Abrasives for aluminum?

[nocheepgas]

My local supplier sells Sait grinding discs that I use on occasion, but they are pretty rough. Sanding discs and flap wheels both build up material and quickly fail. Any recommendations on a good abrasive for aluminum in the 60- 120 grit range?

[spence648]

I pretty much use the flap wheels on my four inch grinder and sanding disks on my die grinder, various grits from 60 then finish with 240, i have found using water and dawn dish soup in a spray bottle helps them not get clogged to quick, wd 40 works amazing but i do not use this if im going to weld on it, Also if not actually trying to remove a lot of matieral stainless steal wire wheels work good on the grinder and die grinder too.

[kiwi]

Here is some information that may help you.

PRICE: $1.99 each
ITEM#: FD4.5-KK732X
Flap Disc 4.5" Special Disc for Grinding Aluminum. Contain a calcium stearate coating that liquefies under heat to keep the disc cooler and to prevent loading on soft materials such as Aluminum, bronze and copper.

Twice as long service life as traditional flap discs on aluminum
Special liquifying agent prevents loading and glazing on aluminum
Less expensive and faster grinding than grinding wheels specifically designed for aluminum.
Please call 908-892-2865 or e-mail [email protected] if you have any questions.

Nick

[MMW]

Use a stick wax. You rub it on sanding discs or grinding wheels to keep them from clogging up. Go to Mcmaster.com & punch in # 1379K63.

[bayweld]

+1 on the dish soap and water in the squirt bottle....(I use Joy)...Use it for sanding, drilling, and machining, it leaves things clean and no problem welding after using soap....

[H80N]

Long before specialized abrasives for grinding aluminum.... the Do-All wax sticks did a pretty good job of stopping abrasive load up..... and a lot of people figured out that wax toilet bowl rings worked just as well as the name brand Do-All stuff.... at a fraction of the cost....

[kiwi]

I just thought for $1.99 for each disc that it was not very expensive.
Nick

[Danno]

I pretty much use the flap wheels on my four inch grinder and sanding disks on my die grinder, various grits from 60 then finish with 240, i have found using water and dawn dish soup in a spray bottle helps them not get clogged to quick, wd 40 works amazing but i do not use this if im going to weld on it, Also if not actually trying to remove a lot of matieral stainless steal wire wheels work good on the grinder and die grinder too.

Do you have a ratio for the water/soap mix you have found that works for you?

Danno

[H80N]

Do you have a ratio for the water/soap mix you have found that works for you?

Danno

if you are gonna use water/soap..... make sure it is with an AIR or rechargeable-battery grinder NOT plug in Electric..... the shocking conclusion may disturb your enjoyment if not your life...

AND

That the abrasives that you are using have wet-r-dry adhesive.... otherwise it will not work so well...

[spence648]

I guess ive never really figured a ratio, nothing elaborate just a good squirt of soap then fill with water,

oh yeah and i do use air grinders, and no adhesives the pads screw on.

it also works good on saw zaw blades when cutting aluminum, I used to use the stick wax but found one day when i had a spray bottle for checking for leaks that soapy water works good too. I use dish soap and warm water to clean the aluminum too. my wife always wonders where all the dish soap goes.

[1930case]

and a lot of people figured out that wax toilet bowl rings worked just as well as the name brand Do-All stuff.... at a fraction of the cost....

Sweet. I'll be trying that.