Cutting Wheels for Angle Grinders: What to Know and How to Pick the Right Tool for the Job

What is a cutting wheel?

The key advantage to using a cutting wheel and angle grinder is that they are easily configured to cut when needed.

.045 cutting wheels are designed specifically for cutting metal and have a much thinner thickness (known as “Kerf”) than grinding wheels (1/4”) and pipeline wheels (1/8”).

This is because grinding and pipeline wheels are mainly designed for grinding metal as opposed to cutting. The added thickness of a grinding wheel makes it difficult for cutting jobs, as the user would need to remove more material in a cut, leading to a longer cutting time and frustration. 

Here’s some other facts you need to know about our grinding wheel catalog:

• United Abrasives .045 wheels are the best choice for efficient cutting. They should never be used for deburring metal after cutting or grinding. This type of misuse could result in wheel failure resulting in severe injury.

• United Abrasives .090 wheels are designed for cutting and notching metal. Notching is a shearing process during which a metal scrap piece is removed from the outside edge of a metal workpiece prior to welding.

• Our most versatile cutting wheel is the Ultimate Combo wheel which has a .095 thickness. This product allows operators to cut, notch, deburr and light grind without the need to change the wheel.

Types of cutting wheels 

There are two basic configurations of cutting wheels: 

• Type 41(1): This is a flat cutting wheel that allows for a maximum depth of cut. The main disadvantage of using a Type 1 wheel is that they mount closer to the guard making it more difficult for the user to see what they are cutting. 

• Type 42(27): Originally developed and patented by United Abrasives, this design features more of a rigid feel while cutting, enhanced operator visibility of the cut, and the ability to flush cut as the raised hub allows for the locking nut to be recessed. These wheels are also available with our 5/8-11 quick change hub for ease of mounting. 

Grains

As we detailed in our last post, the grains within any abrasive are what actually do the cutting or grinding.

The grain used in a cutting wheel determines the disc’s cutting speed, life and cost ratio. You’ll find three different types of grains our cutting wheels:

• Ceramic – Ceramic grain utilizes the latest technology in abrasives. By design, it features thousands of sharp cutting edges which fracture under relatively light pressure and expose new sharp cutting edges. Ceramic cutting wheels allow for a very long life and fast cutting speeds. Ceramics also tend to cut cooler, minimizing discoloration while maximizing product life. Within the United Abrasive product line, the SAITECH and the Ultimate Ceramic cutting wheels both feature ceramic grain technology.

• Zirconium – Zirconium grain has an extremely durable design. These wheels are used for high performance cutting with long life and feature a low cost-per-cut ratio. Within the United Abrasive product line, the Z-Tech cutting wheels feature zirconium.

• Aluminum Oxide – Aluminum Oxide is the most common abrasive grain and delivers very good cut rates and durability. It tends to have a lower initial cost for the user which lends to its popularity. Within the United Abrasive product line, the A60S and A46N feature aluminum oxide grain.

So, which wheel do I use?

It depends on what you’re cutting and your preferences. Use the chart below to help you determine the appropriate wheel.

Still Need Help?

If you’re still unsure which product is right for your job, check out that product application search we mentioned above (click here to access it), or feel free to contact us directly.