sound advice and rip that outer guard off and remove the tool rest.Use the lower portion of the wheel and you will find most of the stuff will deflect downwards.A good pair of vice grips always come in handy and don't forget your PPE .
cap'n