magnets around grinder

Kevin McGovern

Kevin McGovern

Joined
Jul 31, 2015
Messages
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Can someone school me on magnets around the grinder. I gather it's to catch errant steel dust. Is this in addition to, or in place of a vacuum? can you post a picture of your setup?
 
I've tried that. they definitely collect metal dust. can be very dangerous though as I have had them turn into red hot smoldering balls of metal.
 
JeridJohnson said:
I've tried that. they definitely collect metal dust. can be very dangerous though as I have had them turn into red hot smoldering balls of metal.
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This is also the reason not to use a vacuum directly. Use something that arrests the sparks
 
So using a water bucket below the platen to catch the bulk of sparks with a vacuum off to the side to catch floating dust not advisable? I figured if it was floating in the air, it would be safe to vacuum.
 
No, water bucket plus vacuum is cool. I've just seen pics of people that have a shop vac hose right under the grinder in the spark-spray.
 
2-3 magnets around the path, covered with stainless foil, with do a mediocre job of picking up steel dust. Remember, sparks are almost always non-magnetic regardless of what type of metal they are. Forget the plastic bag, they melt real quickly, but the stainless foil will last forever. A shop vac(Rigid WD1520 is the quietest at $99) with an extra hose and a dust deputy will do the best job. If your concerned about it, use a separate bucket for wood and metal with the dust deputy.
 
I use welding magnets sitting around the bench to attract metal dust. The ones directly in the grinder path occasionally catch "fire" and glow like burning steel wool. Unless they are sitting on a flammable surface or next to a paper towel, it won't go anywhere or "burst into flames". I just pick up the magnet and stick in the dunk bucket when I see it. I bet the magnets catch 100 pounds of steel dust in a year. That is dust NOT getting into machines, Not going on the floor, and NOT being breathed. An occasional glowing magnet is worth it.

To clean off the magnets, I use a gloved hand and run the fingers down the grooves, pinching off the shavings/dust ..... or put in a zip-lock plastic bag.

I also have a "floor magnet sweeper" that is generally used to pick up screws and nails around construction sites (Home Depot - $15) A run across the floor and under the bench not only picks up metal filings, but finds small parts and bits of steel that get away. It has recovered more than one mini that flew out on my fingers while thinning on the grinder.

The new shop will have a dedicated grinding/welding area with sliding welding curtains and inflammable benches and walls. The bench tops will all be stainless steel, and the walls cement board. Besides fireproofing, it will aid in cleaning.
 
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