The WEN 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder is a versatile power tool designed for a variety of tasks, including grinding, sanding, and cutting. Engineered to WEN's high standards, it offers ease of operation, dependability, and maximum user safety, ensuring rugged, trouble-free performance when properly cared for and used for its intended purpose.
Function Description
The primary function of the WEN Angle Grinder is to facilitate material removal and shaping through abrasive action. It achieves this by spinning a disc at high speeds, allowing users to grind down surfaces, cut through various materials, and prepare workpieces. The tool is particularly effective for tasks involving structural steel, heavy weld beads, steel casting, stainless steel, and other ferrous metals. Its design emphasizes control and safety, making it suitable for both experienced users and those new to angle grinders, provided all safety instructions are followed.
Usage Features
The WEN Angle Grinder incorporates several features to enhance its usability and control during operation.
- Ergonomic Design: The tool is designed with a side handle that can be threaded into the front housing on either side, allowing for comfortable and balanced control. This auxiliary handle is crucial for maintaining maximum control over torque reaction or kickback, which can otherwise lead to a loss of control and potential personal injury. Users are strongly advised to always use the auxiliary handle for safe operation.
- Spindle Lock: A spindle lock mechanism is integrated to facilitate easy and secure disc changes. By pressing down the spindle lock, the spindle is prevented from rotating, allowing the outer flange to be tightened or loosened with the supplied lock nut wrench. This ensures that grinding discs are securely attached before operation.
- Adjustable Wheel Guard: The wheel guard is a critical safety feature that protects the operator from broken wheel fragments and minimizes the amount of exposed wheel during use. Its position can be adjusted to accommodate different operations, ensuring maximum safety. To attach the guard, users must loosen the guard release/lock screw, position the guard on the spindle neck, and then fasten the screw to secure it in place. The guard should always be between the user and the wheel, with its opening directed away from the body.
- Grinding Disc Assembly: The tool uses a specific assembly process for grinding discs. First, the inner flange is placed onto the spindle, aligning its grooves with the spindle nut. Then, the grinding disc is slid onto the spindle, followed by the outer flange, which is screwed into place with its protruding lip facing downwards to fit snugly into the center of the grinding wheel. The spindle lock and lock nut wrench are then used to secure the assembly. It is essential to use the supplied outer and inner flanges that match the spindle's thread size.
- ON/OFF Switch with Lock-on Feature: The grinder is equipped with a side-mounted ON/OFF switch. It features a lock-on start switch, which requires users to press the outermost tip of the switch to turn it off. This design helps prevent accidental start-ups. Users are cautioned not to turn the grinder on or off while it is under load, as this can significantly reduce the tool's lifespan.
- Operating Technique: For efficient grinding, users should hold the tool with both hands to manage motor torque and twist. The angle grinder should be started before applying it to the workpiece, allowing the disc to reach full speed. Similarly, the tool should be lifted from the workpiece before turning it off. Optimal grinding is achieved by maintaining an angle between the wheel and the workpiece of 15° to 30°. A flat wheel can be difficult to control, while too steep an angle can cause burning. When using a new wheel, it is recommended to grind while pulling the tool backward until the wheel's edge becomes rounded, as sharp corners can "bite" into the workpiece when pushing forward.
- Accessory Compatibility: The grinder is designed to work with 4.5-inch diameter grinding discs with a 7/8-inch arbor size. It is crucial that any accessory used has a maximum safe operating speed greater than the tool's no-load RPM (11,000 RPM) to prevent the accessory from flying apart and causing injury. Depressed hub grinding wheels are not suitable for cut-off operations, and woodcarving blades should not be used due to the risk of kickback and loss of control.
Maintenance Features
Proper maintenance is vital for the longevity and safe operation of the WEN Angle Grinder.
- Pre-Use Inspection: Before each use, a thorough inspection of the tool is recommended. This includes checking for loose hardware, misalignment or binding of moving parts, damaged cord or electrical wiring, cracked or broken parts, and any other condition that might affect safe operation. Any damaged parts should be repaired or replaced before use.
- Grinding Wheel Inspection: Before using or installing a new grinding wheel, it must be inspected for chips and cracks. Damaged wheels should be removed immediately. After installation, the tool should be run at no load for at least one minute, held in a direction away from people. This test helps identify wheels with flaws, which typically break apart during this period.
- Cleaning: Regularly cleaning the tool's air vents with compressed air is important to prevent excessive accumulation of powdered metal inside the motor housing, which can lead to electrical failures. After use, external surfaces of the tool should be wiped with a clean cloth.
- Cord Care: The power cord should be protected from sharp objects, excessive heat, and damp/wet areas. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced only by a qualified service technician.
- General Tool Care: Maintaining tools properly involves keeping them clean and in good working order. Following instructions for lubricating and changing accessories is part of this.
- Vibration Management: This tool vibrates during use, and repeated or long-term exposure to vibration can cause temporary or permanent physical injury. To reduce this risk, users are advised to wear suitable gloves, take vibration-free breaks, and grip the tool as lightly as possible while maintaining control. If any abnormal vibration occurs, use should be stopped immediately, and the tool should be maintained as explained in the manual.
- Dust Management: Dust generated during grinding operations can be hazardous to health. The tool should always be operated in a well-ventilated area, and proper dust removal should be provided for, utilizing dust collection systems whenever possible. Wearing a face mask or dust mask is recommended to combat dust produced.
By adhering to these usage and maintenance guidelines, users can ensure the safe, reliable, and effective performance of their WEN 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder for years to come.
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