Can an Angle Grinder be used to Polish Metal?

Grinder

Angle grinders are powerful tools appreciated for their ability to cut, grind, and shape various materials. But can they effectively be used to polish metals? The answer is a resounding yes. Angle grinders are well-suited for metal polishing, offering a practical and efficient means of achieving a smooth, gleaming finish on a wide range of metal surfaces.

This article delves into the products, techniques and tips for using an angle grinder in the metal polishing process. Whether you’re looking to restore the shine to a weathered metal object or aiming for a professional-grade finish on a project, an angle grinder can be a valuable asset in your metal polishing toolkit.

Table of Contents

Shopping List for Polishing Metal

Creating a shopping list for Polishing Metal is a crucial step to ensure you have all the necessary supplies for achieving a shiny, polished finish on your metal projects.

Angle Grinder: Any Variable Speed Angle Grinder
Flap or Fiber Disc: We recommend a sanding disc of P80 or P120, they may take more time but the scratches will not be as deep as those produced by P40 and you will achieve a smoother finish.
Blend Discs: These discs are reasonably aggressive, but they give a nice finish to the surface and will also remove all scratches left by the disc.
Polishing Disc: Achieve the perfect mirror finish with a Felt Polish Disc. Its function is same as that of the flap disc, but instead of abrasive flaps, it has felt flaps.
Polishing compound: There are a variety of polishing compounds available, so choose one that is appropriate for the type of metal you are polishing and the desired finish.
Safety Glasses – Because safety comes first.
Gloves – Unfortunately humans cannot grow back their digits.
Rag or towel – To clean up the metal being polished as well as the various surfaces around you.

How to Polish Metal with an Angle Grinder

Let’s get to the actual polishing part:

Step 1 – Clean the stainless steel surface. Use soap and water or a degreaser to remove any dirt, grease, or oil.
Step 2 – Grind the stainless steel surface with a 80 or 120 grit Flap Disc. This initial step will remove any surface oxidation and prepare the metal for polishing.
Step 3 – Switch to a Blend Disc and grind the stainless steel surface once more. This further refines the surface, getting it ready for the polishing stage. This step is optional depending on the type of finish you want.
Step 4 – Attach a Felt Polish disc to the angle grinder.
Step 5 – Apply a small amount of metal polishing compound to the polishing disc.
Step 6 – Turn on the angle grinder and start polishing the stainless steel surface. Use light pressure and move the angle grinder in a circular motion.
Step 7 – Continue polishing the stainless steel surface until you achieve a mirror finish. You may need to apply more polishing compound as needed.
Step 8 – Finally, wipe away any excess polishing compound with a rag or towel.

Video Tutorials

Here’s a video by Norton Vertex on the topic of polishing with an angle grinder.

Not enough? Here’s another video by Rhodius on achieving a high-gloss finish with an angle grinder.

Safety Tips

Ensure that the metal piece you’re polishing is securely clamped or held in place to prevent accidents and maintain control.

Start with a coarse polishing disc and work your way to a finer disc.

If your angle grinder has variable speed control, start at a lower speed to get a feel for the process and increase speed as needed.

Keep the angle grinder at a consistent angle throughout the process. This helps ensure an even finish.

Apply polishing compound sparingly. Too much polishing compound can make it difficult to achieve a good finish.

If you are polishing stainless steel, use a special stainless steel polishing compound. This type of compound is designed to remove surface oxidation and create a mirror finish.

Don’t overheat the metal. If the metal gets too hot, let it cool down before continuing to polish.

Wear safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator. This will protect you from flying sparks, debris, and dust.

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