A bench grinder is typically used to sharpen cutting tools and to shape bevels. With the proper attachments, it can also be used for tasks such as smoothing or polishing metal. A silicone carbide wheel attached to a bench grinder can sharpen metal tools ( figure A). To sharpen the edges of a slotted screwdriver, for example, rub the tip and sides of the screwdriver along the rotating silicone carbide wheel (figure B). This wheel attachment can also be used to round off the edges of metal pipe (figure C) and to clean or sharpen a piece of sheet metal (figure D). Always wear eye protection when grinding or sharpening metal. A fiber wheel is attached to a bench grinder to remove burrs or rust from metal (figure E). A buffing wheel is attached to a bench grinder to buff or polish a work piece (figure F). Before turning on the tool, apply wax or another buffing compound to the entire circumference of the wheel. Then hold the piece to be polished against the rotating wheel. To change the wheel on a bench grinder, use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut and washer from the drive shaft (figure G). Remove the wheel, and place the new wheel in the drive shaft. Secure the nut and washer over the new wheel to hold it in place (figure H). Do not over-tighten the nut: it will automatically tighten as the wheel rotates.
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