Grinding wheels are the key to sharpening tools, cleaning metal and shaping materials with precision. These essential power tool accessories do everything from removing heavy material to putting a fine finished edge on a blade. With the right wheel and compound from Ace Hardware, you can bring old tools back to life or add a professional polish to your projects.
Find the Right Grinding Wheel for Your Project
Choosing the correct grinding wheel helps ensure you get the best results safely and efficiently. The right wheel depends on your tool, the material you're working with and the finish you want to achieve.
Types of Grinding Wheels
A grinding wheel is not a one-size-fits-all accessory. We have a wide selection of wheels designed for specific jobs.
- Bench and pedestal grinding wheels:These are your go-to wheels for general-purpose sharpening and grinding in the workshop. Use them to restore a sharp edge on chisels, lawnmower blades and drill bits.
- Angle grinder wheels:Perfect for working on metal or masonry, these wheels attach to your angle grinders to cut through rebar grind down welds or clean up surfaces.
- Sharpening stones:For tasks that require a delicate touch, sharpening stones are used to hone and refine the edges of knives and precision cutting tools, giving you a razor-sharp finish.
Choosing by Abrasive Material
The material of the wheel determines what it can grind and how it will perform. Matching the abrasive to your workpiece is critical.
- Aluminum oxide is the most common abrasive for a reason. It is durable and well-suited for grinding harder materials like carbon and alloy steel.
- Silicon carbide is a great choice when you are working with softer non-ferrous metals like brass, copper or aluminum. It is also effective for grinding masonry and other non-metallic materials.
Sharpening and Polishing with Compounds
After the grinding is complete, polishing compounds help you take your project to the next level. Applied to a buffing wheel these compounds refine the surface to a smooth and shining finish.
Understanding Polishing Compounds
Compounds are typically color-coded by their level of abrasiveness from coarse to fine.
- Coarse compounds:Use a coarse compound as your first step in polishing to remove noticeable scratches and smooth out rough areas.
- Medium compounds:This is a good middle step for general polishing. It removes the finer scratches left by coarse compounds and starts to bring out the luster of the material.
- Fine compounds:A fine compound will create a bright, mirror-like shine. It is the best choice for achieving a high-gloss professional finish.
More Accessories for Your Tools
Having all the right supplies makes any job easier. Our tools department has a broad selection of helpful accessories for your power tools.
- Wire wheel brushes:Use wire wheel brushes to quickly strip away rust paint scale and corrosion from metal surfaces.
- Sanding drums:For projects involving wood or other soft materials, sanding drums are great for effortless shaping and smoothing.
Shop Grinding Wheels and Compounds Near You at Ace
Get what you need for your next project at your neighborhood Ace. Shop online for fast shipping or free in-store pickup. When you visit us in person, our helpful staff can offer tips and advice to help you find the right supplies including DeWalt power tool accessories and more. Head to your local Ace to find grinding wheels and compounds near you today.
