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Re: Wire brush wheels

To: ps4330@okc01.rb.jccbi.gov
Subject: Re: Wire brush wheels
From: Brian Kelley <bkelley@ford.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Aug 1996 14:25:38 EDT
Peter Schauss writes:

> I initially tried it in my die grinder (1/4" air driven) and it worked very 
> well.  The shape of the die grinder is ideal for getting into tight 
> spots.  However, I noticed that the die grinder has a rated speed
> of 22,000 rpm while the wire brush wheel is rated at a maximum of
> 4000 rpm.  Does anyone know where I can get wire brush wheels with
> an appropriate speed rating (1/4" shaft) or, conversely, is there
> another type of air tool which would be more appropriate
> for this purpose?  

Any of the major industrial houses sell them - production tool, MSC,
etc.  Your local welding supply stores should also have them.  The
4000 rpm units are intended for use with electric drills.

You might find that the "rope" style brushes last longer and give a
better whack.  The rope style brushes weave the strands into roughly
1/4" diamter wire ropes.  It is rare that I choose to use an
individual strand style brush.

Also, 22,000 is too high for most brush jobs.  I've found that few
brushes will maintain an acceptable level of balance at those speeds.
An out of balance condition is hard on the die grinder and hard on
your hands.

Assuming that you're using an electric, I strongly suggest you spend
$45 and buy an adjustable speed control for your die grinder.  There's
a big difference between a light dimmer and a true speed control.  The
speed control uses a feedback circuit that allows you to run at low
speeds with almost no loss of torque.  I've used mine for a couple of
years now and I've had friends who have used them for longer with
no problems.

I find mine invaluable, especially when I have to stick a carbide burr
in a small hole!  I don't think a throttle on an air powered die
grinder can really compare.

I bought mine from Russ Simpson Co - 810-771-2768.  They call them
Router Speed Controls.

  Brian


--
bkelley@ford.com
Not grinding for Ford.


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