| Grinding tools, as the name implies, are machines | | | | the uses of belt sanders with that of belt grinders. |
| used for grinding. Grinding is possible because of | | | | To separate the two, remember that sanders are |
| the presence of the so-called abrasive wheel. This | | | | made for wood while grinders are specifically |
| is the main part of the grinding tool used for | | | | functional for metals. The three basic applications |
| cutting. The role of the abrasive wheel is to make | | | | of belt grinders are broken down as follows: |
| a cut on a particular surface of the material or | | | | finishing for surface roughness, polishing and |
| work piece through the process known as shear | | | | cosmetic finishes; stock removal such as tool |
| deformation. | | | | mark removal and cleaning of corrosion; and |
| Aside from the grinding or abrasive wheel, the | | | | deburring like edge breaking. |
| machine also has its own bed. The bed specifically | | | | Bench grinders |
| functions for guiding and holding the material or | | | | These are types of grinding tools that perform |
| work piece. Another part is called the grinding | | | | with the use of two wheels instead of one. They |
| head that is important in controlling the force of | | | | are essential in any type of finishing or roughing |
| the grinding tool to that of the work piece. At | | | | processes. They are termed as such because of |
| times, the grinding head may be fixed while it | | | | the usage of a workbench during the bench |
| travels through the work piece or it may move | | | | grinding process. They are vital in forming a shape |
| while the work piece is left on a fixed position. | | | | out of tool bits and other tools needing repair. At |
| Looking to specific types of grinding tools will allow | | | | times, they are also known as pedestal grinders. |
| better understanding of its applications. | | | | Other types of grinders |
| Belt grinders | | | | Aside from the first two types of grinders, there |
| Belt grinders are specifically important in belt | | | | are also cylindrical, surface, and jig grinders. The |
| grinding processes. They function very well in | | | | cylindrical grinder is made of various abrasive or |
| metals with the presence of coated abrasives. | | | | grinding wheels and is used to form a cylinder out |
| The belt grinding process is regarded as a very | | | | of a work piece. The surface grinder on the other |
| versatile one because it is a very relevant | | | | hand, is helpful in order to produce a smooth and |
| method in almost all applications. Coated abrasives | | | | flat finish out of a metallic or non-metallic surface. |
| are also being used during the process. | | | | The last type of grinding tools, the jig grinders, is |
| Some people are somehow confused between | | | | made for dies, fixtures and jigs. |