Industrial grinding machines are a staple in dozens of industries, used both to produce components and maintain the tools that support manufacturing processes. Grinders use abrasive wheels or drums to remove material and refine the surface finish of products and components. In most cases, grinders are used to maintain the metal tools that are used in the machining and cutting of other materials, such as timber and steel. Choosing the correct grinding machine can have a marked impact on your business, significantly prolonging tool life and allowing equipment operators to keep their machines up and running for longer.
Face Grinder
Among the most flexible grinding solutions available for timber workshops, face grinders can be used to maintain a range of tools, such as planing knives, finger joint cutters, circular saw blades, profile cutters and CNC cutterheads. By combining a circular grinding wheel with highly adjustable tool rests and tables, face grinders can be used to reface almost any cutting surface. When paired with precise adjustability parameters, face grinders can accept a variety of grinding tooling and be used to achieve even the highest quality finishes. Because they are often used to maintain carbide tools, most face grinders are equipped with a built-in coolant system to manage heat and improve the finished result.
Drum Grinder
Rather than using a circular grinding wheel, drum grinders use abrasive cylinders to remove material. Drum grinders are especially useful for removing material on workpieces that are cylindrical or which have a large surface area. In some cases, two drums are combined to form a centreless grinder. Centreless grinders forgo the need for a chuck or other tool holders, instead of using the opposing rotation of the drums to centre the workpiece – usually a cylindrical component – and provide an even finish all the way around.
Knife Grinder
Interchangeable knives power many of the timber industry’s most powerful and commonly used timber processing machines. The quality of the knives that a workshop uses has a major impact on the finished product. Quality knives that are kept in good condition result in better, more refined finishes, adding value to products and reducing the amount of labour each component requires.
Keeping your knives and cutters in good condition becomes much simpler with the help of a dedicated knife grinding machine. Knife grinders are precisely what they sound like – computerised grinders that allow for the precise refinishing and maintenance of knives. Knife grinders come in two main types:
- Straight knife grinders are designed to sharpen knives with straight blades. Most knife grinding machines come with a high degree of precision and variability, allowing the operator to adjust the grinder to account for the degree of wear on a knife and the finish required.
- Circular knife grinders are used for sharpening circular knives, most commonly used for cutting, trimming and slicing applications.
Profile Grinder
While most grinders are set up to cut straight faces, many timber workshops use profile knives to quickly and efficiently cut intricate shapes, especially for mouldings. Profile grinders use a familiar circular grinding wheel setup to cut and maintain profile knives. The unusual shapes require a greater level of precision and adjustability to ensure the grinding wheel can reach the cutting surface without damaging the surrounding parts of the knife. Since profile knives are often custom made, having the ability to precisely maintain them can reduce expenses and improve product consistency.
Looking to Invest in a Grinding Solution? Get in Touch With Stirling Machinery Today
Grinding machines are an excellent way to boost productivity and prolong the life of your tools and equipment. If you are interested in adding a grinder to your timber workshop, the team at Stirling Machinery would be happy to hear from you. Our range of equipment features heavy-duty construction and high-quality components that are designed to stand up to whatever you can throw at them. Speak to us today and let our team design a grinding solution to suit your business.
