If you carefully read through my Dewalt post-2015 media event power tools preview, you would have caught brief mention that Dewalt was coming out with a slew of new angle grinder accessories.
To be perfectly honest, I missed much of what was said about these new cut-off wheels and flap discs, other than “better,” “lasts longer.” I’m sure that “high performance” was thrown in there too, maybe even “faster cutting performance,” but I can’t be certain.
Advertisement
Well, a whole slew of new Dewalt XP ceramic cutting wheels and flap discs just popped up on Amazon.
I don’t remember much of the how’s or why’s, but the demo did seem to show impressive longevity – that much I remember seeing. On the table were spent cut-off wheels from earlier demos, meant to show that the new Dewalt cut-off wheels certainly did outlast competitors’.
The next time I need to do some cutting, I’ll likely buy one of these new Dewalt XP ceramic cutting wheels.
I have a couple of Dewalt cut-off wheels already in my power tool accessories box, but I’m sure they’re expired by now. Yes, abrasive wheels expire and should not be used past the marked date.
If you decide to try one for yourself as well, check the description on Amazon. One of the 4-1/2″ cut-off wheels is described as Type 27 (offset) when it’s really a Type I (flat).
The 4-1/2″ cut-off wheels are pricey, at ~$9 each. They’re also a little thicker, at 1/16″ (0.0625″) compared to 0.045″ for a lot of general purpose metal-cutting wheels. But if they last appreciably longer, then the extra investment might be worth it.
Advertisement
As for the Dewalt XP ceramic flap discs, I know nothing except for Dewalt’s claims, which is that they perform 50% faster and last 2.5 times longer than the brand’s standard flap discs.
The 4-1/2″ discs are priced at around $10 to $12.50 each.
According to the Amazon product descriptions, the cut-off wheels are made in Canada, and the flap discs in Argentina.
Buy Now(Cutting Wheels via Amazon)
Buy Now(Flap Discs via Amazon)
KL
If only available in .0625 they better cut WAY better as this thick is otherwise like trying to use a butter knife compared to .045
fred
A number of other makers have gone to 1/16 or even 1/8 inch thick on some of their wheels. Here’s a list of some that I know about:
Vendor Part No. UPC Type Dia. COO
FREUD – AVANTI PRO PBD045063101F 008925094371 Type 1 4.5 INCH CHINA
FREUD – AVANTI PRO PBD050063101F 008925094418 Type 1 5 INCH CHINA
FREUD – DIABLO DBD045063701F 008925094531 Type 27 4.5 INCH SPAIN
FREUD – DIABLO DBD045125701F 008925094388 Type 27 4.5 INCH INDIA
FREUD – DIABLO DBD0650125X01F 008925094586 Type 27 5 INCH SPAIN
FREUD – DIABLO DBD070063701F 008925094739 Type 27 7 INCH SPAIN
NORTON 05251 076607052513 Type 27 7 INCH CHINA
Stuart
I’ve seen 1/8″ discs, but haven’t tried any yet. That size seems to be half cutting wheel and hand grinding disc, meant for cutting applications where thinner disc breakage is almost guaranteed.
fred
Yes – its more the Type-27 discs like the Diablo DBD045125701F
that are 1/8 inch thick
Mike
They’re really meant for arbors where 1/16″ wheels are too thin to fit. Frankly, they make cutting a chore due to removing much more material than necessary.
Bill
Stuart, your comment regarding “Yes, abrasive wheels expire and should not be used past the marked date”, is news to me. I have never noticed such a expiration date printed on any abrasive grinding or cut off wheel. In fact I just went out to my garage to see what I have missed and out of the various 4.5″ cutting & grinding discs that I own, mostly Dewalt & Diablo, there is no sign of an expiration date. I can only assume that it makes since that some of the bonding agents in the discs could breakdown over time, but if there is an expiration date to be followed they do a good job of hiding it. In fact in the image you posted above of the new Dewalt disc I could not find an expiration date.
Stuart
Different brands might have different recommendations. Some of my wheels have expiration dates on the metal piece that surrounds the arbor hole.
Norton’s recommendation for bench grinder abrasive wheels is 2 years (PDF).
Cut-off discs, grinding wheels, and flap discs should all be inspected before use. There are a couple of things to look for, and the ubiquitous “ring test” is a quick way to check for fractures. (Norton PDF).
Yes, the bonding agents could break down over time. UV light, humidity, temperature fluctuations, and other factors could also lead to degradation.
Will a cut-off wheel or grinding wheel self-destruct if used 1 day after it’s expiration date? Probably not, but why take the chance?
rick
@$10+ per flap disc (that is way expensive!), I’m hoping they are beyond great. These guys have always given great value/performance-for-dollar:
http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com/abrasives/coated-abrasives-flap-discs
Mark S.
“Ceramic” to me means “aluminum oxide” which for grinding wheels means less heat. That would in the long term mean less wear and tear though the aluminum oxide wheels I’m used to are softer than their silicon counterparts.
Jerry
Always the trade-off. Spend more for a longer lasting disk, and hope you don’t break it, or go with cheapos you know won’t last as long, but are no big loss if broken. One observation I have made is the better disks not only last longer, but sem less prone to breaking. Hopefully these will also be that way. They almost have to be, for the price.
Michael
I don’t know if I would buy these or not. I do know that the ceramic sanding disks are very good. But, the cost of these are only a little higher than other good disks
Mick
the date stamp is normally on the middle metal ring, it’s a “best by”, depending on how the discs are stored they can last longer (airtight etc) but they should always be inspected before use.
With regards to the material there are three main types aluminium oxide, zirconia and ceramic. easiest way to look at it is a good, better, best scenario with the ceramic usually giving the best results and longevity.
One trap to watch out for is the manufacturers will often compare ceramic against a zirconia disc in their demos and then claim how much better it is (for the price it should be) most manufacturers will do these three versions so it’s best to shop around and pick the best disc for the job you are doing not just base it on the cost.