An angle grinder spins an abrasive wheel to cut steels. There are wheels for cutting, grinding, polishing, deburring, and more.
Safety Considerations
Machine Anatomy
![Angle grinder with labels noted below_Northeastern Makerspaces](https://makerspaces.northeastern.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Snag_16226809.png)
- 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
- With both hands, hold the grinding wheel at approximately 5-15 degrees from flat with the surface you want to grind.
- If needed, move the screw in handle to the other side of the grinder, and adjust the guard to protect your hand.
- 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](https://makerspaces.northeastern.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Snag_1626dd26.png)
Using Cut Off Wheels
- 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.
- If needed, move the screw in handle to the other side of the grinder, and adjust the guard to protect your hand.
- 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](https://makerspaces.northeastern.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Snag_162bada2.png)
Using Sanding Wheels
- 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.
- If needed, move the screw in handle to the other side of the grinder, and adjust the guard to protect your hand.
- 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](https://makerspaces.northeastern.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Snag_1626dd26.png)