Angle grinder w/ wire cup brush safety precautions

[ilya]

I recently bought a 4 1/2" angle grinder to use with a wire cup brush or wire wheel to clean the old paint and rust from my Hein Werner jack. I've never used an angle grinder before and I had a few questions, mainly about safety.

How closely must the wire cup brush RPM rating match the RPM of the grinder? I saw some wire brushes rated at 9,000 RPM but my grinder's specs mention 13,000 RPM free-spin.

I read through some posts on GJ about shop safety and it looks like the best way to protect the eyes during grinder use is a combination of a face shield and safety glasses. I'd like to get some recommendations for brand names and models.

What type of gloves should I wear while using the grinder? Will the Mechanics' type work?

Thanks!

 

[Kirbot]

I've used 9k rated wheels on my 4.5" grinder.

They tend to open up some running without a load, but as soon as it actually touches metal, it slows down quite a bit.

 

[filtered]

Never had a wire break the skin before. I've been hit a bunch of times by them. I don't use the fine wire cups though. Safety glasses and you should be good to go.

Now cut off wheels are a different story, and mechanics gloves will not hold up to grinding or cutting. They will melt, all leather gloves would be a better option.

Just be smart and keep your fingers and flesh away from the spinning parts and you'll be ok. Always wear safety glasses, and a full shield for cut off wheels if you own one.

 

[rlitman]

A 4.5" grinder cannot be safely used with a 4" cup brush, unless it is variable speed.
You need a 3" cup brush, and a full face shield (preferably with glasses underneath).
Even with a wheel rated for the grinder's full speed, they spit out bristles, and you WILL look like a porcupine after using one.
I've had many bristles embedded in my skin, THROUGH DENIM. They don't make it through my leathers though.
If you think the cup wheels are bad, you should see the flat ones. Those will tear into flesh like a chainsaw.

 

[ephotrod]

Wear your leathers and a very good pair of glasses. I always wear stick welding gloves with any power wire brush. Other than that go at it and have a firm grip and use a paddle grinder.
Josh