Choosing the Right Cutting Disc: A Guide to the Different Types in Kenya

Cutting disks are specialized tools for cutting hard materials, as they come in different sizes and types and are commonly used in industrial and construction settings.

This article will help ensure you select the most appropriate disc type for a specific task. The cutting disc fits the particular needs of your project and avoids purchasing the wrong kind of disc, which could lead to poor results or accidents in the workplace.

Types of cutting discs

Some common types of cutting discs;

Diamond cutting discs

These disks have diamonds fixed on the surface of their edges and are used for cutting hard materials. They offer high-speed and precision cutting.

Grinding discs

They are used for grinding surfaces and removing burrs, rust, and other materials from metals.

Cut-off discs

They come in different thicknesses and help make precise cuts.

Masonry discs

They are designed to cut through bricks, stone, and other masonry materials and all weather.

Metal cutting discs

They are designed specifically for cutting through metal.

Flap discs

They are used for smoothing and blending surfaces, mainly in dust and other coating surfaces.

Wire wheels

They are used for stripping paint, removing rust, and cleaning metal surfaces.

Factors to consider when purchasing a cutting disc

Material

Different materials require different types of discs. For example, some materials like concrete and stone require a diamond cutting disc, while others like metal and wood require a different disc type. The hardness and density of the material being ground also affect the choice of the cutting disc.

Size

It affects how much material can be removed in a single pass. A larger cutting disc has a larger surface area, meaning more material can be removed per disc rotation. However, the size of the disc must also be appropriate for the tool being used, as different disc sizes correspond with various power tools. The size has a significant effect on the cutting disc price in Kenya.

Speed rating

It determines the maximum safe operating speed of the disc. A cutting disc’s speed rating should match the power tool’s speed rating to prevent accidents and ensure optimum disc performance. If the tool’s speed is too high for the cutting disc, it can cause the disc to break, resulting in serious injury to the operator. On the other hand, if the speed of the tool is too low for the cutting disc, it can cause the disc to wear out quickly, reducing its efficiency and effectiveness.

Thickness

It affects the disc’s durability, precision, and effectiveness. Thicker discs are generally more robust and have a longer life span, but they can be heavier and may offer less precision. Conversely, thinner discs provide the advantage of greater accuracy, but they can wear out faster and may need to be able to stand more rigid materials.

Safety

When using a cutting disc, use appropriate safety equipment such as eye goggles, ear protection, and gloves to prevent any harm while the operational effect is underway.

Conclusion

Selecting a disc that is not appropriate for the material you will be working on can result in poor performance and may cause damage to both the workpiece and the disc.

Choosing the right thickness of the cutting disc is essential to ensure optimum performance and results depending on the type and hardness of the material being ground, the power and speed of the tool, and the desired level of precision.