How to distinguish between Grinding wheel and Cutting wheel (Cut-off wheel) ?

Some useful tips to distinguish Grinding wheel and Cutting (or Cut-off) wheel are given as below:


1.      Remember: All grinding is cutting operation but all cutting is not grinding operation.

2.      Thumb rule : “THICKNESS”  is the the major difference between cutting and grinding wheels. A newly procured disc or wheel  up to 3 mm(1/8 inch max) thickness  is used as  Cutting wheel. Its radial periphery is utilised for cutting or slotting  operation as it can withstand a great deal of radial stress but not any side stress . Cutting wheel is not designed to take side load. Hence its use as grinding wheel is not recommended.

3.      Grinding wheel or disc start with minimum 6 mm thickness onwards. The shape and thickness of a grinding wheel decide a wheel's type. Grinding wheel can be used for side  as well as radial grinding as per job requirement.