Tile – What’s the proper setup for mounting a tile cutting blade on a grinder

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I am attempting to determine the proper safe configuration for using a 4 1/2” tile cutting blade with my metabo hot angle grinder. I have seen lots of folks utilizing angle grinders with these cutting wheels in order to cut curves or notches from tile.

I’ve read through the manual for my angle grinder and it says nothing about cutting wheels, it only mentions grinding wheels. Moreover, it prescribes a specific type of “depressed center” grinding wheel (type 27).

How do I ensure that my grinder and cutting wheel are a proper match In order to safely complete this job the grinder is new so I can return the grinder or wheel in order to obtain a compatible product. It does appear that there is a sort of but on the grinder so I doe, but again no information on utilizing that with a cutting wheel.

Also, the grinder manual states only use grinding wheels of at least 13,300 rpm despite the fact that the grinder’s own not load rpm is only 10,000. Originally the cutting blade I picked up was only 13,000 rpm. I have found a more expensive cutting blade with 13,300. The original blade also seemed to not match the arbor size. I’ve attached photos.

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What is the best practice here? I really only need to make one notch cut and then cut around the toilet flange. I think I could get around the toilet flange with nippers if it came down to it, but imagine the grinder is the best tool for the job.Any help would’ve appreciated.

Best Answer

13,000 rpm blades are fine. While centrifugal force does mount quickly as rpm increases, 3,000 is adequate headroom. The concern is that the blade's mass tears it apart at maximum tool rpm.

The key to reasonable safety is making sure that the blade is both centered on the arbor and secured to the motor. If your blade arbor closely matches the arbor diameter, and you can securely sandwich it using the supplied nut along with washers of almost any kind, there's not really a problem using the tool like this. If you feel any wobble or imbalance, evaluate the situation before proceeding.

I've used the same AvantiPRO Turbo blade in my 7" grinder to cut hundreds of concrete pavers with great results.

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