Grinding Wheels & Wheel Dressers

Bench grinders and pedestal grinders use grinding wheels to sharpen tools and shape metal.  Aluminium oxide wheels handle steel, while silicon carbide wheels are suited to non ferrous metals and carbide.  Wheel dressers true and clean the grinding surface to maintain efficiency.

What are grinding wheels used for?
Grinding wheels are abrasive discs used on bench grinders, pedestal grinders, and surface grinders for sharpening tools, shaping metal, deburring, and precision surface finishing. They come in various grits and compositions for different materials including steel, carbide, cast iron, and non-ferrous metals.

What are wheel dressers and why are they important?
Wheel dressers are tools used to restore and maintain the shape, sharpness, and surface cleanliness of grinding wheels. Over time, grinding wheels become glazed, uneven, or clogged, reducing their effectiveness. Using a dresser:

• Exposes fresh abrasive grains

• Reshapes the wheel for precision work

• Improves surface finish and grinding accuracy
  Common types include diamond dressers, star wheel dressers, and dressing sticks.

How do I choose the right grinding wheel and dresser for my application?

• Grinding wheels:

  • Aluminum oxide for general steel and tool sharpening

  • Silicon carbide for carbide, glass, or non-ferrous metals

  • Choose grit size based on finish needed: coarse (36–60 grit) for fast removal, fine (80–120+) for polishing and sharpening

  • Match the wheel size and bore diameter to your grinder

• Wheel dressers:

  • Diamond dressers for precision reshaping

  • Star wheel dressers for fast material removal

  • Dressing sticks for maintaining abrasive surfaces
    Always use wheels within their rated RPM and wear appropriate PPE during dressing and grinding.