5
Safety Recommendations
wrist trauma. Since they vary widely in design, material,
thickness, vibration reduction, and wrist support qualities,
it is recommended that the glove, tool wrap, or wrist support
manufacturer be consulted for items designed for your
specific application. WARNING! Proper fit of gloves is
important. Improperly fitted gloves may restrict blood
flow to the fingers and can substantially reduce grip
strength.
USE QUALITY ABRASIVE WHEELS
The primary source of vibration when using a portable
grinder is an abrasive wheel that is out of balance, out of
round, untrue, or possibly any combination of all three.
The use of quality abrasive wheels which are well bal-
anced, round, and true is highly recommended as they
have been found to significantly reduce vibration. Some
abrasive wheels lose their balance, roundness, and true-
ness as they wear from use. Because of the abusive nature
of the vibration caused by out of balance, out of round, and
untrue condition of some abrasive wheels, it is felt that
these wheels are more susceptible to failure. Excessive
vibration may signal eminent wheel failure. Flat spotting of
the abrasive wheel, caused by grinding the wheel to a stop
after the power has been shut off can result in changes to
the balance and shape of the wheel. Be sure the grinding
wheel has stopped before setting the tool down. Set the tool
in a tool rest or tool holder when not in use.
WIRE BRUSHES
If a grinder is used for wire brushing applications the same
problems of balance, roundness, and trueness as experi-
enced with abrasive wheels prevail. Use quality wire
brushes. Wire brushes must be kept clean and stored
properly to prevent bending, damage and corrosion. Ex-
cessive bending of wires during brushing causes breakage
and flying wires. Wear full face protection, use guard and
exercise caution.
USE A PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Tool abuse or poor maintenance procedures can amplify
and contribute to the vibration produced by the abrasive
wheel. A preventive maintenance program featuring sched-
uled periodic inspections and proper maintenance is the
best way to assure safety in your portable grinding opera-
tions. A well managed program can, for example, detect
such things as speed variations due to wear, flanges or
spindles that have been damaged from abuse, or bad
bearings damaged by foreign matter or lack of lubrication.
Problems such as these can affect the wheel trueness
when the grinder is running and contribute to the vibration.
Rotor blades that are worn or chipped can lock up motor
and result in grinding wheel spinoff and should be replaced.
Rotor blades should be checked periodically and replaced
if they measure less than 7/32" (5.5mm) at either end.
Proper repair procedures and the use of original Cleco
service parts and bearings rather than substitutes will
return the tool to factory specifications of precision and
balance, and minimize vibration.
The governor should be checked periodically to be sure the
governor mechanism is clean, in good operating condition,
and functioning properly.
PROPER LUBRICATION
An automatic in-line filter-regulator-lubricator is recom-
mended as it increases tool life and keeps the tool in
sustained operation. The in-line lubricator should be regu-
larly checked and filled with a good grade of 10W machine
oil. Proper adjustment of the in-line lubricator is performed
by placing a sheet of paper next to the exhaust ports and
holding the throttle open approximately 30 seconds. The
lubricator is properly set when a light stain of oil collects on
the paper. Excessive amounts of oil should be avoided.
STORAGE
In the event that it becomes necessary to store the tool for
an extended period of time (overnight, weekend, etc.), it
should receive a generous amount of lubrication at that
time and run for several seconds to distribute the oil before
disconnecting from the air supply. This will reduce the
possibility of corrosion and displace any water that may be
trapped in the tool. Water trapped in the tool could cause
the governor to freeze and malfunction if tool is exposed to
freezing temperatures.
Note: Water in the air system increases tool maintenance
costs and can cause the tool to malfunction when it is
stored and/or operated in freezing conditions.
For more information, see the latest edition of ANSI B186.1,
Safety Code for Portable Air Tools, and ANSI B7.1 Safety
Requirements for the Use, Care, and Protection of Abra-
sive Wheels available from the American National Stan-
dards Institute, Inc., 11 West 42nd street, New York, NY
10036.
Must be replaced if
7/32" (5.6mm) or less
at either end.