How to Select Cutting Wheels These tips will help you choose and then safely use the right cutting wheel for your job Agood weld starts with good preparation, and good weld preparation starts with a clean cut. But cutting is an art that requires both skill and knowledge of how to select and use the best cutting wheel for the job. The type of cutting wheel to use for a given application depends largely on what material will be cut. However, at the end of the day, there is no substitute for proper technique when it comes to gaining cost savings and productivity. Welders will always prefer a cut line that is smooth and consistent to make a clean, strong weld joint with as little filler metal as possible. The goal when cutting any material is always to use the fastest and sharpest method to cut smoothly and without contamination. The biggest challenge welding operators face when choosing the right wheel for the cut is whether speed and smoothness are the priority, or whether durability is most important — Fig. 1. Lower-cost wheels generally have softer bonds — offering a smooth, fast cut. Because the bond is softer, these wheels are typically less durable. On the other hand, harder wheels offer exceptional durability but tend to cut more slowly. Finding the balance between speed, life, and cost is often the biggest challenge, and simply selecting the least expensive wheel option can end up costing the user valuable time and money. Selecting the Best Cutting Wheel Profile Typical cutting wheels range from 0.030 to one-eighth in. thick. The two 86 WELDING JOURNAL / DECEMBER 2016 BY RICK HOPKINS THE AMERICAN WELDER Fig. 1 — When choosing a wheel, operators must decide whether speed and smoothness are the priority, or whether it’s durability.
Welding Journal | December 2016
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