PLAY IT

SAFE
AT THE
WHEEL
GRINDING WHEELS USED
IN SETS (MULTIPLE WHEEL
MOUNTING): KNOW THE
RULES OR YOU MAY LOSE!
We receive calls from our customers asking us if they can mount several wheels
onto a single arbor in sets. Some of the grinding applications where it is
common to use multiple wheels on a single spindle are Centerless, Crank and
Cam (bearing) grinding. What are the rules for mounting several wheels onto a
spindle? What may happen if the correct procedures are not followed?
We have been asked, In applications with multiple wheels mounted on a single
spindle without spacers, can we mix and match grinding wheels from different
sets, different abrasive manufactures, different batches, etc.?
No, you cannot mix and match wheels from different sources. Multiple
grinding wheels used in sets without spacers (for example many Centerless
applications) must be manufactured and marked for use as a multiple wheel
set. Each wheel in multiple wheel setshas special tighter side and hole
tolerances. The sides must be parallel to each other and the holes must be
perpendicular to the side of the wheel. Also, the wheels are truedand
balancedas a set. Combining several grinding wheels and mounting them
onto a single arbor when they are not designed and manufactured to be used
as a multiple wheel setis dangerous for several reasons. The cross bending
stresses applied to wheels with uneven sides, and wheels with sides not
perpendicular to the wheels hole can break even the strongest wheel. Slippage
problems, irregular faces, and balance problems may also occur. As ANSI B7.1-
2000, page 80 states, When mounting wheels which have not been cemented
together, or ones which do not utilize separate spacers, care must be exercised
to use wheels specifically manufactured for that purpose.
Another good question has been, What are the requirements for applications
with multiple wheels mounted between spacers on a single spindle?
When multiple wheels are mounted between a single set of flanges using
spacers (for example cam grinding) the user must follow the ANSI
requirements.
For spacers less than .050" thick ANSI B7.1-2000, pages 79 and 80 states,
Spacers less than .050" thick, used between wheels which are mounted
between a single set of flanges, shall be equal in diameter to the flanges. They
shall be made of low compressibility material such as brass or soft copper.
Blotter material shall NOT be used in place of or in conjunction with thin
spacers.
For spacers thicker than .050" thick ANSI B7.1-2000, pages 79 and 80 states,
Spacers thicker than .050" may be steel and spacers thicker than 3/8" shall be
made of steel. When steel spacers are used, their diameter shall equal flanges
diameters, and the spacers shall be relieved so that bearing surfaces equal
flange bearing surfaces. Blotters shall be used between spacers and wheels.
Failing to follow this rule can lead to problems with the wheel slippage and
wheel breakage.
continued...
PLAY IT
SAFE
AT THE
WHEEL
GRINDING WHEELS USED IN SETS (MULTIPLE WHEEL
MOUNTING): KNOW THE RULES OR YOU MAY LOSE!
...continued
Sometimes we receive questions like, We have several thin cut-off wheels and
would like to mount them onto a single spindle to create a thicker Type 1 wheel.
Is that safe?
No, that would be dangerous. If you need a cut-off wheel, purchase a cut-off
wheel and if you need a thick Type 1 wheel, order a thick Type 1 wheel. Dont try
to Rube Goldberga grinding set-up.
A gentleman was injured when his employer mounted two bench grinding
wheels on a bench grinder/electric motor. The two wheels were on a short
spindle (designed for a single wheel) and the single end nut would only thread
onto the spindle by less than a single thread. The single end nut and one of the
wheels fell off the machine (no wheel guard) causing the operator to be struck by
the wheel and injured.
The spindle length and machine wheel guard is an indicator of the size and
number of wheels that can be safely mounted on a single spindle or machine.
NEVER MOUNT THICKER OR MORE WHEELS THAN THE MACHINE SPINDLE IS
DESIGNED TO HOLD!
Never alter a machine with a longer spindle than the machine is designed to
hold.
Never cut guards away to use longer spindles or mount additional wheels
onto a machine!
Improper wheel mounting can cause wheel breakage, personal injury and even
death.
Roger E. Cloutier
Senior Product Safety Engineer
Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc.
PO Box 15008 - M/S 413-201
One New Bond Street
Worcester, MA 01615-0008
Tel. (508) 795-2690, Fax (508) 795-5120
Email: roger.e.cloutier@saint-gobain.com