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  1. #1
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    Default Grinding Tungsten Carbide ?

    Hi . Whats the best thing for grinding and shaping Tungsten Carbide?

    Ive just Brazed some old TCT blades onto some angle iron for Band saw blade giudes and want to re shape them a little

    And I also want to regrind chipped router bits back sometimes to give them some more life .

    Rob

  2. #2
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    Best thing is a Diamond wheel, next best thing and less dollars is a green silicone carbide wheel

  3. #3
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    Default

    Thanks but what sort of diamond wheel ?
    Not the diamond like disks that go on angle grinders ?

  4. #4
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    Default

    Hi Rob,

    I use a CBN wheels purchased from Banggood PT No:1001580 This one has a wedge shaped edge. There are a couple more, one with a square edge and another that is a dished wheel. I can't lay my hands on the part numbers for these at the moment. The prices range from £9 down to £6, so not expensive. But do make sure to check them very carefully for damage to the abrasive edges. The first wedge shaped edge one I got was cracked. It came without any protective packaging, just in a poly bag. I'm waiting for the replacement.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  5. #5
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    Default

    So is this sort of diamond wheel on the right?

    And the green one second choice on Left ?


    1.pngUntitled.png

  6. #6
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  7. #7
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    Default

    @ Baron: I don't believe grinding tungsten carbide does CBN wheels any good - although I have heard of other people doing it. Diamond is definitely faster.

    @ Auscab: Green wheels used to be a lot cheaper than diamond wheels, not so any more.
    These will work really well: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/262873246259
    or this kind : https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/272594305832
    or even these: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/253253497466 - they are metal, but have no maximum rpm listed. I'd be cautious for a while running them in an angle grinder - unless its variable speed or a cordless one. I have a larger one of these on a 1440rpm motor and it works extremely well!
    Cheers, Joe
    retired - less energy, more time to contemplate projects and more shed time....

  8. #8
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    Default

    Thanks China Baronj and Joe .

    Great links thanks Joe . Ive got a Metabo 125mm angle grinder with speed control . A great tool . If I can fit it to that?

    Did you get the larger one for the 1440 rpm motor off ebay as well?

    Rob

  9. #9
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    If you are using the wheel for router cutters you will be better off with this style https://www.ebay.com.au/p/100mm-Bowl...119&opts=opick

    not recommending the product just a example to show the shape (CBN are not suitable for Tungsten)

  10. #10
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    Hi Guys,

    This gets confusing ! The wheels that are brown in colour, while advertised as "Diamond" I'm given to understand, from a UK manufacturer, are "CBN". The ones that are white or very light grey are "Diamond".

    I might add that I've found that the plated Diamond surface cracks off the metal backing very easily, so you have to be very careful that you don't dig into the wheel when using.

    Joe: I've used CBN wheels for grinding both HSS and carbide with no noticeable ill effect. In fact I've just received a 1200 grit Diamond wet stone and its surface is a bright off white colour and feels very sharp to the touch.

    So unless there is some definitive data this remains my opinion.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  11. #11
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    Just remember Tungsten Carbide is a matrix of Tungsten particles glued together with other elements especially cobalt. You need cobalt to live, but too much is not healthy. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobalt_poisoning
    Gold, the colour of choice for the discerning person.

  12. #12
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Default

    With apologies to those that have seen this many times before, I use a $10 diamond lapidary wheel on a variable speed grinder.
    TP1.jpg
    I agree with Joe on care needed with speed on a conventional in an angle grinder
    Plus a conventional bench grinder that holds the wheel steady is a much safer and controlled way too, one slip and you might grind off the wrong spot

    There have been extensive studies on Co poisoning, mainly from TC grinding on workers in TC manufacturing facilities and it was found that they can be exposed to excess Co but remember these worker are exposed for 8 hour a day in an environment where there are large amounts of TC dust generated by multiple grinding stations. Hence, unless you are Co sensitive, exposure of even a few hours a week should not over expose anyone.

  13. #13
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    Default

    Thanks RC !! I didn't know that . I read about cooling the wheel when using for prolonged life and I suppose that is the best way of avoiding intake is it ? Use coolant and do the grinding outside , do it over a bed of fine sawdust to catch it and dispose of in rubbish ?
    I'd probably be spraying water .

  14. #14
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    Default

    Great Bob thanks , that's both ends of the risk sorted and understood . Good to know . I've never noticed variable speed grinders except one belonging to a jeweller friend . I'll look into that . Being able to grind tungsten is something I've needed to get up to doing for years .

  15. #15
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BaronJ View Post
    So unless there is some definitive data this remains my opinion.
    Hi BaronJ,

    FWIW here is a quote from a manufacturer of abrasive wheels:

    Diamond wheel on steels and CBN on carbides?
    We get asked quite frequently if a diamond wheel can be used on steels and CBN on carbides. We do not recommend this as the wheel life will be greatly reduced and in some cases, the wheels may not even cut at all. A diamond wheel is specifically used for carbides, plastics and other synthetic materials. It will not grind steel well at all. CBN wheels should only be used on steels. There is a hybrid grit available that will grind both; However, it is a compromise in wheel life and grind-ability. But in cases where you must grind both materials at the same time, it can be a real time saver.

    It can be found here:
    https://www.georgiagrindingwheel.com...els_basics.htm

    Regards,

    Frank.


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