If you are looking to make a straight cut through metal, be it rods, pipes or sheets, then you may be wondering what type of cut-off wheel is best for the job. The two most popular types are abrasive discs and diamond cut-off wheels, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at the differences between them, so you can choose the best disc for your needs.

Abrasive Discs

An abrasive disc, as the name suggests, is made up of abrasive fibres that are compressed and moulded into a wheel. When attached to an angle grinder, the spinning action makes easy work of making cuts to metal.

One of the benefits of using abrasive discs is that they are cheap to buy, often coming as a multipack. However, as the disc cuts, it sheds the abrasive fibres in the process, so they can become worn out fairly quickly and need to be replaced. If you have a lot of metal to cut, you may find yourself going through many abrasive discs before you finish the job.

Abrasive discs come with grains made of materials such as ceramics and aluminium oxide, and the best material for cutting depends on the type of metal you are working on. For example, ceramic fibres are ideal for hard metals like steel, as they stay cooler while cutting than other types of abrasive discs.

Diamond Cut-Off Wheels

If you are looking for a cutting wheel with longevity, diamond wheels will go the distance. They consist of a metal wheel that has edges that are diamond-coated, making them very hard and durable.

One thing to consider when weighing up the pros and cons of diamond wheels versus abrasive is the cost. Diamond wheels are more expensive to buy, but they will last longer than their abrasive counterparts. If you have lots of metal to cut, it may be worth investing in one diamond wheel rather than several packs of abrasive wheels. However, for smaller jobs, or if you are not skilled in using an angle grinder, opting for a diamond wheel could prove more expensive overall, especially if it gets damaged.

Another advantage of diamond wheels is that they do not create much dust when cutting, unlike abrasive wheels, which shed fibres. This is especially useful if you need to keep a clean environment in your workshop.

Diamond wheels tend to make slower cuts in metal, so for larger jobs, this added time may be a factor you need to consider. Because they cut more slowly, they also produce more heat, and this may be a problem if you do not want to distort the metal you are cutting.

Whether you choose abrasive or diamond cut-off wheels, the options at Builder's Buddy are sure to meet your needs. By choosing us, you can be sure of quality products at a fair price. Please explore our range today!

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