When using an angle grinder, you may be wondering just what this tool can cut into if a piece of metal is no obstacle? Angle grinders are designed to grind and cut the most stubborn materials on Earth, but can angle grinders cut wood?
Using an angle grinder to cut wood is not recommended due to the high speeds emitted from the spinning disc. Angle grinders are designed for cutting thick materials with exact precision at high speeds. The risk of injury is too high to cut wood with an angle grinder.
Since there are many possible risks for injury and equipment malfunction that come with using an angle grinder to cut wood, this article will go into detail about these risks and offer some safer alternatives for cutting wood.
Can I Use an Angle Grinder Disc to Cut Wood?
An angle grinder will cut through almost anything, so yes you can definitely use an angle grinder to cut wood. The problem is, wood is like paper to an angle grinder. The blade is simply far too sharp and powerful to cut material without many possible problems occurring.
Let’s like at a few potential problems in more detail:
- Using an angle grinder to cut wood can result in kickback. Angle grinders are made to cut through metal, concrete, and other thick materials. When you use an angle grinder to cut wood, there is very little resistance since the blade is far too powerful for wood.
- Wood is not thick enough to hold the grinder in place. When you are making cuts, the blade will run all over the place because the density of the material (wood) is not strong enough to control the blade based on your movements.
- The angle grinder will run off course. Since wood is so thin to a grinder, you will have a powerful device running at up to 15,000 RPM veering of course, and potentially cutting you because there is no resistance to focus the blade on.
So while you can rest assured that an angle grinder will cut through wood, this is not recommended due to the power of the tool for such a lightweight material.
With that said, there are some types of blades that are designed to cut wood with an angle grinder.
The Grinder Wood Carving Disc by Graff is one such blade that is specifically used for angle grinders and woodcutting. This woodworking blade has 3 tungsten carbide teeth and an anti-kickback design, and it is generally safer than a 6-teeth wood carving disc.
This type of blade is one of the most universal wood carving tools and angle grinder attachments. Since grinders spin at up to 15,000 RPMs, this blade is pivoted with three teeth to adequately work against the incredible resistance that arises when an angle grinder cuts into material that is thinner than what high RPMs are made for.
What Are the Dangers of Cutting Wood With an Angle Grinder?
One of the biggest issues that come with using angle grinders to cut wood is that a grinder is entirely freehand. This means that unlike a more traditional saw, a grinder does not present a stable surface to cut on, unlike a saw which has plates and guards that are designed to move the saw along the surface of the wood.
Angle grinders do not have any of these safeguards in place; you just hold the tool and direct it at the cutline with your hand being the force that is directing the blade across the wood. If you do decide to use an angle grinder to cut wood, you have to make sure the blade is pivoted away from the directions of your hands, and always use both hands when cutting wood with an angle grinder.
At the end of the days, the risks of using an angle grinder to cut wood simply aren’t worth the dangers. Always use a three-toothed woodcarving disc if you ever attempt to cut wood with an angle grinder.
Under no circumstances should the guard every be removed when cutting wood with an angle grinder. The blade guard should never be removed in the first place for any material–but this is even more pertinent when using a grinder to cut wood.
What Tools Are Best for Cutting Wood?
This site strives to offer comprehensive knowledge about angle grinders, but since using an angle grinder on wood can be dangerous, let’s look at some great options to consider when it comes to cutting wood.
EnerTwist 20V Cordless Circular Saw
EnerTwist is a great company when it comes to power tools for woodworking. This product is perfect for cutting wood thanks to the 20-volt power charge and maneuverability as a hand saw with similar capabilities to an angle grinder.
The single-beam laser guides cut with increased accuracy, while the integrated dust blower keeps the line of cut sawdust free.
Pros:
- Small, compact size for excellent maneuverability and portability
- Grip with integrated safety trigger for comfort, balance, and control
- Laser guide for fast accurate cutting
- Left-sided blade design for great cut-line visibility
- Dust port for dust vac Hookup and a clean work environment
- Ergonomically designed handle with rubberized soft grip provides increased comfort
- Battery Protection Circuit protects against overloading, over-discharging, and over-heating
Cons:
- Battery-powered saws can be difficult to work with
- Good for precision cutting only
SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw
For the more experienced user who needs a powerful circular saw with advanced features similar to an angle grinder, the SKIL 5280 7-1/4 inch circular saw is the saw for the job. The 15-Amp motor has the power and performance you need to quickly cut lumber and sheet goods for a room addition, deck, and more.
The 51-degree bevel, with positive stop at 45 degrees, gives a variety of cut options, while blades changes are easier with a spindle lock and on-tool wrench, which gives this product a similar cutting precision to an angle grinder.
Pros:
- Includes a 24-tooth carbide blade and carrying bag.
- 15 Amps, 5,300 RPM
- Depth of cut at 2-3/8 in.
- 51-degree bevel with positive stops at 45 degrees.
- Spindle lock for easy blade changes using the on-tool wrench.
Cons:
- Handle wears down easily
- The blade is prone to slipping during use
Both of these options are safer and more apt at cutting wood than what you would find when using a powerful angle grinder. It is okay to use an angle grinder to cut wood, yet trimming and precision work would be the only recommended options, and only with the use of a woodcutting blade.
Conclusion
In summary, angle grinders are not the best option when it comes to cutting wood. There are just far too many risks involved due to the RPM power of an angle grinder.
You would likely find that using an angle grinder to cut wood is simply too erratic and hard to control, which could lead to some potentially dangerous risks to your person that are not worth it. Saws that are specifically designed for cutting wood are always the best option to consider since you don’t have to worry about kickback and bodily harm.
