Grinder Wire Wheel

[HaroRider]

Hey all, I just picked up an 8" Wilton (Jet) grinder. I was just wondering what everyone runs on their grinders in regards to grit for a geinding wheel and what size wire for a wire wheel. Im mostly going to use it for automotive puropses. I plan on buying USA made wheels.

I guess Im looking for something middle ground all puropse for cleaning rusty bolts a small parts.

Thanks, Tom

 

[shawhite]

Norton is what I used before I switched to 3m bristle wheel and the multitool attachment.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I run two wire wheels - a coarse and a fine. Both cheap-o **** from ACE. I abuse the hell out of them and replace them quite often.

On the other grinder I have both a coarse and a fine wheel.

Gotta have all of 'em for lawnmowers.

 

[seber]

If you only have one stone, make it 36 grit. Fine grit wheels last forever on most grinders. Guess why. I have a very fine wire wheel for rust and a heavy one for everything else. Both are the best quality I can buy and they last a very long time.

 

[shawhite]

I don’t miss having a grinding wheel one bit and can change grits in seconds. I have a lot better control and less fatigue using the bristle wheel

 

[laser3kw]

after using a wire wheel or cup brush on my grinder, I pick wire needles out of my clothes and skin for a couple of days.

 

[seber]

after using a wire wheel or cup brush on my grinder, I pick wire needles out of my clothes and skin for a couple of days.

High quality wheels almost eliminate that.

 

[four.cycle]

^ who makes one?

 

[seber]

^ who makes one?

I have a Pherd and a Walter mounted at present. Warning, they aren't cheap.

 

[laser3kw]

High quality wheels almost eliminate that.

I do concede that the wheels I was using were off the shelf from a BBS. Walter (brand) has a very good representation for good wheels.

 

[goldtang]

I have two, 8 inch grinders, one has a Josco wire wheel on one side and a multitool attachment. The other grinder has 2 fine grinding wheels Aluminum oxide and silicone carbide mainly used to sharpen drill bits. Since I bought the Multitool attachment it get used the most quick to change and it will do every thing including plastic and wood .

​

 

[GreenMars]

If you only have one stone, make it 36 grit. Fine grit wheels last forever on most grinders. Guess why. I have a very fine wire wheel for rust and a heavy one for everything else. Both are the best quality I can buy and they last a very long time.

What is the brand that you get which you consider the best?

 

[goldtang]

PFERD or Norton is my choice

 

[jonshonda]

PFERD or Norton is my choice

Both good choices. So is a full face shield and a welding jacket to fend off the wires.

 

[39 LaSalle]

There might be better ones out there, but I've had good luck with Forney wire wheels. Made in USA and modestly priced. I use a wire wheel quite a bit and haven't had a problem with excessive shedding. I can easily get three years out of one with regular usage. Any wire wheel that gets used is going to lose some whiskers over time, just be sure to wear some safety glasses. I've never felt the need to wear a face shield and body armor to fend them off though. If anything, those tiny jabs as they bounce off my face and body are a good reminder to me why you need to wear safety glasses.

 

[HaroRider]

What wire gauge are you guys using to clean up rusty fasteners and such?

 

[Nutria]

Norton ~40 and 80 grit wheels. Weiler 0.008" and a coarser Weiler for wire wheels.

 

[seber]

My bad. I said Pherd and Walter. Should have said Pherd and Weiler. For rust, I use the finest wire I can get. That way there is no abrasive damage.