Grinder Safety, RING TEST YOUR WHEELS!

[Uncle Buck]

Since the subject of grinding wheel safety and cracked wheels have come up in a thread or two in recent days I thought it might be a good idea to introduce those who do not know to the "Ring Test" open the following links to learn more.

For seasoned old timers just go with me on this, not everyone knows this stuff!


http://www.cdc.gov/elcosh/docs/d0400/d000460/d000460.html

http://www.summitholdings.com/safety/safetyTalks/grinderSafety.pdf

http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/abrasive_wheels/wheels.html

BTW The Ring Test is very important, I have heard of cases where stones setting on the shelf at the store are tested and fail, which only stands to reason. Just because a stone is new does not mean it will necessarily pass a ring test. Important stuff there!

 

[old salvage]

Thanks holmberg.
I did not know that.

 

[ImportTuner]

Thanks ... good info to know when some day, I get a grinder ...

 

[malibu101]

I was taught years ago to start a grinder and stand off to the side until it comes up to speed.
Assume someone walks by the grinder and bumps it (cracks it) with something they are carrying. You will know it when they hit full speed!

 

[jimvannoy]

I've lost track of the number of times I have ground, wire brushed, or burned my finger prints off using a grinder.

 

[Blacktooth Grin]

I had never heard of this until I was at an OSHA seminar last month. I still haven't done it, but now I've heard of it.

 

[Kevin54]

For seasoned old timers just go with me on this, not everyone knows this stuff!

I've seen a few large (or at least large for our shop) 12" x 1" surface grinder wheels explose because someone forgot to "ring them in". And with a surface grinder, you are talking some high rpms. It will definately make you tinkle some.

I've lost track of the number of times I have ground, wire brushed, or burned my finger prints off using a grinder.

One of the worst cuts for infection is from a grinder. for one there are all kinds of contaminates in a grinding wheel. for another, when it peels the hide off, there is no skin to cover the wound back up, leaving it susceptible to infections.

I looked at the sites and it showed where to tap for the "ring test" but I didn't see where is really said how to do it other than with a plastic hammer. I always hang the wheel off of either a wooden dowel or a shaft of some type then tap it. By holding a wheel in your hand and tapping, it absorbs the ring and may leave you unsure as to whether it is good or not.

 

[kvom]

This topic was covered in my first machining class last week. The instructor used a wooden hammer handle.

Another important point is never to remove the paper labels that surround the hole. These are necessary to provide even clamping on the sides of the wheel. If a label is missing cutting a circle from a manila envelope is a good substitute.

 

[ZRX61]

I've lost track of the number of times I have ground, wire brushed, or burned my finger prints off using a grinder.

Try stuffing a knuckle into a deburring wheel sometime....

 

[jimvannoy]

Try stuffing a knuckle into a deburring wheel sometime....

Been there, done that. Got the scar on my knuckle as a prize......

 

[eschoendorff]

I had never heard of this until I was at an OSHA seminar last month. I still haven't done it, but now I've heard of it.

Same here...I'll have to try it out tomorrow.

Good post UB