Bench Wire wheel types ??

[Faisal]

hi

i am trying to buy bench 6 "wire wheel but i found many type in the market .i found thin ,thick ,brass .....and twisted wire wheel and i dont know what is the different between each type

i need your help to explain to me the difference and what is the best type and brand for rust and paint removing and stay long time ?


thanks

 

[Faisal]

 

[FMC1959]

I don't have a lot of expertise, I just have a few wheels. In general, they are not that expensive, buy & try a couple and see the results.

For sure brass/copper brushes will be softer and not mark as much.

Aside from that, make sure the wheel is OK for the RPM of your grinder and try sticking with good brands, to avoid brushes from coming out on you.

 

[jakemac]

1 - Keep in mind that most brass wire wheels that you'll find in the stores are just plated steel wires. I buy them mostly for the rust resistance.

2 - Good quality wire wheels are hard to come-by these days. Most easily available wheels in the stores are made in China. They tend to shed wires like a PO'd porcupine. Don't stand directly in line with the spinning wheel, and wear eye protection. A thick work shirt or sweatshirt helps as well.

3 - Better quality wheels can be found online, but the prices are (understandably) higher, and you'll have to pay shipping.

4 - I tend to stay with crimped wire wheels (both course and fine), as opposed to the knotted variety, for a softer touch. Knotted wire wheels are brutes, and are good for the "shock and awe" approach to stripping. They'll also grab and the throw the workpiece faster than the crimped wires if you aren't careful.

 

[FMC1959]

^^^^ What he said, he definitely knows his wire wheels better than I do.

 

[Fender1325]

Im curious what project that needs rust/paint removal would be suited to a bench grinder. I would think you'd be better off getting an angle grinder and flapdisks of various grit, maybe a grind disk as well.

Whatever you do always buy the highest quality disk/wheel you can afford and wear eye protection. For me, wire wheels rarely have an advantage and tend to shoot off bits of wire everywhere. Unless theres a lot of little grooves you need to get in, I think an angle grinder and flapdisk might be the ticket.

 

[twertsy]

I'd be interested to know the pricier brands to look for online? I'm tired of pulling them out of my chest.....and I never stand in front of the wheel. A couple days ago I pulled one out of my forehead!

 

[Faisal]

1 - Keep in mind that most brass wire wheels that you'll find in the stores are just plated steel wires. I buy them mostly for the rust resistance.

2 - Good quality wire wheels are hard to come-by these days. Most easily available wheels in the stores are made in China. They tend to shed wires like a PO'd porcupine. Don't stand directly in line with the spinning wheel, and wear eye protection. A thick work shirt or sweatshirt helps as well.

3 - Better quality wheels can be found online, but the prices are (understandably) higher, and you'll have to pay shipping.

4 - I tend to stay with crimped wire wheels (both course and fine), as opposed to the knotted variety, for a softer touch. Knotted wire wheels are brutes, and are good for the "shock and awe" approach to stripping. They'll also grab and the throw the workpiece faster than the crimped wires if you aren't careful.

what about WEILER brand ? still made in USA and the price is acceptable

http://kittstools.securesites.net/store/product3417.html

 

[d.mcfarland]

4 - I tend to stay with crimped wire wheels (both course and fine), as opposed to the knotted variety, for a softer touch. Knotted wire wheels are brutes, and are good for the "shock and awe" approach to stripping. They'll also grab and the throw the workpiece faster than the crimped wires if you aren't careful.

I'll add that the crimped wire wheels are better at not shedding nearly as quickly as the straight version. As far as how much they will strip compared to each other, it's nominal at best.

So, for heavy removal go with the twisted or knotted. For light or normal removal, go with the crimped.

Angle grinders are a different story.

 

[rick carpenter]

You can put a flap disk on a bench grinder.

 

[jakemac]

what about WEILER brand ? still made in USA and the price is acceptable

http://kittstools.securesites.net/store/product3417.html

Once upon a time, Weiler wheels were top-notch. I had one that lasted 10yrs of moderate to heavy use. It didn't shed wires or wear down nearly as much as the ones I've used since.

I haven't used that brand in years, so I couldn't say how they are today.

 

[FMC1959]

I know Walter has a great rep in abrasives (flap disks) and available globally, not sure how their wire wheels are.