A die grinder is a simple tool, but also a versatile one. It can be used to grind virtually any material, and can polish or smooth out rough edges. Die grinders come in both electric and pneumatic varieties and are powerful enough to reach speeds of 30-thousand RPM. There are a number of jobs the die grinder can help you perform, but here are some of the most common.
- Polishing stainless steel
Stainless steel is the material of choice for a number of different projects, but welding, cutting and fitting the material can take its toll. If you’re left with rough areas that impact the overall look, bring out a die grinder to polish the welds. Protective gear like goggles and gloves is recommended for this type of application. To create a smooth finish, simply run the grinder over the weld gently until it’s no longer noticeable. Be careful not to overdo it. When done correctly, you’ll be left with a polished, smooth and virtually seamless stainless steel project.
- Removing rust
There is a long list of equipment and materials that are in danger of rusting on a typical job site. Over time, rust can eat away at steel or iron. It also makes the surface rough, which could affect the efficiency of machinery or tools. Removing rust only takes a piece of sandpaper, but that may not be able to smooth out the surface of the metal. Using a die grinder allows you to remove rust and smooth the surface. It’s also much faster than manually using sandpaper, which is especially handy for larger rusted surfaces.
- Sanding wood
Here’s another application where the die grinder takes the place of sandpaper. It’s not just metal that a die grinder can help smooth out. Using it on woodworking projects can help take out rough edges, remove paint or finish, or even create a design or smooth finish for furniture. Just like removing rust, the die grinder is a faster option to create a professional looking finish on wood.
There are of course many different jobs the die grinder is capable of handling. Auto shops, construction sites, metalworking shops, and other professional work sites all use the die grinder for daily tasks.
If you’re in need of adding a die grinder to your toolbox, come see us at Maxwell Supply in Tulsa. We offer Bosch power tools including die grinders, cutoff machines, high-torque drills, rotary hammers and more.