Grinding Brass

[David Maddux]

I have been told not to use a grinder on brass material, because the wheel can explode. Is it safe to use a flap disc on brass? Dave.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Ordinary sanding belts and disks work fine.

Gerald J.

 

[Anonymous-0]

The reason that we are told not to grind Brass, is because it loads up on the wheel just as Aluminum can.. It is not a case that brass is explosive when touching a wheel.. I have been a machinist/toolmaker for 30 years, and I grind brass on a benchgrinder. The secret is to use light pressure, and use a Huntington Star dresser when the wheel starts to load up. Also, it is a good idea to use a dust mask, brass is not good to breathe.. And safety glasses are REQUIRED !

 

[jose bagge]

I thought it just loaded up the wheel....
coarse file will knock material off very well

 

[Anonymous-0]

There is one thing to watch on grinding metals.Fellow had a belt grinder he was using to get some rust off iron parts.His son had used the machine to grind aluminum.The aluminum and iron powder formed thermit that flashed and scorched dads beard and eyebrows.Ive done brass polishing,used emery powder glued to cotton wheels.Brass and aluminum are best kept off grinding wheels.Also know that the spark stream can start a wooden bench top burning.Stand aside when starting any grinder.This is when wheels blow up.Ring test all wheels before mounting wheels.I have found cracked wheels.

 

[BigMarv1085inGa.]

Some type of samding disc, pad, or belt works best. Just beware of magnesium.

 

[Anonymous-0]

In the past month in Iowa a voc ed teacher lit the shop grinding on a hammer on a belt sander that had a pile of wood dust under it.

Gerald J.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Grind them all the time. Dress the wheel before you start, during if needed when wheel loads and after you finish with a dresser star wheels or stick. The wheeled dressers work best and faster and star wheels are replaceable. BTW I see no one mentioned the green silcon carbide wheels recommened for non ferrous metals like brass and aluminum and tungsten carbide.
Green grinding wheels

 

[jokers]

I know a guy who nearly lost a nut to an exploded wheel from a grinder. He was grinding aluminum when the wheel loaded and came unglued. Guess he got a real nasty infection and, also ended up with a sack containing one kiwi and one grapefruit for awhile.

OUCH!

 

[RobMD]

Oh gawd.

 

[Waltmo]

Ran nonferous for thirty years. Did a lot of grinding brass castings. You need to use a wheel made for brass. These wheels shed more easily thus keeping it from loading up. Still need to use the wheel dresser from time to time to keep the wheel round and balanced. You need a rest (guard) to hook dresser on and go lightly to hit the high spots until they are gone and the dresser contacts the wheel gently all the way around. Make sure you have the guard within 1/8" of the wheel.

 

[Mike of the North]

The old grinder hand at the shop I worked at, used a green wax on the wheel to keep it from loading up.
Mike