Angle grinders are versatile power tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as grinding, polishing, sanding, cutting, and more. They are especially useful for working with metal, as they can cut through different types of metal with ease. But can an angle grinder cut through anything? The answer is no, an angle grinder cannot cut through anything. There are some limitations and challenges that angle grinders face when cutting certain materials.
Angle grinders have some drawbacks that prevent them from cutting through anything. Some of these limitations are:
Disc size: Angle grinders typically use discs that are 4 1/2 inches or 5 inches in diameter, which limits the depth of the cuts they can make. For thicker or larger materials, such as steel beams, pipes, or concrete blocks, you may need a larger disc or a different tool, such as a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, or a plasma cutter.
Disc type: Angle grinders use abrasive discs that are designed for specific materials and tasks. For example, diamond discs are ideal for cutting hard and dense materials, such as stone, tile, and concrete. However, for cutting metal or steel, you need to use abrasive discs made of aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, which are more suitable for cutting ferrous and nonferrous metals. Using the wrong disc for the wrong material can result in poor performance, disc damage, or metal contamination.
Power source: Angle grinders can be either corded or cordless, depending on the power source they use. Corded angle grinders are more powerful and reliable, but they require a nearby power outlet and can limit your mobility and range. Cordless angle grinders are more portable and convenient, but they depend on batteries that can run out of charge and reduce the speed and torque of the tool. You may need to have spare batteries or a charger handy to avoid interruptions in your work.
Safety risks: Angle grinders are powerful tools that can pose serious safety risks if not used properly. They can produce sparks, dust, noise, and heat that can harm you or your surroundings. They can also kick back, bind, or jam if the disc encounters resistance or gets caught in the material. To prevent injuries and accidents, you need to wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, earplugs, and masks. You also need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, use the right disc and guard, and secure the material before cutting.
How to Cut Different Materials with an Angle Grinder?
Despite their limitations, angle grinders can still cut through a wide range of materials, such as metal, wood, plastic, and more. However, you need to know how to use them correctly and safely for each material. Here are some tips and steps on how to cut different materials with an angle grinder:
Metal: Metal is one of the most common materials that angle grinders can cut through. However, you need to use the right disc and technique for the type and thickness of the metal. For thin sheet metal, you can use a 0.8 mm disc that can make precise and clean cuts. For thicker or heavier metal, you can use a 1.6 mm disc that can handle more pressure and heat. To cut metal with an angle grinder, you need to:
Mark the line of the cut on the metal with a marker or a chalk.
Clamp the metal securely to a workbench or a sawhorse.
Attach the metal cutting disc to the angle grinder and adjust the guard to protect yourself from sparks and debris.
Plug in the corded angle grinder or insert the battery into the cordless angle grinder.
Put on your protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, earplugs, and mask.
Hold the angle grinder with both hands and position the disc perpendicular to the line of the cut.
Press the trigger and gently lower the disc onto the metal, applying steady pressure and moving along the line of the cut.
Release the trigger and lift the disc when you reach the end of the cut.
Let the disc stop spinning before setting the angle grinder down.
Use a file or a sandpaper to smooth the edges of the cut metal.
Wood: Wood is another material that angle grinders can cut through, but it is not recommended for most woodworking projects. Angle grinders are not designed for precise and accurate cuts, and they can cause splintering, burning, or tearing of the wood. They are also more dangerous to use on wood, as they can cause kickback or catch fire. However, if you need to cut wood with an angle grinder, you can use a wood carving disc or a wood cutting disc that have special teeth or chains that can cut through wood more smoothly and safely. To cut wood with an angle grinder, you need to:
Mark the line of the cut on the wood with a pencil or a chalk.
Clamp the wood securely to a workbench or a sawhorse.
Attach the wood carving disc or the wood cutting disc to the angle grinder and adjust the guard to protect yourself from chips and dust.
Plug in the corded angle grinder or insert the battery into the cordless angle grinder.
Put on your protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, earplugs, and mask.
Hold the angle grinder with both hands and position the disc parallel to the line of the cut.
Press the trigger and gently lower the disc onto the wood, applying light pressure and moving along the line of the cut.
Release the trigger and lift the disc when you reach the end of the cut.
Let the disc stop spinning before setting the angle grinder down.
Use a file or a sandpaper to smooth the edges of the cut wood.
Plastic: Plastic is a material that angle grinders can cut through, but it is not very common or easy. Plastic can melt, warp, or crack when exposed to high temperatures and friction, which can ruin the cut and damage the disc. Plastic can also produce toxic fumes and smoke when cut, which can be harmful to your health and the environment. Therefore, it is better to use other tools, such as a hacksaw, a jigsaw, or a utility knife, to cut plastic. However, if you need to cut plastic with an angle grinder, you can use a metal cutting disc that can make thin and fast cuts. To cut plastic with an angle grinder, you need to:
Mark the line of the cut on the plastic with a marker or a chalk.
Clamp the plastic securely to a workbench or a sawhorse.
Attach the metal cutting disc to the angle grinder and adjust the guard to protect yourself from sparks and debris.
Plug in the corded angle grinder or insert the battery into the cordless angle grinder.
Put on your protective gear, such as gloves, goggles, earplugs, and mask.
Hold the angle grinder with both hands and position the disc perpendicular to the line of the cut.
Press the trigger and gently lower the disc onto the plastic, applying minimal pressure and moving quickly along the line of the cut.
Release the trigger and lift the disc when you reach the end of the cut.
Let the disc stop spinning before setting the angle grinder down.
Use a file or a sandpaper to smooth the edges of the cut plastic.
Angle grinders are powerful and versatile tools that can cut through many materials, but they cannot cut through anything. They have some limitations and challenges that you need to be aware of and overcome. You also need to use the right disc and technique for each material and follow the safety precautions. By doing so, you can make the most of your angle grinder and achieve the best results.
