Tech Talk
What are typical "Grinding Wheel Speeds"?
The grain and grade usually recommended for any certain operation are based on the assumption that approximately the most efficient speed will be employed. If for some reason this is not possible, then the grade at least should be changed to conform to the different speed. Too slow speed means wastage of abrasive without too much useful work in return, whereas an excessive speed may result in hard grinding action and may introduce the danger of the wheel breaking or the work burning.
In general, for cylindrical grinding, wheels should be run from 5500 to 6500 surface feet per minute; for surface grinding from 4000 to 5000 s.f.p.m., for cutter grinding from 4500 to 6000 s.f.p.m. and for wet tool grinding from 5000 to 6000 s.f.p.m.
The maximum safe operating speed printed on the wheel blotter should never be exceeded. Sometimes the most efficient wheel speed for a specific operation or material may be less than this maximum safe speed.
