Do you have a surface that needs grinding? Whether you’re new to surface grinding or it’s simply been a while, it’s a good idea to brush up on your knowledge of the process.

Surface grinding is highly useful when working with concrete, adhesives that need to be removed, and in other situations. Various surface grinders offer different capabilities and uses, allowing for a versatile amount of jobs to get done.

Are there things you should know before you jump into a surface grinding project? The answer to that is yes.

There are several steps that shouldn’t be avoided. So here’s our guide for how to properly carry out surface grinding.

Get to Know the Machine

First things first, take some time to get to know the machine you’re using. Each tool is different, so if you haven’t used this particular one before, make sure you know where all the controls are and what they do. Familiarizing yourself with the sensitivity of each control is a good idea, too.

In general, surface grinders aren’t dangerous, but there are hazards involved. So don’t get started before you know what you’re doing.

Gather all Necessary Accessories

You don’t want to stop working because you forgot something you needed. So make sure you have all the accessories you will need. This may include different grinding pads, a dust shroud, or a vacuum cleaner.

Once you’ve gathered the proper accessories, make sure they’re all functioning properly.

Put on Protective Gear

Before beginning, make sure you have all appropriate protective gear in place. Be aware of your safety, and the safety of others in the vicinity.

Protective gear includes proper clothing. Make sure you’re wearing non-baggy clothes, long pants, and close-toed shoes.

In terms of gear, gloves, eyewear, and protective headwear are never a bad idea. It’s also smart to wear hearing protection while grinding surfaces.

Prep the Area

The surface you’re about to grind may need some prepping. Here are some general things you may need to do before grinding:

• Limit the number of people in the area
• Clean the surface if it’s dirty
• Locate any potential hazards, such as electrical outlets or water

Prepping ahead of time will help eliminate to stop and start over and over while you’re grinding.

Get Barriers in Place

If you feel the need to use barriers, put those in place before you begin working. It’s a good idea to place barriers around your workspace if there’s any chance of children or animals coming through the area. Distracted adults can cause issues too.

Prep Your Machine

Before getting started, make sure your machine has all required attachments for the specific job you’re doing (removing concrete, polishing, getting rid of adhesive, etc.). Verify you have the right type of extension cord and that it won’t get in the way.

If your machine is fuel-powered, make sure you have the amount of fuel you’ll need to complete the project.

Turn the machine on and listen for any unusual sounds. If something doesn’t sound right, turn the machine off. Don’t continue with your project if you suspect there is anything wrong with your machine!

Start Grinding

Once you have everything you need and all safety measures have been taken, you can start your surface grinding. Make sure you keep a firm grip on the machine and that you keep all hands, feet, power cords, and clothing away from moving parts.

Focus on your work as you go. Allowing your mind to wander can result in injury or a poorly-performed job. If you’re using any medications or substances that can lower your focus you shouldn’t be operating the grinder.

Work in rows across your work surface. If you’re using a hand-held grinder, work in a side-to-side fashion, applying downward pressure.

Once you’re finished with the job, turn off the grinder. Unplug the power cord or turn off the fuel line.

Remove Debris

Once you’re finished grinding, you’ll likely have a lot of dust and debris sitting around. Take care of this with a broom and dustpan. Once the mess is removed, you’ll be able to see your newly-ground surface.

Check for Errors

There’s always a chance you didn’t quite get a spot completely ground. Inspect your work area for any high spots of other issues. If you find any, go back over that area with the grinder until the issue is resolved.

Clean and Store Your Grinder

Once you’re sure you’ve completed the job, go ahead and clean your machine. Rinse off and remove any pieces of concrete or other debris before storing your grinder. When you need it again, it will be ready to go.

Issues may have arisen while you were working. If you suspect the machine has any problems, don’t just put it away. Make sure attention is brought to the issue so it can be fixed before it is used again.

Surface Grinding Isn’t Difficult

Surface grinding itself isn’t difficult, especially if you have the right tools. To do it properly, you just need to understand what you’re dealing with and what accessories will help you get the job done.

Whatever surface you plan to grind, the steps in this guide will help you do it safely and the right way. Follow each step, especially each safety precaution, and your grinding project will be a success in no time.

Diamond wheels are often used in surface grinding. Have you ever wondered why? Click here to learn all about them.