HOW TO READ A GRINDING WHEEL SPEC

The Measurement of a Grinding Wheel

Diameter of grinding wheel x Thickness of grinding wheel x size of arbor hole -

We will reference the AA Abrasives #60397 - 12x2x1-1/4 Pedestal Grinding Wheel T-1 Vitrified A36 - from our Vitrified Bonded Grinding Wheel Series.

12=Diameter x 2=Thickness x 1-1/4=Arbor Hole

*Note that the arbor hole can be bushed down meaning a bushing may be inserted in the arbor hole to reduce the size of the arbor hole.

Pedestal Grinding Wheel

What does the rest of the description mean after the size?

T-1 means the grinding wheel is flat. This is also referred to as a Type 1 Grinding Wheel or a straight toolroom wheel;

Vitrified is the bonding of grinding wheel;

A36 - A means it is an aluminum oxide grinding wheel and the 36 means the grinding wheel is composed of a medium grain size also known as grit.  See the grain size chart below.

A/O  also means aluminum oxide;

RPM is the Revolutions Per Minute or Maximum Operating Speed  - not all specifications will show this. The tool, the grinding wheel and application must be in agreement to ensure safe operation.

Grinding Wheel Specification Sheet

Grain Size/Grit:

Coarse: 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 20, 24

Medium: 30, 36, 46, 54, 60

Fine: 80, 100, 120, 150, 180

Grade:

Soft: B, D, E, F, G, H

Med:  I, J, K, L, M, N

Hard: O, P, Q, R, S, T

Bond:

V- Vitrified

B- Resin

B2: Resin Bonded

BF: Reinforced Resin

Grain Types:

A- Dark Aluminum Oxide – Most common grain. Used for Heavy Duty General Purpose

AS3- 20% Ceramic Aluminum Oxide, 30% Pink Grain, 50% White Grain. Excellent for form and corner holding.

AZ- Blue Aluminum Oxide- Grinds fast with excellent cool cutting action and requires minimal dressing.

RA- Red Aluminum Oxide (Ruby)- Harder grain and sharper than PA & AZ wheels good for steels with high level chromium

PA- Pink Aluminum Oxide- General Purpose Grain that is tough but friable. Tool Room sharpening applications.

WA- White Aluminum Oxide- Highly friable grain for fast cool cutting. Good for light grinding on all steels particularly on tool and die steels.

GC- Green Silicon Carbide- very friable use for carbide grinding applications.

AA Abrasives carries its own line of Grinding Wheels.  We are also an authorized distributor of Norton Grinding Wheels. 

Visit our webstore to view our full line of abrasives and industrial power tools.

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