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How to Grind Concrete with an Angle Grinder

An angle grinder is a power tool used for grinding and cutting. It’s one of the most common types of power tools found in construction sites and workshops. Because it’s so versatile, you can use it for a wide variety of tasks. One of these is grinding concrete.

Concrete is a tough material to work with. It’s abrasive and can be hard to remove once it’s set. That’s why it’s important to use the right tools when working with it. Angle grinders are thus some of the best tools for grinding concrete. Grinding a concrete surface to make it smoother and more visually appealing is possible if you use a grinder the right way.

• I. Benefits of using angle grinders to smoothen concrete

• 1. Versatility
• 2. Portability
• 3. Power

• 1. Choose among the best angle grinder models
• 2. Choose the right grinding wheel
• 3. Clean the concrete surface
• 4. Use a good dust collection system
• 5. Make sure to use safety gear
• 6. Work your way in
• 7. Watch out for overheating
• 8. Consider using wet conversion kits

• 1. Always wear safety gear
• 2. Check the maximum recommended speed of your disc
• 3. Make sure that your discs have been properly tightened
• 4. Keep two hands on the tool

Benefits of using angle grinders to smoothen concrete

If you have a rough concrete patio or concrete floors that you’d like to level, using a grinder can solve your problems. After all, it’s a reliable tool that can efficiently smooth out rough concrete surfaces. By using a grinder, you can remove any imperfections and create a smooth, level surface.

Versatility

You can use angle grinders for so many different jobs because they can work with a wide range of angle grinder discs. Thus, you have to simply use the right attachment to use with your grinder. You’ll then be able to do different jobs without having to use a different tool for each one.

Check out the different angle grinder uses for more ideas.

Portability

Another thing that angle grinders have going for them is that they’re easy to handle. They’re definitely not hand tools, but they’re also built to be easy to carry and maneuver. You’ll be able to cradle a grinder comfortably and securely in both hands without worrying about keeping it under control, even at high speeds.

Power

You can trust the best angle grinder to be powerful enough for tough jobs. Just make sure that you have the correct attachments, and you’ll be able to rely on the grinder‘s motor to give you enough juice to grind, cut, and remove material. Angle grinders with a speed of at least 10,000 RPM are best for grinding concrete.

What you’ll need

If you’re planning on doing anything with angle grinders, not just grinding concrete, you need to make sure that you have all the equipment and gear that you need. Here are the basic things you’ll need:

Respirator: Grinding concrete can produce large amounts of dust, which can be harmful to your health. Thus it’s best to wear a good full-face respirator to make sure that you won’t breathe in dust generated by the grinder.

Safety glasses: The dust can also get into your eyes, making safety glasses a necessity. To make sure that you’re well protected, wraparound glasses are likely the best choice. They can provide you with more protection and reduce the amount of dust that can get near your eyes even further.

Hearing protection: Angle grinders can get quite loud, especially when they work with tough materials. Loud power tools can be bad for your hearing, which is why effective hearing protection is essential.

Knee pads: It’s likely that you’ll be spending a significant amount of time on your knees while grinding concrete surfaces. You’ll be more comfortable if you put on knee pads, which can reduce the strain on your knees as you work.

Vacuum cleaner: It’s not enough to protect yourself from inhaling the dust generated by angle grinders. You need to periodically clean up any dust in the area, so it’s best to have a vacuum that has a large capacity.

Tips for smoothening concrete with angle grinders

Make sure that you have everything you need before you get started on grinding any concrete surface. We’ll also let you in on a few tips to help you ensure that you do a good job and end up with a smooth and level surface, be it at home or on the job site.

Choose among the best angle grinder models

The first thing you need to do is make sure that you have the right type of grinder for the job. Keep in mind that a more powerful grinder with speeds of at least 10,000 RPM is more ideal for grinding concrete. Check out our list of the best angle grinder models to find the right one for you.

Choose the right grinding wheel

Once you have the right type of grinder, the next step is to select the correct grinding disc. The most common type of grinding disc is the abrasive disc, which is used for general purpose grinding. Check your grinder to see which disc sizes are compatible with it.

Clean the concrete surface

Concrete surfaces, especially those outdoors, can be quite dirty and can have small pebbles, bits of dried leaves, and other kinds of debris. These can affect how well your grinder will work. Thus, make sure to thoroughly sweep up the concrete surface you intend to work on before firing up your grinder.

Use a good dust collection system

Angle grinders can produce a lot of dust. Some come with dust bags that can make dust management easy, but these dust bags typically aren’t very large. Unless you’re okay with having to stop working every few minutes to empty the dust bag, it’s best to set up an efficient dust collection system. See if you can hook up your grinder to your vacuum to make dust management easier.

Make sure to use safety gear

Angle grinders are a powerful tool that can grind, cut, and polish with speed and ease. It’s one of the most versatile tools in a mechanic’s or builder’s arsenal, but there are certain things that you need to be aware of before you get started. Perhaps the most important thing to learn is safe angle grinder uses.

Angle grinders already come with certain safety features that can help you, but you should also wear the correct safety gear to mitigate the risks of injuries.

Work your way in

Always start at the outer perimeter of the area you’re working on. Start grinding along the edges and progressively work your way into the center of the surface. This can help you work more efficiently and keep the surface level.

Watch out for overheating

Unless you’re working with a wet grinder, it’s likely that your grinder will heat up because of the friction. Thus, it’s important to keep an eye on how much your grinder heats up. If your grinder starts to get too hot, you can pause for a while until the tool cools down.

Consider using wet conversion kits

As previously discussed, angle grinders produce significant amounts of dust and tend to heat up quickly. However, wet angle grinders prevent dust from flying and spreading over the work area, and they also help reduce overheating. A lot of the options on the market are dry angle grinders, but you can buy a wet conversion kit if you’d like to safely use water with your grinder.

Safety tips for angle grinders

All power tools carry a certain degree of risk with them, even though they’re well-designed and come with safety features. Thus, these safety tips can help you further reduce the risks of using power tools like angle grinders.

Always wear safety gear

Put your respirator mask, safety eyewear, and hearing protection before you even turn the grinder. This will ensure that you’ll be protected against the dust and noise produced by the grinder. Additionally, you should make sure that you avoid wearing any loose clothing to keep it from getting caught in the grinder. If you have long hair, you should also keep it neatly tied up.

Check the maximum recommended speed of your disc

Regardless of which angle grinder discs you use, most if not all of them have a maximum recommended speeds. Make sure your know the maximum speed for the disc you’re using, and make sure that it matches the lowest speed setting of the grinder you’re using. You can check the packaging of the angle grinder discs you’re using to see what their maximum speeds are.

Make sure that your discs have been properly tightened

Keep an eye on the blade tightening mechanism of your grinder and learn correct and proper angle grinder uses. Some are designed for tool-free adjustments, while others will require you to use a wrench of some sort to make the adjustments. If you’re not sure how to secure the disc, you can watch tutorial videos that can show you how.

Keep two hands on the tool

An angle grinder can pack quite a punch. Though they’re relatively compact, you’ll still have to hold them with two hands to keep them safely under control. Put one hand on the side and the other on the rear. You’ll be able to easily maneuver the tool without losing control over it. Another important thing to keep in mind is to keep your fingers off the power button so you won’t accidentally turn the tool off or on.

Author Profile

Fagjun Santos is a content writer by day, recipe GIF enthusiast by night. When she’s not watching other people make food, she covers the good, the bad, and the technical in industrial equipment and various professional tools. Formerly a newbie at all things pertaining to HVAC, surveying, construction, and more, she can now tell a caliper from an angle finder.

Concrete Grinders Polishers. What types are there? Which one is best for you?

By Randy Wheelis Grinding, Polished Concrete

Knowing your concrete grinder types — and what they are used for — is critical for successfully completing your grinding polishing projects

There are many styles of concrete grinders to choose from and it can get both confusing and a little intimidating. Especially when trying to decide what design type is best for you and your projects.

This article will outline the basic types of concrete grinders on the market and address the positive (and negative) aspects of the most common machines.

MOST COMMON TYPES OF MACHINES

• Single head machines.
• Dual head machines.

• Three headed planetary grinder/polisher.
• Four headed planetary grinder/polisher.
• Multi-disk non-planetary grinders.
• Variable speed and reversible machines

SINGLE HEAD grinders

While there are exceptions, most single head machines are small and light (around 100. 300 lbs.)

And most will vary between 9” 18”, run on either 110 or 220 power.

WHERE WOULD YOU USE A SINGLE HEAD MACHINE?

They are great for smaller areas that bigger machines cannot access, edges and hard- to-reach areas like small rooms, bathrooms or offices or lightweight capacity floors.

These smaller machines are also really great for taking slight ridges and high spots out of a concrete slab. This eliminates the need for contractors to “float off” these ridges with a floor patching compound in order to prevent these imperfections from “telegraphing” or transferring through to the surface of the new material being installed.

These machines are cost-effective, lightweight and essential. EVERY flooring contractor should have a machine like this strapped to the inside of their van.

WHERE WOULD A SINGLE HEAD NOT BE THE BEST CHOICE?

Larger square footage projects are less suitable for a machine that has a single head, or a machine that is small and light in general. While t hese small machines will perform well on larger projects. the time involved (if you used a small machine only for a large area) is too great and most contractors will opt-out for a larger machine for higher productivity.

These smaller machines also wouldn’t do well on floors that need grinding to a flat consistent surface. because with the smaller footprint it is difficult to get that smooth consistent cut. A larger machine like a 24” or a 32” machine will produce a much more consistently flat surface.

DUAL HEAD MACHINES

Dual-headed machines are great for quickly producing an aggressive CSP, (Concrete Surface Profile). they are easy to use and cost-effective ; and are a common choice for a concrete grinding machine, especially in the rental market.

A dual headed machine with the correct diamonds can produce a CSP of 2-3, maybe even a CSP of 4 (a rougher finish) on some concrete. This profile is great for most epoxies, moisture mitigation systems, and is a great “blank slate” for skim coating in preparation for sheet goods, VCT, and carpet.

WHERE WOULD A DUAL HEADED MACHINE NOT BE A GOOD CHOICE?

These machines are typically not a good choice if you are polishing concrete. as they tend to slightly gouge the surface and fail to give the very smooth, consistent surface necessary for a good polished concrete floor that a true planetary grinder delivers. As we will see below.

THREE-HEADED PLANETARY GRINDER/POLISHERS

Here is where we start to get into the larger, more versatile machines that not only grind the floor to the desired CSP but are effective concrete polishers as well.

These machines can be chain-driven, gear-driven, belt-driven, or even centrifugal-force-driven, depending on the manufacturer.

WHAT IS A PLANETARY GRINDER?

A three-headed planetary grinder works like this. the large drum you see in the image above operates similar to a “solar system”. T his drum will rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise. The three cutter heads are the “planets”. With all three headed planetary grinders. all three heads will rotate in the opposite direction of the main drum/plate, providing an effective, consistent cut to the concrete. The heads working in opposite directions make for a machine that is balanced and comfortably controlled by the operator.

One difference between THREE headed machines and FOUR

As mentioned, with three-headed machines all three grinding heads rotate in the same direction. On a four-headed machine, 2 of the grinding heads rotate opposite from the other two. Think of it like this: The “North” and “South” heads will turn clockwise and the “East” and “West” heads will turn counterclockwise, resulting in a VERY smooth-running machine.

Also — a very important point — many of these machines are VARIABLE SPEED! This allows you to run these machines slower when “cutting” the concrete, producing the desired CSP. then speed up the machine when you begin to polish the concrete.

Another feature in most planetary grinders is that they are reversible. they will run either clockwise or counterclockwise. This is a nice feature for many reasons.

ONE. Sometimes diamonds will actually cut better and faster when you occasionally switch directions from clockwise to counterclockwise.

TWO. When using “directional” diamonds like a lot of PCD diamonds (PCDs are man-made, big aggressive diamonds) you must run them in the direction they are designed to be used as the image below shows. And, with a reversible machine it is easy to do.

FOUR HEADED PLANETARY GRINDER/POLISHERS

Four-headed, belt-driven planetary grinders — like the Predator grinder/polisher shown above — are considered by many to be the absolute Cadillac of concrete grinder/polishers. Why? Their effectiveness. their comfort to operate, and their utterly unrivaled ability to produce a high degree of clarity and reflection when polishing concrete.

They are (in my opinion) the best, period! This, however, is not to say that three-headed machines do not do well in this regard, they actually do very well producing a great shine and clear reflection, it’s just that a four-headed machine excels at it.

SHOULD I BUY A THREE- OR FOUR-HEADED PLANETARY GRINDER?

So the next question immediately is. What’s the difference between a four-headed and a 3 headed planetary grinder?

Three-headed planetary grinder PROs

• Three-headed machines use less tooling. So, this saves the contractor money.

Four-headed planetary grinder PROs.

Four-headed machine Cons.

When trying to choose between these two great types of machines I’d ask these questions.

“Do you do more concrete profiling to achieve the needed CSP and less polishing?” “Are you starting out in business and the cost of equipment is a concern?”

if your answer to these questions is “yes” then a three-headed machine is probably the choice for you.

But if you answer these following questions with a “Yes”.

“Do I plan to FOCUS most of my projects on polishing versus surface preparation?” “Will I FOCUS on high-value / high-quality customers and finish expectations?””Will my workload and project types support a higher quality/priced machine?”

Then most likely a four-headed machine is the best fit for you.

Power Trowels have been around for many years, they are used in the placement of wet concrete. But in recent years manufacturers have learned that the correct polishing diamonds attached to a float pan, makes a great polishing system with unheard-of production rates! While this system is NOT suited for some projects, where it is applicable, it is an awesome choice.

WHERE WOULD YOU USE A POWER TROWEL?

This system is a great choice for very large projects 20K sq. ft. and more. the reason for this is its very high production rates. this system is great for warehouses, production facilities and manufacturing floors.

WHERE IS THIS SYSTEM NOT APPROPRIATE?

Smaller, high-end, projects where wall and millwork finishes are already installed, as well as occupied spaces. the reason is that you must use a power trowel “WET” the floor must be flooded with water and polished using this “wet method ” and this method is just not practical for these types or projects.

MULTI-HEAD NON-PLANETARY MACHINES

These machines vary in size and number of heads. It’s common for this type of equipment to have between six and eight cutter heads, though there are machines with more heads and fewer. These machines have no main drum rotating, just the individual heads turn.

They are also operated differently than true planetary grinders. But with a little training, these machines can be a good option.

Like all the other styles mentioned, this type of grinder can be a good choice. or not. depending on the manufacturer. So, be sure to do your research before purchasing one.

a few more IMPORTANT POINTS

ANY MACHINE IS ONLY AS GOOD AS ITS TOOLING

Simply put, tooling selection is just as important as machine selection. You can do all your research and buy the best machine for your projects, but if you do not understand tooling, and do not use the correct tooling — in this case mostly diamond tooling — you will be unhappy with the machine’s performance.

So, do your research, educate yourself on how diamond tooling works, call your manufacturer and ask for directions from their tech-reps and trainers. Tooling and equipment manufacturers will typically have these resources available.

Here at Bartell Global, all our sales reps are very familiar with both the equipment we manufacture as well as the tooling options available for each machine. We also have a dedicated product trainer who responds to these inquiries every day. And we are by no means alone, most reputable manufacturers and distributors are more than willing to help, as we all want contractors to have a positive experience w ith the equipment we manufacture.

So, yes, there are a lot of types of concrete grinders to choose from. And, it can be a little intimidating. but with a little research and advice from Pros that have experience with grinders you can succeed! And choose the

How to Choose the Right Concrete Floor Grinder for the Job

When it comes to concrete polishing and surface preparation, a good quality, reliable grinder is absolutely essential. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. As a professional, it’s important to consider several factors before purchasing a concrete grinder to ensure that it meets your needs, such as power requirements, unit size, dry versus wet grinding, the availability of parts, and the support you can expect from your supplier.

In this article, we will discuss the key things to consider when selecting a concrete grinder.

Understand Your Power Needs for Concrete Grinding

The power requirements for your grinder as well as other equipment on the job site are the first and most important considerations.

Single-Phase 110V, Under 20″ (Small Grinders)

Single-phase 110V electric grinders are typically under 20 inches in width. These smaller machines are ideal for grinding in small spaces or hard-to-reach areas. For many contractors, these smaller machines produce similar results when compared to a hand grinder, only they keep the operator off their knees. While these machines do have their usefulness, it is generally recommended for professional concrete contractors to invest in a larger machine that provides better productivity.

Single-Phase 220V, 20-26″ (Medium Grinders)

Single-phase 220V electric grinders are an ideal (and Jon-Don recommended) choice for many small to mid-size jobs. Most 220V grinders are significantly heavier than a 110V unit, and jumping to a 220V circuit allows for a more powerful motor to spin the diamonds across the substrate. Single phase 220’s offer dramatically better ROI on your time and often produce a better grind overall.

These middle-of-the-road machines are great choices for residential garages, small commercial settings, and other moderately-sized spaces.

Three-Phase, 220V or 480V, 30″ (Large Grinders)

Three-phase 220V or 480V grinders typically offer a larger head size (30” or more) and are best suited for large spaces, such as warehouses or big retail centers. These larger, heavier models can offer greater productivity rates for big areas, allowing you to polish more with fewer workers.

It’s important to know if your job site offers power, and what the available connections are. You may need to invest in a generator or be prepared to work with an on-site electrician to configure the electrical hookups your equipment requires.

Propane Grinders

While propane grinders advertise higher peak horsepower and better portability, site-and region-specific regulations may apply to this power source. In some areas, propane is not allowed inside building due to the noise and exhaust that they produce. Users should also prepare for increased maintenance needs, such as oil changes, air filters, break-in periods, and valve adjustments.

OSHA outlines proper storage practices for propane, which should be followed at all times.

Wet Versus Dry Concrete Floor Grinding

For concrete polishing, there are two standard methods for concrete grinding: dry grinding and wet grinding. Both types of grinding produce the same results, so it’s often a matter of personal preference when it comes to choosing between the two. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Wet floor grinders feature an onboard water tank or water inlet where a hose can be attached. Water helps keep the diamond tooling cooler and prevents dust and debris from kicking up in the air. Grinding concrete can expose silica dust particles to the air, so keeping your grinding surface wet prevents those particles from becoming airborne. However, wet grinding produces a lot of slurry, which can require additional cleanup procedures. If you are prepping a floor to receive a resinous coating, your job time may be extended as you wait for the concrete to dry.

Other Important Considerations When Choosing a Concrete Floor Grinder

Your concrete grinder is an important equipment investment that you’ll have for a long period of time. That means it will eventually require maintenance and support to keep it in top performing shape. With that in mind, before you make your concrete grinder investment, consider the following:

Parts Availability

When choosing a concrete grinder, it is important to evaluate the availability of replacement parts. Grinders have many moving parts that can wear out or break over time. It is essential to choose a grinder that has readily available replacement parts to ensure that downtime is minimized in case of a breakdown. Jon-Don has unmatched parts availability with more than 10,000 replacement parts in stock.

Supplier Support

The supplier you choose to buy your grinder from can make a significant difference in terms of support and service. A good supplier will provide training and support to ensure that you get the most out of your grinder. They should also have a reliable supply of parts and offer maintenance services. Choosing a supplier with a good reputation for customer service and support means you won’t be left in the lurch if something goes wrong.

Jon-Don: Concrete Floor Grinder Experts

The concrete experts at Jon-Don know their stuff and will take time to match you with the right machine for the job. We’ll walk through all the most important considerations to help you make a more informed decision on your concrete grinder purchase. With us, you can expect:

Trusted Experts. Our team of knowledgeable experts are invested in your success and will guide you to the right products and procedures for your business

Ready to learn more? Shop our full selection of concrete grinders or call 800-556-6366 to speak with a Jon-Don concrete rep today!

UltraGrind

Propane Concrete Grinder Polisher The UltraGrind professional concrete grinder and polisher’s aggressive planetary action is gear driven, and eliminates cords and generators.

The UltraGrind is part of the Aztec WorkSmartTM Concrete System for cordless grinding, polishing and edging concrete and terrazzo floors.

The new Spray Mist Skirt is now standard on the UltraGrind, for dust control super-fine silica.

See the NEW Spray Mist Skirt in action HERE!

• PurepowerLPG 600 Series engine with battery key start
• Green certifications: EPA, CARB, LEED, CE
• US green building council LEED IEQ credit 3.4 requirements
• Optional engine meeting Blue Sky standards

Additional information

8 Gallon Water Tank EPA/Carb Certified Kawasaki 603cc Engine Locking Transport Wheel Adjustable Telescoping Handle Steel Body Construction Removable Panel for Easy Cleaning Engine Warranty: 2 years Machine Warranty: 1 year

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Aztec Floor Maintenance Floor Cleaning and Floor Polishing Machines

When investing in your next commercial floor maintenance equipment, look for floor machines that will save you time, money, and labor. From our terrazzo polishing and concrete floor grinding and polishing machines to our floor stripping machines and concrete refreshing machines, each is designed and built as a rugged piece of equipment that will be durable enough to last for years and powerful enough to help you clean better than the competition. High-productivity cleaning equipment like the Aztec Sidewinder stripper and the Lowrider propane floor burnishing machine will help you realize significant labor savings and substantial savings on chemical costs.

Aztec’s floor stripping and refinishing machines enable you to tackle the biggest jobs with the highest productivity and most efficient labor use in the industry. Aztec floor machines are known for high speed stripping floor finish at 15,000 sqft/hour, deep scrubbing VCT floor wax at 30,000 sqft/hour, and putting down multiple coats of floor chemicals, at up to 35,000 sqft/hour. The Aztec propane powered floor machines like our terrazzo and concrete floor grinding UltraGrind and polishing machines allow you to be more competitive in pricing and efficiency. Additionally, Aztec’s propane floor cleaning equipment is compliant with EPA and CARB emission standards, providing a safe work environment for whether it is in a cleaning schools, cleaning universities, cleaning industrial facilities, cleaning sports stadiums, cleaning large retail stores, or cleaning shopping malls.

Aztec’s propane engines are safe to use indoors, are equipped with custom catalytic mufflers, and have the LOWEST EMISSIONS IN THE INDUSTRY. Green Certifications include: CE, CARB, EPA, LEED and US Green Building Council LEED IEQ Credit 3.4 Requirements. Additional optional safety features of Aztec floor machines include: NEES electronic air/fuel mix controller to enable “Blue Sky” emission levels; emissions auto shut down; centrifugal clutch; dust control when available; and kill switch lanyard.

Aztec’s machines include an equipment warranty and an engine warranty and are PROUDLY MADE IN THE USA.

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