How to Change Bench Grinder Wheels?

Bench grinder consists of a motor shaft at the ends of which two numbers of grinding wheels are attached. A bench grinder is defined as a type of grinder that is workbench-mounted. Various cutting tools are hand grind by using this tool. One of the essential components in the structure and operation of a Bench Grinder is the wheel.

In this article, the method of changing the wheels of a Bench Grinder shall be discussed.

Steps to be followed to change the wheels of a Bench Grinder

Before beginning the process, you must take the necessary precaution. Wearing safety glasses is a safety measure to be followed. Another vital factor to be checked upon is that the amount of torque that is given to screw up the bolts for putting the wheel in position is not beyond the recommended level. This is to be ensured as, in the other case, there are high chances that the disc will come off while the tool is put to operation. Before beginning the procedure, you must also ensure that the new wheels that are used for the replacement are of the correct speed rating and the size of your grinder.

Some tools are required to effortlessly and efficiently replace the wheels. The necessary tools are listed below. Make sure that you have all these in your immediate surrounding before initiating the process.

• Screwdriver
• Safety gloves
• Safety glasses
• Adjustable wrench
• Replacement wheel
• Lubricating oil

Step 1: Safety must be given the primary concern

While dealing with power equipment, the priority should be given to safeguarding yourselves and your surroundings. For this, prescribed safety precautions shall be followed to avoid any possible danger. It must be checked that The bench grinder is not plugged to the primary power source. If the machine is connected to any backup power source, the operator must make sure that it is also disconnected or unplugged.  Do look out for any danger that is likely to be caused t the connection with the power source. If found any, they must be conveniently detached.

Step 2: Be familiar with your tool

Getting to know the working of your bench grinder is essential. Even if you confident in using the machine, you should give a quick trial. This act is believed to ease the task. Thus, before moving on to the chief procedure, it is recommendable that you check the bench grinder quickly and have a trial to analyze its working. This trial will give you an idea of which all parts require a replacement. Also, scan the instruction manual that comes along with the machine as you buy it. This will educate you on the safe means of disconnection and replacement of the wheels of the bench grinder.

Step 3: Eliminate any possible hindrance

In most bench grinders, there exists a safety guard that can be disconnected. This allows the quick and simple removal of the wheel.

Step 4: Get your old wheels detached

Examine the bench grinder and find out the spot of the driveshaft. Once determined, loosen the washer and nut that holds the disc by using a suitable wrench. Keep away these things safely so that you will not lose them. Lubricating oil shall be applied on the nut and shaft joint if you feel stiffness.  Ensure that your hands are safe by protecting it with safety gloves and then detach the wheel.

Step 5: Fix up the new wheels

You must have carefully observed how the old wheels were positioned before removing it. Get the new wheels and similarly place them. Based on the type of disc used for mounting, the method by which it is connected varies. Thus, you must note the positioning earlier. Insert the new wheels alike and move it into the furthermost point that is possible. Once this is done, tighten the newly placed wheels employing nut and washer.

The nut shall be fastened back in the spot with the help of a wrench. An important thing to be noted here is that while tightening the screws, you need not do it to the full amount possible. You can leave a tolerance as once the wheels are set to motion; they will get tightened naturally on its own.

Step 6: Examine the machine

Once the above step is completed, you have removed the old wheels and has replaced them with a new one. But to make sure that it is successful, you should give a quick trial check. Plugin the machine and take a close watch on as the wheels get turned. Carefully observe and watch out for any unusual movement or sound. If you discover something atypical, like a noise or a wobble, quickly disconnect the machine from the power source by unplugging it. Then only set out to rectify the problem. Try undoing the wheels if required and bring in the necessary alterations. Once set, again, go for trail running. If everything seems well and good, switch off the machine and unplug it.

Concluding note

If ever you own a workshop, a bench grinder is one of the unavoidable tools that you must have. The equipment is used to carry out a multitude of tasks. Some of them are fixing up the blades that are broken, getting the dull tools sharpened, and polishing and mending small steel pieces.

However, bench grinder also requires timely replacement of its parts similar to all other machines. One of the main components that are to be replaced at regular intervals of time is the wheels of the bench grinder. This replacement is necessary to ensure that most of the tools can be attained, and the device can be put to efficient operation.

Replacement of the wheels is an easy task that can be done by you. However, if you are not confident enough, you may hire someone to do it for you. By going through the steps on how to change how wheels of a bench grinder are detailed in the above paragraphs, you might get insight and confidence into doing things on your own. The only thing that should be strictly enforced is the safety measures to be followed.