Are you a plumber or working in the automotive industry? Then cutting metal with an angle grinder is a regular task for you. Using an angle grinder to cut metal is the best method to complete the job with speed and precision. Attaching a metal cutoff disc to your grinder, you can cut any metals like steel, stainless steel, copper, or aluminum. Apart from them, you can also cut the cast iron pipe with an angle grinder.
To get the best output, you should have knowledge about how to use an angle grinder to cut metal. There are some issues that you should consider while cutting metals with an angle grinder. Clean the workplace/piece before you start working and fix the workpiece with the workbench using a vise.
You should consider that the thickness and abrasive material ought to match with the metal you’re working with so that there will be no discoloration and jagged edges. Try to cut according to the angle grinder cutting direction.
The last but not the least important thing that you should consider is your safety. Put on proper protective gear such as heavy-duty hand gloves, a mask, earplugs, and working overall. Follow this content and you will learn more about the uses of an angle grinder to cut metals. So, let’s get started.
Contents
How to Use Angle Grinder to Cut Metal Step by Step?
If you know angle grinder uses very well, cutting metals with this tool will be a very easy process for you. Now you will learn how to use an angle grinder step by step to cut metals.
- First and foremost, you should protect yourself by wearing heavy-duty hand gloves, protective goggles, earplugs, safety boots, a mask, and working overalls.
- Attach an adequate metal cutoff disc to your grinder and clean the place or workpiece where you’re going to work.
- Set your workpiece with a workbench using a vise or c-clamp.
- Mark the outline with a chisel or something like that where you’re going to cut.
- Try to cut along the guideline with a gentle pressure to move forward. Don’t change the direction suddenly.
- After cutting, you should smooth the rough edges using a flipper.
How to Use An Angle Grinder to Cut Metal Pipes?
You can use an angle grinder to cut or remove an old metal pipe from a tight space. Put on proper protective gears and fix the metal pipe using a vise or c-clamp. You should attach a metal cutoff disc to your grinder.
Then mark the outline with chalk or chisel where you’re going to cut. Start cutting from one point of the pipe and finish cutting around that point. After cutting, you should smooth the rough edges using a flipper.
How To Use An Angle Grinder To Cut Sheet Metal?
An angle grinder can be perfectly used for cutting sheet metal. For this, you have to fix a metal cutoff wheel to your grinder. Then place the metal sheet on stable support and lock the piece using a vise.
After that, mark the cutting line using a steel ruler and marking pen. Try to cut along the cutting line and don’t put much pressure. After cutting is finished, change the cutoff disc and replace it with a sanding or polishing pad for smoothening the rough edges.
How Thick Of Steel Can An Angle Grinder Cut? [Cutting thick steel with angle grinder]
![How Thick Of Steel Can An Angle Grinder Cut [Cutting thick steel with angle grinder]](https://anglegrinderhub.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/How-Thick-Of-Steel-Can-An-Angle-Grinder-Cut-Cutting-thick-steel-with-angle-grinder.jpg)
This fact depends on two things, the cutting capacity of your grinder and which types/sizes of wheels you’re using to cut the metals.
If you are using a 4.5-inch angle grinder to cut either stainless or mild steel, you should use a flat diamond cutoff disc with a thickness of 1.0mm or 1.6mm.
When you’re going to cut thin metals, you should use a disc with a thickness of 1.0mm or 0.8mm for a cleaner-looking cut.
To cut the thicker and heavier steels like, Reber or angle iron, you will need a cutting disc with a thickness of 1.6mm or 2.5mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an angle grinder cut hardened steel?
A: Certainly, you can cut hardened steel with an angle grinder. For this, you have to attach a diamond cutoff wheel with a thickness of 1.6mm or 2.5mm.
Q: What blade do I need to cut metal with an angle grinder?
A: If you want to cut metals with an angle grinder, you will need a diamond cutoff disc. There are various types and sizes of cutting discs available on the market. Among them, you can try DEWALT DW8062B5 Cutting Wheel, General Purpose Metal Cutting, 4-1/2-Inch, and BHA Metal and Stainless Steel Cut Off Wheels for Die Grinders.
Final Words
So, that’s all about the use of an angle grinder to cut metals. If you have patiently gone through this content, I can hope that now you have quite a knowledge about how to use an angle grinder to cut metal.
The main things that you should consider while cutting metals with an angle grinder- attach an iron-free diamond cutoff blade, match the thickness of the blades with the metals that you’re going to cut, fix the workpiece to avoid potential accidents, and put on PPE. If you want to know more or have an opinion, please leave your comments.
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