General Grinder Precautions:
Stationary bench grinders and portable grinders basically remove
material by contact with an abrasive wheel or disc, wire wheel
brushes and buffing wheels. There are safety precautions that
apply to both type grinders and other specific recommendations
that apply to specialized grinding operations.

Before operating a grinder compare the date on the nameplate
with the voltage source and be sure the voltage and frequency
are compatible.

Remove material or debris from the area that might be ignited by
sparks. Be sure others are not in the path of the sparks or debris.
Keep a properly charged fire extinguisher available.

Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
complying with current national standards and a full face shield
when needed. Use a dust mask in dusty work conditions. Wear
hearing protection during extended periods of operation.

Do not wear gloves, loose clothing, jewelry or dangling objects
that may catch in rotating parts or accessories. Tie back
long hair.

Your work area should have adequate, shadow free lighting.

Maintain proper footing and balance. Never attempt to grind in an
awkward position. A portable grinder can kick and glance off the
work if not properly controlled.

Always disconnect the tool from the power source before installing
or changing wheels or discs. Use only those wheels and discs
marked with a rated speed that is at least as high as or above the
speed rating on the nameplate of the tool. Don't use an unmarked
wheel.

Handle or store discs and wheels carefully to prevent damage
or cracking.

Mount wheels and discs in the manner described and with the
hardware (flanges, nuts, and blotters) provided or recommended
by the manufacturer of the tool, disc or wheel, in the owner/
operators manual.

Be careful not to over-tighten the spindle nut. Too much pressure
will deform the flanges and stress the wheel. Never operate a
grinder without the proper guard in place.

After mounting a wheel or brush and replacing the guard, stand to
the side and allow a one minute run-up at no load to test integrity of
the wheel. Your grinder should come up to full speed each time
before you contact the workpiece.

Do not apply excessive pressure to the wheel or disc that will stress
the wheel, overheat the workpiece and reduce your control.

Bench Grinders: Safety eye shields provided with bench grinders
must always be used in addition to operator eye protection.

Toolrests and spark guards are adjustable to compensate for wheel
wear. They must be reset when a new wheel is installed or after a
wheel has been worn or dressed. The distance between the spark
guard and the wheel should be within 1/16 in. The toolrest should
be slightly below the center of the wheel with 1/8 in. or less
clearance from the wheel. This prevents accidental jamming between
toolrest and the wheel.

Grinding wheels should be tested before mounting. Tap the wheel
lightly with a nonmetallic implement such as the handle of a
screwdriver. If it produces a ringing sound, it is in good condition. If
it sounds dull, replace the wheel. DO NOT USE A CRACKED WHEEL.
Check your owner/operators manual for proper procedures.

Grinding wheels should be trued and dressed when worn out of round,
or the surface face is clogged or worn smooth. This provides a clean
sharp grinding surface and rebalancing of the wheel.

New wheels should be balanced by dressing and truing to eliminate
vibration and possible mishap. Check your owner/operators manual.
Don't operate a grinder unless you are certain the grinder, its base
and/or pedestal are securely mounted.

Use only the type and size flanges provided with the grinder.

PORTABLE GRINDER: If you drop a portable grinder or a wheel,
inspect carefully for damage.

Portable straight grinders should use only high strength,
bonded wheels. Position this type grinder away from you and allow
to run for one minute before contacting work.

Tuck point grinders are a variation of straight grinders and are
equipped with reinforced abrasive discs and the appropriate guard,
and by purpose engage in very dusty work. A dust mask and face
shield in addition to safety glasses with side shields is highly
recommended. Maintain firm control of the tool. Never overreach.
Carefully maintain balance.

Do not allow the grinding wheel to bend, pinch or twist in the cut.
Kickback may result.

Angle grinders are primarily used with reinforced abrasive
discs or wire cup brushes for the proper wheel and guard
combination is critical and must follow the manufacturer's
recommendations contained in the owner/operator manual.

Many angle grinders are equipped with guards that may be mounted
with the opening in a variety of positions. Take care to position the
guard to provide you with maximum protections. Many angle grinders
may be converted for use as sanders. When guards are removed for
sanding operations, it is essential that guards be replaced before
again being used for grinding.

Hold an angle grinder firmly with both hands to avoid recoil caused
by jamming or wedging.