spindle mounted products for grinding with a straight grinder
Terminology: Spindle-mounted wheels can be bonded, coated and non-woven abrasives. They are fitted to the machine by means of a spindle cemented into the wheel.
Spindle-mounted wheels improperly used can be very dangerous: wheels can run at speeds up to 63 m/s on straight grinders and can eject parts at speeds up to 227 km/h (140 mph) in case of breakage. FEPA has designed this page to provide the essential safety recommendations for use of mounted points and wheels on straight grinders.
Safety recommendations for the use of spindle-mounted wheels for grinding with straight grinders
80% of the accidents are due to a misuse of the abrasives products. Theis website has been realised by the FEPA experts to spare the end-users to get hurt while using this kind of products.
FEPA general safety principles
Dos & Don’ts for these products
Soon available
What is a safe product? What should I look for?
■ FEPA recommends that only products conforming to EN Standards and marked as such should be used.
■ Resinoid wheels not bearing an EN number may not conform the highest safety standards.
■ Before selecting resinoid wheels, ensure that the expiry date has not been exceeded.
■ All wheels should be examined carefully for damage or defects before fitting on the machine.
How should I handle and store the wheels?11A
■ All abrasives wheels are fragile. They should be handled with care.
■ Wheel should be stored in their packaging or in trays, avoiding damp and frost or wide variations in temperature.
■ Use the oldest resinoid wheels (on “first in, first out” basis).
11B
How should I fit the wheel on the machine?11C
■ Follow carefully the instructions given in the machine handbook.
■ Ensure that at least 10mm of the spindle is engaged in the collet or chuck.
■ Tighten only with the tool supplied with the machine.
■ Ensure the wheel is properly gripped to prevent slippage, but do not tighten with excessive force.
■ Run all wheels after fitting for at least 30 seconds at operating speed keeping behind the guard in case the wheel breaks.
■ Refer to the FEPA recommended mounting check list.
11D
How should I protect myself?
■ FEPA recommends the use of following personal protective equipment (often written PPE) :
- Eye protection
- Ear protection (ear sets)
- Hand protection (gloves)
- Lung protection (dust mask, also called respirator)
■ Never remove the protective machine guard and make sure it is properly adjusted to deflect debris away from you.
How should I handle the wheel after use?11E
■ Before storing the machine or transporting it to another location, always remove the wheel and store it as recommended.
■ Always carefully examine the wheel for damage or defects, and destroy and discard if damaged.
■ When disposing of worn out or defective wheels, it is recommended to damage them to prevent someone from removing them from waste and re-using them.
11F
How can I get proper training?
■ It is a legal requirement for all employees involved in the use of abrasives wheels to be properly trained and also re-trained on a regular basis. They should consult their employer if they have not received this training.
■ The wheel manufacturer or supplier can advise you on suitable accredited training providers.
■ As a private consumer, you should read carefully the safety information found in:
- The grinding machine handbook
- The FEPA general safety principles leaflet (see above)
- The FEPA safety leaflet for this specific application (soon available)
This website is intended to give information on safe use of abrasives in compliance with European standards, and not to give advice on product selection. You should read the information given on the product or its packaging to determine suitability. For any specific question, contact the retailor who supplied you the product.