Bench grinders are power tools that help you fit a chisel, plane iron or other cutting tools to an edge of the wood. Maintaining a bench grinder is important because the machine is very expensive. If it is not maintained then it will not be in good working condition for a long period of time. There are several steps that must be taken before and after use to lengthen the life of your bench grinder.
If you treat your bench grinder well, it will last a long time and require little maintenance in the future. To do that, here are some steps you should take and things to keep in mind.
1. Keeping it clean is important
Before starting your bench grinder, clean out the wheeling system and make sure that it is oiled. You can clean out the wheeling system by removing all the shavings and other forms of debris from inside. Keep in mind that you will need to clean it out after every use, but you should also remove the dust and debris at least once a day. After cleaning out the wheel system, fill up the area where you removed your wheel with a light amount of metal cutting oil.
2. Remember to use oil
Remove the wheeling system from the machine and oil it with a small amount of oil. You can use a rag if you have one or simply spray some oil over the wheels. This keeps the wheels from becoming dry while helping you not touch them directly. After you have oiled the wheeling system, make sure that there are no chips or dust in the area of the edge of the grinder. This may be a good time to oil those areas.
3. Remember to clean after
Once you are done using the grinders, it is important to properly clean them so they are ready for the next use. Make sure that all of the metal shavings and dust are removed from your bench grinder and that nothing remains on its surface that could obstruct working parts of the grinder during use again.
4. Consistency is key
Because bench grinders are made out of cast iron, which means they will rust if you do not clean them out regularly. Use a wire brush to remove any rust on the grinder and protective shields to keep dirt and dust from settling on the grinder. A light wax can also be used to keep an already clean surface from becoming too shiny and slippery for the grinding wheels.
Lubricate all of the exposed metal parts with light oil on a regular basis. This will keep your bench grinder running smoothly for years to come. For more information about building supplies like bench grinders, contact a supplier.