Person using an angle grinder

Angle Grinder User Guide

An angle grinder spins an abrasive wheel to cut steels. There are wheels for cutting, grinding, polishing, deburring, and more.  

Safety Considerations

  • Safety glasses: This tool flings hot sparks, grinding wheel debris, and metal debris. Always wear safety glasses when using this tool. 
  • Gloves: This tool flings hot sparks, grinding wheel debris, and metal debris. Always wear gloves when using it.  
  • Hearing protection: This tool is LOUD. Wear hearing protection. 
  • Tuck your tassels, secure long hair, and take off dangling jewelry: Sleeves, sweatshirt tassels, hair, and jewelry can be caught in the spinning wheel. Ensure that your hands and forearms are free from extra or loose fabric. 
  • Never remove the wheel guard. Never use an angle grinder without the guard. If you find this tool without the guard installed, please notify makerspace staff immediately.  
  • Direct sparks and grinding debris away from other users.  
  • Only grind steels: The angle grinders in the Makerspace at EXP are set up to grind steels. If you need to use them on other metals, please talk to makerspace staff.  

Machine Anatomy

Angle grinder with labels noted below_Northeastern Makerspaces

  • Power: Turns the machine on and off. 
  • Guard: Protects the user from the grinding wheel.  
  • Grinding Wheel: Rotates to grind steels.  
  • Spindle Lock: Locks the rotation of the spindle for changing grinding wheels.

Operating the Machine

Using Grinding Wheels

  1. With both hands, hold the grinding wheel at approximately 5-15 degrees from flat with the surface you want to grind.  
  2. If needed, move the screw in handle to the other side of the grinder, and adjust the guard to protect your hand.  
  3. Wait for the grinding wheel to stop before putting down the angle grinder.  
Graphic holding angle grinder at 5 to 15 degree angle from stock_Northeastern Makerspaces

Using Cut Off Wheels

  1. With both hands, hold the cutting wheel perpendicular to the surface you want to grind. DO NOT press against the face of the wheel, it can shatter and fling grinding wheel pieces everywhere.  
  2. If needed, move the screw in handle to the other side of the grinder, and adjust the guard to protect your hand. 
  3. Wait for the grinding wheel to stop before putting down the angle grinder. 
Using an angle grinder with the cutoff wheel perpendicular to the suface_Northeastern Makerspaces

Using Sanding Wheels

  1. Sanding wheels are used like grinding wheels. With both hands, hold the grinding wheel at approximately 5-15 degrees from flat with the surface you want to grind. 
  2. If needed, move the screw in handle to the other side of the grinder, and adjust the guard to protect your hand. 
  3. Wait for the grinding wheel to stop before putting down the angle grinder. 
Graphic depicting holding angle grinder at 5 to 15 degree angle from stock_Northeastern Makerspaces

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