Concrete floors can easily get uneven and dull over time, especially when the surface is naked and not coated with any protective layer. This is where polishing and surface leveling works come into play. Since concrete is one of the hardest flooring materials, you will need special tools for the job.
These tools are known as concrete grinders. Over the years, several types of concrete grinding machines have been used. The variations come in factors like usability method, size and number of the disc, cartridge and accessories, and so on.
Due to so many variations, it is a cumbersome task to choose one. This is why many professionals either keep delaying the purchase or end up getting the wrong grinder.
So, if you too are frazzled over choosing the perfect grinder, do not worry further. Here, we have explained the different factors you should consider before making the final purchase.
Types of concrete grinders
The first thing that you need to learn about the concrete grinding machine is the types. These classifications are based on grinding method and the usability of the machine. Following are the major concrete grinders one can find in the market:
- Walk-behind grinders: These grinders are colossal and you need to walk behind them to move the machine and navigate it. It’s like rolling a trolley in the supermarket.
- Hand-held grinders: These are small and can be operated with hands. They have insulated long handles to avoid contact between the grinder discs and the body, thus preventing accidents.
- Planetary grinders: The planetary concrete grinding machines consist of multiple discs of varying sizes. The spin of each disc is independent of each other but around the same point. These are used for big projects or even to polish surfaces in the house.
- Rotary grinders: In these machines, a single large pad is used. This spin is very high in this case. These are used to remove heavy matters which cannot be removed by other grinders.
Wet VS dry grinders
Grinding of concrete surfaces can be done in two ways: dry and wet grinding. In the dry grinding, the pads are rotated against the surface with high abrasiveness and speed. This is mainly preferred during the polishing and levelling of the floors.
For wet concrete grinding, water is stored in the machine’s tank and slowly allowed to release on the surface. It is used when the dust is producing during grinding is a cause of concern.
Grinding discs headcount
The headcount of the concrete grinding machines is the number of discs present in the pad. Usually, the maximum number of discs for a grinder four while the minimum is one.
The headcount is a major factor when it comes to the total area to be covered by the grinder’s pad and also the speed of the work. To get better polish, grinders with higher disc headcount is chosen. But for normal grinding works, one or two discs will be enough.
Power source
You can operate the grinding machines via two power sources:
- Pneumatic grinders work with compressed air or gas as the main power source. These are ideal for areas where electrical connections can’t be provided.
- Electric grinders are the ones where electricity acts as the main power source. They are ideal for indoor works where electricity can be supplied with ease.
Size of the machine
Lastly, the size of the machine needs to be considered. The more complex features you add to the tool, the bigger it will be. However, storing these machines will become a problem because you cannot dismantle the grinders time and again. All you can do is remove the discs, diamond tools, and belt.
Conclusion
Choosing the best tools for concrete grinding might be difficult at first, but if you learn about the tools and their different categories, identifying the perfect machine will become easier. And that’s where our buying guide will come to your rescue.
