-
1. On my abrasive disc it says A30 TBF, what does this mean?
This is the technical specification of the disc. The first letter (A) refers to the material specification of the disc, in this case aluminum oxide which is for metal cutting and grinding discs. The number after that (30) refers to the grit size, which in this case is medium sized. The next letter (T) refers to the hardness in this case the disc is hard. The next letter (B) indicates that the disc is resin bonded (the gluing agent), and the final letter (F) indicates that the disc is fiberglass reinforced. There are many different specifications of disc, a full explanation of all types can be found within the Abrasive Revolution catalogue.
-
2. Can I use a cutting disc for grinding?
No. Grinding discs, apart from being thicker are also manufactured using three layers of fibreless reinforcement rather than two. By grinding with a cutting disc you remove the reinforcement from one side of the disc altogether, and frequently chunks of the disc will begin to break off.
-
3. Why do abrasive discs nearly always have a red band through the middle?
This signifies that the maximum operating speed of the disc is 80 meters per second; another common band color is green, which signifies a maximum operating speed of 100 meters per second.
-
4. Why do abrasive discs have to be used within 2 years of manufacture?
Abrasive discs are perishable in nature. Although after two years the disc will not look any different, after about this period of time the bond of the disc (i.e. the glue that holds it together) begins to break down.
-
5. Is a depressed centre cutting disc stronger than a flat cutting disc?
Not necessarily. The two different types have continued to exist because of personal preference, there are advantages of one type over the other but these are not related to the strength or safety of the products.
-
6. Will metal cutting discs cut stainless steel?
Yes, although in most cases not as well as specialist stainless cutting discs, they will still cut adequately.
-
7. Can an abrasive disc be used wet?
An often stated safety instruction is that abrasive discs should not be allowed to come into contact with liquids as this destroys the bonding of the disc. However it is not the liquid itself that causes the damage - but the drying out process, hence abrasive discs can be used wet, but should then be removed and thrown away no matter how much of the disc remains.
-
8. Can I use my metal cutting grinding wheels and abrasive circular saw blades on stone or concrete?
We do not recommend it. Metal cutting blades and wheels use aluminum oxide as their primary grain. Silicon carbide is the proper grain for optimum cutting on masonry and stone materials.
