How to use a concrete grinder?

Through this article you will learn how to use a concrete grinder to get the best results in your concrete finishing projects!

●how to use?

Need to rub paint off concrete, glue off concrete, or high spots? Learn how to use a concrete grinder. RONLON's machines have horizontal rotating discs embedded with abrasives that grind concrete to level and smooth concrete surfaces. Can help you achieve the desired ground grinding effect!

Concrete grinders are often used to level slabs, remove paint, epoxy, stains and other coatings from concrete in preparation for new floor coverings and polish concrete surfaces to perfection.

●How much can a concrete grinder remove?

The grinder can remove up to 1/8 inch of material per pass - less than a concrete scarifier, which cuts both the surface coating and the underlying concrete, and can cut about 1/4 inch per pass.

Replacing grinding attachments that vary by particle size and type enables you to use the same machine for different surface preparation or surface finishing tasks.

Before grinding the ground, please prepare the following tools and materials for best results!

●Recommended Materials and Tools

Grinding wheel

silica sand

Water to pre-soak the floor if needed

Dust mask or respirator

plastic sheeting

proper extension cord

Wet/Dry Vacuum

knee pads

face mask

steel toe boots

tab

Gloves

broom/dustpan

●Choosing the Right Grinder?

Choosing the right grinder for your project is very important! Handheld grinders are great for working in tight spaces or corners. Walk-behind grinders can quickly cover large surfaces and are ideal for applications involving walkways or large slabs.

There are two main types of push grinders: rotary grinders and planetary grinders. Rotary grinders usually have one or two large discs that spin and grind the floor directly. Due to their heavy weight, they are reserved for intensive applications such as removing thick rubber coatings or paint layers. Planetary grinders have multiple discs that rotate simultaneously but at different speeds. This allows them to remove material and finish the floor at the same time. They are often used for less intensive grinding tasks, such as smoothing concrete slabs or preparing surfaces for epoxy coating.

●Choosing the right cutting tool?

Silicon Carbide Peel Wheels are suitable for spot cleaning and scraping of concrete floors. Diamond grinding wheels can handle light and heavy work. Use a lower-grit diamond wheel when intensive grinding is required, and a higher-grit diamond wheel for general-purpose grinding operations and polishing. PCD or polycrystalline diamond is used for very aggressive applications such as removing industrial coatings.

●Choosing the right bond?

Softer adhesives are suitable for less abrasive surfaces, such as concrete made with river stone. Harder binders are ideal for concrete with a high sand content. Not sure what you are doing? Start with medium bonds.

●Check the level of the grinding disc

The goal is to achieve 100% surface contact. Hold the machine for a few seconds and see the pattern it leaves behind. You should see a full circle of ground coming into the surface. If you see a semi-circle, follow the instructions to level the grinder. If you are working on a large area, do regular level tests and adjust the grinder level as needed.

●plan your path

When you use a concrete grinder, wires and hoses can get in your way. Plan your path to ensure you stay connected without tangling.

●Develop a plan to control dust

It is important to know how to reduce dust when grinding concrete. If you work indoors, use plastic sheeting to seal doorways and remove or protect furniture. Consider wetting the floor with a sprinkler. Pick up any debris and dust with an industrial dry/wet concrete vacuum.

●Wear proper PPE

Wear safety glasses or goggles and add a face shield if necessary. Safety boots, knee pads and gloves are also smart. To protect your lungs from crystalline silica, wear a dust mask or respirator.

●Using a Concrete Grinder: Technology Matters

When grinding concrete, take the time to let the machine do its job. If you move too fast, chances are you'll end up redoing some areas. The way you move the grinder depends on the type you use.

Single-disc or double-disc rotary grinder: swing the machine from side to side.

Planetary Grinder: Walk forward and backward like a lawn mower.

●Keep your concrete grinder running efficiently

If your diamonds begin to glaze and become ineffective when you’re working on a hard, dry surface — use silica sand as a secondary abrasive to keep them sharp.

If you’re removing tacky tile glue or other adhesives — add sand to the surface. Adding sand will ball up the material to make it easier to remove.

Consider adding weight to your dual-disc grinder if the grinding process is taking too long. The more weight, the more aggressive the grinder will be. But don’t go overboard; adding too much weight can bog down the motor and damage the machine.

Watch the belt tension. Unusual noise, high machine temperature and premature belt and pulley wear can be indications that the belt tension needs adjusting.

Grease the bearings and perform other maintenance as outlined in the manual. (Our RONLON machines all come with instruction manuals, you can refer to the instructions to operate)