The Inland Craft Wizard IV grinder is a specialized tool designed for grinding glass, primarily used in stained glass art and other glass crafting applications. It is intended for indoor use and requires adherence to specific safety guidelines to prevent injury and ensure proper operation.
Function Description:
The Wizard IV grinder uses diamond-coated bits to shape and smooth glass edges. It features a water-based coolant system to lubricate the grinding bit, prevent airborne glass dust, increase grinding speed, and prolong the life of the diamond surface. The machine is capable of both general grinding and intricate work, including drilling holes in glass with the appropriate accessories.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Grinder Bits: The standard kit includes a 1" 100# diamond grinder bit and a 1/4" 100# diamond grinder bit, each with an Allen wrench for installation. These bits contain nickel, which is noted as a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer (P65Warnings.ca.gov).
- Coolant Reservoir: Designed to hold 12 ounces (1½ cups) of clean water. An optional Inland Craft diamond coolant can be added to enhance bit life and grinding speed. Overfilling is explicitly warned against due to potential electrical shock and motor damage. Antifreeze should not be used as a coolant.
- Motor: Features permanently sealed and lubricated motor bearings, requiring no internal maintenance. The motor shaft requires lubrication (Inland Craft motor shaft lubricant or Vaseline) when changing or removing grinding bits to prevent the set screw from seizing.
- Power: Operates by plugging into a grounded electrical outlet. Power is controlled by a two-way switch on the left side of the machine.
- Materials: The machine is designed for grinding glass. Users are cautioned against grinding materials containing poisonous elements such as uranium, mercury, lead, and arsenic.
Usage Features:
- Setup:
- Place on a sturdy, level surface with ample working area, away from open electrical outlets.
- Do not place on a towel, in a pan, or on carpeting.
- Fill the coolant reservoir with 12 ounces of water up to the ridge on the coolant level indicator. Do not pour water directly onto the grinder bit or down the motor shaft.
- Install the 1" grinder bit by inserting the BitSert into the work surface, then the splash guard into the BitSert. Lubricate the motor shaft before sliding the grinder bit on, ensuring the set screw aligns with the flat side of the motor shaft. Lower the bit until just over 1/8" of the diamond is exposed above the work surface, then secure it.
- The included yellow sponge, placed in the rectangular hole behind the BitSert, feeds coolant to the grinding bit. It must make contact with both the coolant in the reservoir and the diamond surface of the bit.
- The FaceShield provides protection from grinding debris and is installed according to its packaging instructions.
- A built-in storage compartment in the coolant reservoir tray is available for small items like bits, wrenches, and sponges.
- Operation:
- Always wear proper eye protection (safety goggles or glasses with side shields).
- Wear proper apparel; avoid loose clothing, gloves, neckties, or jewelry that could get caught. Secure long hair.
- Ensure the work area is well lit and clean.
- Never operate unattended or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
- Never run diamond grinder bits dry; adequate water is crucial to prevent damage and the formation of hazardous dust.
- Start grinding with light pressure, moving the glass back and forth across the bit. Gradually increase pressure.
- If a white paste forms, check sponge placement and coolant level.
- As the diamond surface wears, loosen the set screw, move the bit up to expose a new 1/8" section of diamond, and re-secure.
- Drilling Holes (with 1/4" bit and SecondStory work surface):
- The 1/4" grinder bit is placed on top of the 1" grinder bit.
- The optional SecondStory work surface (included with the 1/4" bit) has a built-in coolant reservoir and makes drilling easier.
- To drill, hold the glass at a 45° angle against the upper edge of the bit, then slowly move it down onto the bit in a horizontal, circular motion, ensuring the glass and diamond remain wet. Reduce pressure as the bit breaks through to prevent chipping.
Maintenance Features:
- General: Minimal but important maintenance. Always disconnect from power before servicing. Clean and dry the machine after each use.
- Motor Shaft: Apply Inland Craft motor shaft lubricant or Vaseline whenever changing or removing grinding bits. Remove bits if the grinder won't be used for more than a week.
- Coolant Reservoir Tray: Remove and clean every four hours of use, or more often if grinding heavily. To clean, remove grinder bits, then the work surface. Lift the tray, scrape glass sludge into trash, and rinse clean. Reassemble as per assembly instructions.
- Work Surface: Reversible. When one side wears, flip it over. Replacements are available online.
- Coolant Sponge: Periodically rinse to remove grinding residue. Squeeze under running water to clean. Replace when worn.
- Switch: Keep the switch clean to prevent glass slurry from building up in the contacts, which can create a live connection due to metal oxides in colored glass.
- Motor Housing: Do not open; there are no user-serviceable parts inside.
Accessories:
Optional accessories and additional grinder bits are available at inlandcraft.com. These include:
- Jewelry bit: For grinding grooves around glass, cabochons, beads, and buttons. Available in 220# diamond grit, 1 mm and 1.4 mm thickness. (SKU: 40190, 40194)
- Diamond drill bit: For drilling precision holes and intricate details. Available in 3/8" diameter. Requires the grinding/drilling bit adapter. (SKU: 40338)
- Grinding/drilling bit adapter: Used with the diamond drill bit for precision holes without removing the 3/4" or 1" grinding head. (SKU: 40317)
- MagnaShield: Similar to the FaceShield but with a built-in optical convex magnifying surface to reduce eye strain. (SKU: 50018)
- LED lamp attachment: Attaches to the grinder for additional light, with three color settings. (SKU: 10011)
- Diamond coolant: High lubricity, water-soluble coolant to increase grinding bit speed and prolong bit life. (SKU: 50011)
The product is manufactured by Reentel International Inc. in Westmont, IL, USA, and is marked "made in USA." Support and further information are available via phone, email, website (inlandcraft.com), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube (youtube.com/inlandcraft). Product registration is encouraged for warranty requests.
Need help?
General
To Next Page