Wet grinding freezing

[Bill Fishlore]

My new wet grinder sits in an unheated (unless I'm there) workshop. Will freezing hurt a saturated shaperning wheel? Could I use winshield anti-freeze instead of plain water to prevent freeze-up?

 

[Earl Colvin]

I can't answer definitely but I had a set of wet stones that broke in an unheated garage.

 

[mete]

If you're talking about a stone using water - YES.I've seen this specific warning on sharpener dealers websites ! Otherwise I don't see a problem.

 

[Bufford]

I wouldn't let it freeze up. Water when it freezes and thaws repeatedly will break down cement and any kind of stone. Perhaps an immersion heater placed in the tank will keep the machine warm enough to prevent freeze up. Anti-freeze? Ask the manufacturer if antifreeze is compatible, and doesn't cause the stone to load up.

 

[Jeff Clark]

Don't use automotive antifreeze, it is toxic. You might look at the pink stuff that is used for RV fresh water systems. On the other hand, chemicals may also be bad for your wheels.

 

[Original]

Just put it in a warm place, why take the chance??? You could use the method I use for my pressure washer, insulate an old box, and put a little flouresant watt saver bulb in there to keep things warm without much fire danger.

 

[John H Davis]

I would think window washer fluid would do the job and I doubt it will let the stone load up, as long as you keep an eye it the first couple times you run it, you should be able to tell if the stone is loading up and you would be able to clean it out real easy if you needed too.

 

[DrThunder88]

I'd imagine the cold would do a great deal of damage to water-soaked stones. It can turn mountains into gravel and pavement into potholes.