The best way to protect your face while working with an angle grinder

An angle grinder, better known as an angle grinder, is a serious and dangerous tool. But it is quite difficult to do without the use of angle grinders during construction and even minor repair work. The use of an angle grinder reduces labor costs and speeds up the process. Therefore, when working with angle grinders, it is extremely important to follow safety precautions. One of the significant points is the protection of the face, because sparks, scale, small particles of metal, grinding disc and other materials can damage the skin and mucous membranes.

Terms of use

The main danger for the operator lies in the angle grinder mechanism.
During operation, the grinder disk rotates and touches the surface being processed. At this moment, the master must hold it suspended with his own hands without the use of additional objects or assistants. That is why one careless movement can turn into a tragedy, breaking off and creating a sharp jerk of the instrument. This is why beginners are not trusted with professional tools. It’s better to start getting acquainted with an angle grinder with a device whose disk diameter is 115-125 mm

It is better to start getting acquainted with an angle grinder with a device whose disk diameter is 115-125 mm.

If you properly understand the safety precautions for working with an angle grinder, there is nothing to worry about. Safe work rules:

1. During operation, the grinder is held with only two hands. In this case, you need to move it calmly, without pressing or applying force to the device.
2. The operator stands firmly and firmly on his feet or knees while cutting or grinding. A comfortable position will help prevent falls and the device slipping out of your hands during sudden jerks.
3. The power cable connected to the outlet is located behind the operator's body and should not be placed on the surface being processed. Otherwise, the resulting sparks can burn through it and cause a short circuit.
4. It is prohibited to leave the grinder on and leave it. You can move around the room only when the device is turned off.
5. If during operation there is a power outage, the power cord of the angle grinder is pulled out of the outlet, and the start button is moved to the off position.
6. The diameter of the grinder disk must exceed the thickness of the surface being processed.

Common defensive ammunition

Various personal protective equipment are mandatory when using power tools. This is primarily due to the presence of chips, sparks and other elements that are formed during the work process and can cause harm to the human body. To avoid various types of injuries, people have developed simple and effective protective equipment that helps make the work process more comfortable and safer.

Eye protection glasses

This is a mandatory element of equipment when working with an angle grinder. It is advisable to opt for closed-type glasses that tightly fit the shape of the face and prevent foreign elements from getting into the eyes. This is due to the fact that the flight path of metal shavings, sparks and scale is unpredictable, and they can get under a protective mask or glasses. Therefore, before purchasing, it is advisable to always try on and adjust the product to suit yourself. The material used in the manufacture of the protective product also plays an important role.

It is important that the plastic has a high degree of strength and can withstand mechanical stress.

Masks

These are more reliable protective equipment than glasses, as they can cover not only the eyes, but the entire face. Unfortunately, in order to save money, some manufacturers use materials that are not of the highest quality, which affects the level of protection. Therefore, it is worth choosing masks from well-known manufacturers that look quite durable and have a protective mesh. This additional element is primarily intended to protect a person’s face when working with an angle grinder, since the cutting wheel can burst and fly into the eyes at great speed, and the mesh can stop it.

Mittens and gloves

It is impossible not to mention these most common, but no less important protective elements. When using an angle grinder, your hands are located in close proximity to the rotating disk and therefore require high-quality protection. Conventional gloves used in construction are not able to cope with the given protective task in all situations, since they are highly flammable and therefore quickly burn out from sparks, leaving burns on the body. When working with an angle grinder, it is better to use gloves made from rough leather or products with a rubberized base.

Also, if you have welding gaiters, which are made using durable suede, you can use them when working with power tools. Due to the high base of this type of gloves, they are able to protect not only the fingers and palms, but also the forearms.

Care and storage rules

If possible, safety glasses used when working with an angle grinder should be cleaned of dirt after the end of each work shift. Cleaning is carried out in two stages: first, the lenses are washed with running water, and then the entire product is wiped dry with a soft fiber cloth. You need to be especially careful with coated lenses, as their thickness is usually only a few microns. When cleaning, do not use chemical solvents, as well as water and solutions with temperatures above 60 ºC. It is necessary to store glasses for working with an angle grinder in a protective case, away from sources of heat and active chemicals.

You can often find glasses without markings, which sellers recommend for working with an angle grinder, citing positive experience with their use. How can we relate to these statements and how safe are such PPE? Please write what you think about this in the comments.

An ultraviolet filter is added to the lenses of protective devices.

The main task of safety glasses with an ultraviolet filter is to reflect the long ultraviolet wave UV(A). Such devices can be made with transparent glass or have different colors.

It is important to understand that they do not distort the main color of the image. On the contrary, glasses give the picture clarity; colored lenses can give the image a tint, but not color it in other colors

To manufacture UV protective devices, lenses with several layers of absorbers are used. These layers absorb UV radiation. There is also a polarizing layer. Its job is to protect the eyes from light reflected from objects. This combination of layers allows you to make the visible picture clearer and reduce eye fatigue when working.

Different models may have different degrees of protection. Manufacturers indicate all the information on the temples of the glasses or in the product passport. The UV 400 indicator indicates that the eyes in such models will be protected from A and B waves. With the B-15 marking, the protection will be 85%, and with the B-5 it will be 95%.

Among the features of glasses with an ultraviolet filter are:

• protection against eye opalescence during prolonged work with ultraviolet radiation;
• absorption of waves whose lengths are no more than 365 nm;
• reduction of eye strain;
• providing increased contrast when using powder and capillary non-destructive testing methods to study defects;
• protection against low- and medium-energy impacts;
• protection from solid particles and dust getting into the eyes.

Materials

Eye safety is especially important if a person performs work in difficult conditions. Glass protects against chemicals, debris, glass. Such protective equipment is indispensable in the woodworking industry and construction.

Safety glasses can be tinted or clear. The color of the lens can be selected based on your own comfort. If you have to work in bright sun or with welding, then it is better to choose dark glasses.

Products can be in a plastic or metal frame.

Each model offered on the market has its own place in the safety rating. This rating means the lenses have been tested to withstand impact. The more expensive the glasses, the greater the mechanical impact their lenses can withstand.

On the market you can find models with adjustable straps or anti-fog lenses.

The described means of protection are of several types:

• glass;
• plastic;
• plexiglass;
• polycarbonate.

Scratches do not remain on the glass over time, but the problem is that users often complain that the material is heavy and causes discomfort. Glass is also prone to fogging.

Plastic is lighter compared to glass. It is also less prone to fogging. The problem is that scratches quickly appear on it, as a result of which visibility is reduced.

Plexiglas is widely used in medicine and aviation. It owes its popularity to its high strength. If it is destroyed, it is without fragments. Disadvantages include poor resistance to solvents and other chemicals.

Polycarbonate is another option for safety glasses. It does not fog, does not scratch and is lightweight. These glasses are stronger than the other two options, but also more expensive.

How not to make a mistake with your choice

The choice of protective clothing is important because it is related to health. The first thing you need to consider when buying glasses or a screen is the specifics of the work. Protection must ensure the protection of a person from mechanical, chemical or thermal effects. Depending on the type of impact, the materials used differ.

The protective equipment may have a built-in fan. It is needed if there is a risk of glass fogging. Open glasses do not have fans, as there is natural ventilation.

Another important point is the material of manufacture. More often it is impact-resistant glass, plexiglass or polycarbonate. Individual elements can be made of silicone, plastic or metal.

Glasses and screens should not cause discomfort. An excellent option is a device with arms that can be adjusted and adjusted.

Design features of safety glasses

You can divide all existing safety glasses into several groups. The distribution occurs according to the type of material, design features and coverage area.

By lens material

Several materials are used to create protective glasses lenses. The most common of them are:

1. Mineral glass. It has been used since the days of the USSR. The main advantages of the material are its high light transmittance and resistance to light impacts (damage, chips, scratches). The main disadvantage is the fragility of the product and the possibility of injury from chips.
2. Organic glass (plexiglass) and plastic. The ability to transmit light of these materials is lower than that of mineral glass, but they are much more flexible. This allows you to withstand fairly strong impacts, and in the event of breakdowns, fragments practically do not appear. But due to a large number of scratches on the surface, the material may become matte, which will make it unsuitable for use. Therefore, the service life of glasses made of organic glass and plastic is not so long. Also, these materials are easily destroyed when exposed to chemicals and at high temperatures (200 degrees).
3. Silicone. This material is the most flexible of all listed. It can easily withstand even very powerful blows, but does not cope well with minor damage. Silicone also quickly deteriorates when exposed to high temperatures (sometimes it can withstand up to 300 degrees, but most often it begins to lose its properties at 200). The surface becomes cloudy over time, so the service life is also quite short.

Some expensive models use combination lenses. In them, several materials alternate in layers.

By way of putting on

There are also differences in how glasses are attached to a person’s head. You can put them on yourself in one of two ways:

• Classic with temples. When purchasing this model, the first thing to look at is the possibility of adjusting the arms. It is also necessary to take into account that during active work the glasses may fall or simply move out of place. This can create dangerous situations while performing tasks.
• Sports. Such models are attached with a wide elastic band that goes around the head.

Some modern glasses provide two methods of fastening at the same time. If a special mask is provided for the work, then the fastenings can be supplemented with a small braid passing through the middle of the head.

According to the size of the protected face surface

There is no official classification of glasses on this basis. But they can be divided into several groups conditionally:

• Only the eyes themselves with a small space around them are protected;
• glasses overlap the eyes with part of the adjacent side of the face;
• The entire face is covered with a mask or shield.

There are a huge number of models on sale now. They can either limit or increase the area of ​​protection of the nose, bridge of the nose and other parts of the face.

By size of review

There are also several subtypes of glasses with different viewing angles. They can significantly reduce or expand the operator’s angle of view:

1. Additional lenses. These details are located on the temples of a person; they act as an addition to the central part of the lens of the glasses. With their help, it is easy to see objects with “lateral vision”.
2. Curved shape. These models do not have additional transparent elements, but thanks to their semicircular shape they are able to expand the viewing angle to the sides.
3. Cuts in the arms. These parts are slots in the side. They slightly expand the view, but do not prevent additional dust and foreign objects from entering the eyes.
4. Wide transparent temples or frames. This subtype is made entirely of one material. If they are made with a frame, then the eyes receive additional protection from debris from all sides.
5. Front view only. This type is equipped with the most modest visibility. It protects the eyes from all sides, but reduces the ability to see from the side.

Safety glasses for working with an angle grinder are divided into several groups. For example, they differ in the color of the lenses, the ability and method of ventilation (to reduce fogging), and tightness. For people with poor vision, it is allowed to use their medical model for protection. In such a situation, remember that models with diopters are not equipped with additional side protection. They cost much more, but are not resistant to damage. Because of this, if you have poor vision, it is recommended to use safety glasses along with lenses, or wear a medical model underneath them.

Protective face shield “NBT-01.U1” with PVC screen, 400x200mm 11084

Model AK-1 is an OLFA knife designed for artistic work. Thanks to its unique “handle” shape, it performs precise work with ease. The OLFA knife handle body is made from recycled and reclaimed plastic.

The standard OLFA blade angle is 32.8 degrees.

The AK-1 artistic knife comes with 25 spare blades. Changing the blade is easy and quick.

The AK-4 model is also an art knife that can be used as a professional tool. This model has a rubber anti-slip handle that prevents the knife from slipping in your hand and hand fatigue during operation. This model comes with 3 different blades for different types of work, and it is also possible to install 2 types of saw blades.

The OLFA SAC-1 knife model is a knife with break-off segmented blades. The acute blade angle of this model is 30 degrees. In cases where you need to constantly keep control of the cutting edge, this model is best suited. The case of the SAC-1 model is made of stainless steel.

The OLFA OL series of knives is a convenient tool for processing and cutting carpets. To prevent the blade from oscillating during cutting, a special holder is provided. The end of the handle has a blunt protrusion for holding the carpet.

The SK-4 model is a knife of increased safety, due to the fact that if contact with the cutting surface is lost, the blade automatically returns inside the body. This knife is widely used for cutting various packaging, cardboard or vinyl.

The CMP-1 knife is a convenient knife for cutting circles on various materials. Thanks to the regulator, it is possible to cut circles from 1cm to 15cm. To avoid leaving a mark in the middle of the circle, you must use a special lining for the pin.

Model CMP – 1/DX is a knife with a compass and ratchet. The cut circles can be from 1.6cm to 22cm in size. To avoid leaving a mark in the middle of the circle, you must use a special lining for the pin.

The CL knife model is designed for cutting cardboard, removing staples (using special fittings), and guides. This knife has a cutting depth regulator.

The RTY-2/P series has high-quality original round blades. This blade can cut any type of fabric, paper, rubber, film, etc.

The RTY-2/DX also has round blades and can easily cut through a variety of materials. A special feature of this model is that the blade extends when the handle is held in the hand. It is possible to use additional round shaped blades.

CMP-3 is a knife with a compass and a blade that allows you to cut circles from 4cm to 22cm on paper and fabric.

The CHN-1 knife is designed for cutting quilted fabric, and has guides for various types of fabric. If the cutting edge becomes dull, you can replace the edge by turning the knife wheel (there are 24 cutting edge positions on the blade).

The cutting mat RM-30×30 is designed to protect the table surface. In addition, the mat rotates 360 degrees, which allows you to work from different angles. The mat has markings in the form of a coordinate axis and different angles.

The P-800 knife model is designed for cutting acrylic, vinyl chloride and other plastic sheets.

The MC-45/DX knife is designed for making linings for illustrations and photographs. This knife can cut bevel edges on thick paper. This knife model comes with a ruler with an anti-slip side. With this knife you can easily cut out various frames.

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Beware: Bulgarian! Existing remedies

Personal protective equipment must be present, as shavings, sparks and other elements that can harm health are constant companions. To avoid this, people have come up with the simplest rules and means of protection that will help make work comfortable and safe.

Glasses

Since scale and sparks have a complex flight path, they can easily get under glasses or a mask, so you need to think about protecting your eyes before starting to work with an angle grinder.

Mask

A properly selected mask is a more reliable means of protection than glasses, since it covers and protects the entire face, but you should pay attention to many criteria. Nowadays, the manufacturer is trying to save significantly on the production of such masks, and the quality and level of protection suffers greatly as a result.

Nowadays, the manufacturer is trying to save significantly on the production of such masks, and the quality and level of protection suffers greatly as a result.

The danger of working with an angle grinder is that the grinding disc can break off the mount and fly into the worker, and such a mask should stop the disc and fully protect the user’s face.

Many are accustomed to thinking that instead of a special mask, a “turner’s shield” can be used, but this opinion is erroneous, since such a mask is designed to protect against small chips and minor scale.

Mittens and gloves

An equally important element of protection. During operation, your hands are close to the disk, so reliable protection from sparks, scale, chips and splinters is required.

There are cotton construction gloves, specialized gloves made of rough leather or those with a rubberized base.

Also, if available, you can use leggings for welding work; they are made of durable suede and are designed specifically for such conditions. They have a high base that will protect not only the palms, but also the forearms.

What are safety glasses and shields for?

Personal protective equipment is required for construction-related work. They are important for eye safety. They can be harmed by small solid particles, water, liquid substances, chemicals, bright light, and ultraviolet radiation.

Glasses or shields are required when working in the following areas:

• Finishing work;
• Metallurgy;
• Mechanical engineering;
• Territory cleaning;
• Metal and wood processing;
• Welding work, and others.

Before you start working with an angle grinder

When starting to work with any power tool, including an electric grinder, you need to concentrate as much as possible. You can't take on a job without being prepared. Fatigue is the first cause of negligence, which can lead to unpredictable consequences.

The presence of a protective casing and glasses are mandatory conditions, without which you cannot begin work. Sparks, flying particles of abrasive material, metal and scale always accompany any process in which an angle grinder is used. If such particles get into the eyes, serious health problems can occur.

It is advisable to use glasses or a mask with a closed design that replaces them. The spread of sparks and metal shavings occurs along an unpredictable trajectory and you can never predict whether they will get under the mask or not if it is an open type. It’s good if the mask has a protective mesh, since impacts from fragments can be so powerful that they can pierce plastic.

The presence of a casing on the tool provides the first protection that stands between a person and a rapidly rotating cutting wheel. Moreover, the destruction of the latter is a frequent occurrence. Most people who regularly use an electric grinder have repeatedly encountered this problem. Most often, the circle is destroyed when a metal workpiece becomes jammed in the resulting slot.

The main purpose of the protective casing is to prevent the emission of sparks and other particles towards the person using the angle grinder. In this case, the casing is secured in such a way that it does not rotate spontaneously or shift to the side. And no matter how much many builders would like to remove the protective casing to make working with the tool easier, doing this is strictly contraindicated. Neglecting this rule can lead to unpredictable consequences for human health.

How to work with an angle grinder?

So, you bought a suitable grinder and wheels for it. I have no experience working with an angle grinder, the tool is dangerous and it’s scary to approach it. But we need to work. What to do? First of all, you need to take care of protective equipment. At a minimum, you should protect your face and hands. The shield mask is convenient because it protects the lower part of the face, but it fogs up when you take a deep breath. The glasses do not have this drawback, but the nose and mouth remain open to sparks. Therefore, it is advisable to use a respirator along with glasses.

Means of protection

You should pay attention to the quality of fastening the mask to the straps. Typically this fastening consists of screws with plastic wings that must be tightened as tightly as possible. It is very inconvenient when the mask dangles and falls off when bending forward.

The face shield can be made of plexiglass or polycarbonate. The second option is preferable, because polycarbonate is much stronger than plexiglass. A fragment of a flying disk will immediately pierce the plexiglass, and the polycarbonate, although it will be pierced, will retain the fragment of the disk. It is difficult to say whether a damaged mask will withstand being hit by shrapnel again. It’s better not to tempt fate and purchase a new means of protection.

It should be borne in mind that complete protection cannot be achieved either from a face shield or from glasses. Sparks fly along a completely incomprehensible trajectory and fly under the mask. And sometimes, oddly enough, even under glasses. Another feature of cheap plastic masks and glasses is their vulnerability to sparks: as soon as you catch a sheaf of sparks, the plastic becomes dull.

It makes sense to purchase a clear mask with head protection or even a welding helmet. There are closed masks with a breathing filter. They are a labyrinth of bulkheads (a fragment, once there, spends all its inertia on ricochets between the walls).

A gas mask best protects your head. Old-style military gas masks protect the eyes with glass eyepieces that are resistant to sparks. However, the viewing angle is too small for comfortable work. Modern gas masks with a panoramic mask are much more convenient. Unfortunately, such protection is not cheap.

Gloves as a means of protection when working with an angle grinder

Gloves should be of the appropriate size so that there is no empty space at the fingertips. If your hand is close to the disk and the dangling tip gets caught in the rotating disk, you risk missing the moment when it is not too late to remove your hand. Moreover, the smaller the “grinder”, the more pressing this problem. If the glove fits perfectly on your hand, the maximum you are in danger of is cutting yourself on the edge of the rotating disk.

A glove will not save you from a cut, but it will minimize the damage. Gloves are also useful because cutting sheet metal results in razor-sharp cutting edges. In other words, carelessly touching the cut without gloves can result in a deep cut. The metal heats up from friction, and you can get burned on the freshly cut workpiece if you do not use gloves. Clothes should not restrict movement, but nothing should hang down. The grinder will tighten laces, ties, the ends of the belt or wide sleeves so quickly that you won’t have time to understand anything. The problem is that by tightening the clothes, the tool gets closer to the body, and it is not at all a fact that by this moment you will have time to turn off the motor.

Long hair must be tied into a bun or ponytail. Ordinary clothing can catch fire when exposed to sparks. Therefore, it is recommended to wear a thick apron for metalwork or overalls impregnated with a fire-resistant compound over clothing.

In general, when working with a dangerous tool, protection is never enough. The above-described set of protective equipment can be supplemented with shoes with a metal toe cap. It protects the feet from disc fragments. You can build real iron chain mail using the experience of historical battle reenactors. Chain mail protects well from large fragments, but it will allow sparks to pass through. The same goes for metal mesh masks.

For those who spend a lot of time with a grinder in their hands every day, soundproofing headphones or earplugs will be useful. After many hours of work, the ringing in the ears will persist for several days. And doing such work constantly, without resorting to ear protection, can easily damage your hearing.

Working with an angle grinder

The “grinder” itself is provided with minimal protection. Actually, it has only one means of protection: a casing installed on the gearbox and covering half of the disk. This casing must be rotated in such a way as to protect the technician from sparks and fragments of the disk when it ruptures. An additional handle is placed above this casing to avoid hand contact with the cutting edge. It is technically possible to install the handle on the opposite side of the casing, but then the hand will be dangerously close to the working area, which is fraught with serious injuries.

Correct installation of the equipment is of great importance. Different craftsmen place abrasive discs in different ways: some with the label facing the gearbox, others with the label facing out. Beginners often have a question: which installation option is correct? Meanwhile, due to the absence of teeth, the direction of movement of the edge does not matter. There is, however, one caveat. The mounting hole of the abrasive discs is framed by a metal ring, which, according to the manufacturer’s plan, should take on part of the load when the flange self-clamps. Usually the disk is placed so that this ring is under the flange.

How to avoid self-tightening of the flange?

Self-tightening of the flange is possible when the disk jams, when the disk and the flange ground to it stop, and the spindle continues to rotate. Self-clamping also occurs during a sharp start, when the flange and disk remain in place by inertia, and the spindle makes a jerk. Sometimes the flange is tightened so that attempts to release the fastener lead to breakage of the open-end wrench, the locking button (it is plastic and therefore very fragile) and even the gearbox housing.

You can avoid self-clamping by placing a washer under the flange. You can find a metal washer of suitable size, or you can cut it out of plastic, cardboard or even paper. A rubber washer would be a very good solution. With a tightening jerk, it stretches, and after the tension subsides, it returns to its previous position.

Naturally, when using branded mechanical superflanges (BOSH, Makita), the problem of self-clamping ceases to be relevant. True, new problems are emerging. For example, if you forget to press the folding bracket, you risk catching it on the workpiece or workbench, which will lead to irreparable damage to the quick-clamping mechanism.

It might make sense to buy a primitive nut with a moving washer that can be tightened with a regular wrench. Having a minimum of structural elements, such a nut is highly reliable and quite cheap, and most importantly, it solves the problem of self-clamping no worse than overseas miracle mechanisms.

When working with a small angle grinder that is not equipped with an automatic soft start, you can tighten the flange by hand rather than with a key, because during the starting jerk it will tighten itself quite well. When starting smoothly, it is necessary to screw the flange with a wrench. On large angle grinders, the nut should be tightened tightly with a wrench, even if the machine is not equipped with a soft start.

The choice of equipment deserves special attention. Cutting wheels used for cutting metal are very popular today. They consist of an abrasive reinforced with fiberglass mesh.

Cutting materials with a grinder

In principle, it is possible to sharpen the workpiece with the surface of the disk, but it is not worth it: the mesh is located too close to the surface, and if it is damaged, the disk will lose strength. You need to sharpen either with the edge of a cutting disc or with special cleaning discs. In addition, use a sharpening stone on a sharpening machine, putting the grinder aside (in general, think as often as possible whether the planned work should really be done with a grinder).

For cutting stone, brick, concrete and tiles, there are special diamond-coated cutting discs with cooling slots along the edge. It is recommended to cut these materials at low speeds.

What can you cut with a grinder?

Many people look with hope at the “grinder” when the need arises to cut wood, plywood, chipboard or plastic. The angle grinder is too fast to do this kind of work. Therefore, cutting wheels melt and splatter plastic, burn plywood and wood. And here many craftsmen are tempted to install a circular saw blade. The devil is in the details. The sizes of saw blades are slightly larger than those for angle grinders. But this “slightly” is quite enough to prevent the installation of the protective casing.

It would seem that this is the first sign that the idea needs to be abandoned, but the master who has succumbed to temptation usually does not stop and removes the casing to install the saw blade. And it is much heavier than abrasive! Given its weight, it is not designed for speeds of 11,000 (or even 7,000) rpm. The result of going beyond the limits of documented capabilities is vibration, which is felt even on weak angle grinders. A strong machine (for a 230 mm blade) with a saw blade is almost impossible to hold in your hands due to the frantic vibration, and the gyroscopic effect does not allow you to change the position of the tool in space. Craftsmen who have once worked with a large grinder with a saw blade talk about the thrill that cannot be forgotten.

When the saw blade jams

When a saw blade jams, the kickback will not only be strong, but also incredibly fast. You may simply not have time to react. When using a lightweight and relatively weak abrasive disc, the force of the reverse thrust is limited by its strength. A car with a steel disk accelerated to the limit will be torn out of your hands with a quick and powerful blow. Moreover, the trajectory along which it will fly is difficult to predict. Ruptures of steel discs also occur; As the masters gloomily joke, anyone who has seen such a disk rupture will never talk about it again.

Recently, saw blades with a bore hole diameter and outer diameter suitable for angle grinders have begun to appear on the market. Imagine: you are holding in your hands a steel disk with pobedit tips (or with a chain from a chainsaw). It's heavy—probably steel. There are circular stripes on the surface - the disc is probably calibrated, packed in a good cardboard envelope, inside a plastic bag, even a soft plastic sponge is put on the teeth. Its parameters and purpose are described on the packaging in the purest Russian language, the company logo and even the website address are printed. And when you go to the website, it turns out that the company does not produce anything, but only exports consumables from China.

In what basement, on what equipment and from what materials the disc was made, one can only guess. And the soldering seems to be similar to Pobedit, and seems to hold up perfectly. But no one guarantees the reliability of welding, and it is unknown how quickly they will start flying off.

Carefully! Do not place the saw blade in the grinder

You need to firmly remember: the “grinder” is not designed for the use of a toothed disc. The steel disc is too heavy for such speed, and the angle grinder is too sensitive to tilts and distortions. Yes, at first the nameless discs do not fly into pieces, they cut instantly and give a perfectly even cut. But if the solder suddenly falls off or the steel breaks, turning out to be only an alloy similar to steel, there will be no one to hold accountable: the manufacturer is unknown.

Manufacturers of wood saw blades for grinders

Not a single famous brand produces saw blades for angle grinders. Unlike the nameless Chinese cellars, seeking only to cover demand and make money. Well-known manufacturers value their reputation. Having shown such blatant incompetence, the company would have to pay not only with money, but also with the permanent loss of its name. That is why the honorable gentlemen do not produce consumables that violate safety requirements. You cannot use saw blades on angle grinders - that's it.

However, well-known manufacturers are making legal attempts to make angle grinders more universal. For example, BOSH produces a universal cutting disc Multi Wheell 2 608 623 013. This is a carbide abrasive (not a saw, mind you) disc with cooling slots. Thanks to them, the heating of the material is noticeably reduced. There are no protruding elements in the slots. Compared to the “toothy” nonames from China, such a disc gives a slightly shaggy cut. However, no more dangerous than a regular abrasive disc. It cuts metal, plastic, wood, plywood and chipboard perfectly. He doesn’t even trip over nails—he grinds them together like a regular cutting wheel.

Grinding discs for grinders

Sanding cups usually extend beyond the casing, while others require its removal altogether. In this case, the decisive role is played by body protection - a mask, a respirator, a robe and gloves. If the abrasive discs break into pieces, then the wire grinding cups throw thin wires in all directions that dig deep into the body (they are especially dangerous when they get into unprotected respiratory tracts, the oral cavity, the sclera and the cornea of ​​the eye).

Alone, they are almost invisible, so they cannot always be removed at home. Meanwhile, the irritation they cause is serious enough to land the victim in a hospital bed. It follows that when using sanding cups, protecting the machine becomes meaningless. But body protection, which is necessary in any case, becomes critically important.

So, the safety rules have been followed, the grinder has been assembled, and the equipment has been installed. It's time to get ready for work. First of all, you should fix the workpiece well. When cutting pipes, some craftsmen simply press them with their feet. And when cutting brick, it is simply placed on a flat, stable surface. It is extremely undesirable to do this: it is much more convenient to process a well-fixed workpiece. First of all, your hands are freed up for a more secure grip on the tool, your legs are freed up for a more secure stance, and your body gets more freedom, which makes work more comfortable and safer. Do not place the workpiece on two supports and cut in the middle. As the workpiece deepens, it will begin to sag towards the cut and jam the disk. It is more correct to fix one side of the workpiece, leaving the other side hanging. In this case, the cut end falls out and the cut only expands, which not only helps to avoid getting stuck, but also makes the work easier.

What is the most comfortable way to hold the earpiece?

There is no consensus on how it is more convenient to hold an angle grinder. Despite the simplicity of the angle grinder design, a variety of grip options are allowed. Each master chooses the appropriate grip himself. The main thing is to remember that the casing must be between the master and the disk, as well as between the disk and the additional handle. No parts of the body should be in the plane of rotation of the disk, or more precisely, in the sector of scattering of sparks and fragments of the disk (this rule is not difficult to observe if a protective casing is installed).

Angle grinder bodies come in two types: one-handed (you can hold the body with one hand, the power button is located directly on the body) and two-handed (they have a “tail” with a button in the back, it is convenient to hold the “tail” with one hand while holding the additional handle with the other) . Usually small and weak “grinders” are made one-handed. While the big and strong ones are made two-handed. With a two-handed grip, one hand acts as the primary hand and the other as the secondary hand.

There is no consensus on which hand should play which role. Some craftsmen believe that the main hand is the one that holds the body (for one-handed machines), and the secondary hand is the one that holds the additional handle. Others see the main hand holding an additional handle (in their opinion, it guides the tool), while the other hand only supports the body (or the “tail” if the grinder is two-handed). To understand which position is more comfortable, you need to try working in different positions.

Three slots for an additional handle

Most modern angle grinders have three sockets for an additional handle: two on the sides (perpendicular to the spindle) and one on the back of the gearbox (parallel to the spindle). It was said above that you cannot place the handle near the open part of the disk. Thus, there are two seats left: at the casing and at the “back of the head”. It should be remembered that the hand in a state of pronation (palm down) is very unstable, and the most stable position of the hand is semi-pronation (palm to the side). When preparing an angle grinder for cutting, the handle must be installed perpendicular to the spindle. When the disk is in a vertical position, characteristic of cutting, the handle will stand vertically and the master’s hand will take the most stable position - semi-pronation.

Everything that has been said is also true for grinding: when the disk is positioned horizontally, it is better to place the handle on the back side of the gearbox so that it stands vertically. Since grinding is carried out by the surface of the grinding wheel and the disc is not immersed in the material, this process is not as sensitive to tool misalignment as cutting. For this reason, the horizontal position of the handle is quite acceptable. Some cheap angle grinders don't even have a rear handle socket. If desired, a bracket can be designed for such a machine, screwed to the side holes and equipped with a handle mount. The bracket must be strong enough; for manufacturing it is advisable to use thick, durable metal. Such staples are produced industrially; They are much more convenient than homemade ones, although they are quite expensive.

Where should the sparks be directed when working with an angle grinder?

There is a lot of debate about where the sparks should be directed: from oneself or towards oneself. It is considered the most correct position for the angle grinder when sparks fly towards the machine body. Considering the standard direction of rotation of the disk for all grinders, this direction of the sparks assumes that the spindle is directed to the left if you hold the tool from the side. Or forward, if you hold the tool with the spindle away from you. However, the gearbox has at least two sockets for the handle. But, as already mentioned, you cannot place it at the open edge of the disk.

This means that tool manufacturers allow the installation of a handle and casing for working with sparks from themselves. In fact, there is nothing terrible in this direction of sparks. You just need to understand where the disk fragments and the car itself will fly in the event of a reverse impact. This directly depends on the direction of the force vector. And this vector goes from the point of contact in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the disk.

You can touch the workpiece in such a way that the return blow will throw the machine right into the master’s face. Or you can do it differently - so that the car jumps up or goes sideways. It is not difficult to predict the direction of the reverse jerk if you imagine the disk as a wheel that can push off from the material and move. Regardless of the direction of the sparks, you need to hold the car in such a way that when it jams and is torn out of your hands, it will either drive away from you or drive past you. A successful choice of the point of contact of the disk with the material will make it safe to work with sparks from yourself.

How not to overheat?

To avoid overheating of the blade, after 60 seconds of continuous operation, remove it from the cut for 30 seconds without turning off the machine. Overheating of the disc leads to a decrease in its strength and cauterization of the cut edges. Do not tilt the machine while the rotating blade is in the cut. This creates a danger of jamming, and the cut will be uneven. When cutting metal, you can only look into the working area from the side of the spindle (where the disk is not covered by a casing) wearing safety glasses.

Abrasive discs are ground not only in diameter, but also in thickness. When replacing a worn disk with the same new one, you need to keep in mind that its thickness is several microns greater. When entering a cut that has already begun, the disc will most likely get stuck. Therefore, after replacing the equipment, you need to enter the started cut from the opposite side of the “fork”.

To prevent the discs from wearing out too quickly, when cutting metal, the machine should be driven with the gearbox forward so that the disc hits the material from top to bottom. When moving the gearbox backwards, the disk goes from bottom to top, and can noticeably grind off towards the end of the cut if the cut is long enough.

It should be remembered that during coasting (the so-called inertial rotation after turning off) the disk is no less dangerous than when the engine is turned on. Touching the body with a disc that has not yet stopped can result in serious injury. You cannot put down, and especially throw the angle grinder with the disc down during the run-out. After turning off the motor, you must wait until the spindle has completely stopped. You can slow down the disc on the material. In order not to spoil the workpiece, you can attach a small piece of material near the workplace specifically for this purpose.

Cutting with a grinder grinder

Being a grinder, the grinder cuts by grinding at high speed. There is no need to press on the tool - cutting should occur without force; pressing will lead to jamming of the equipment. When the disk is immersed in the material, the friction area increases, so when the disk jams, the whole body of the machine jerks. Perhaps it will fly head over heels, everything will happen very quickly. The disk should be immersed shallowly, only a couple of millimeters, which is not difficult when cutting thin-sheet material.

The friction area will be quite small, and the point of contact will be located at the edge of the disk. And if the equipment jams, the tool will simply drive away like a one-wheeled vehicle. When cutting thick products, you do not need to immerse the blade deeper than required. In general, it is better not to cut thick workpieces with a grinder, but to take a tool more suitable for this.

It is impossible not to mention here that the widespread opinion about the universality of angle grinders arose due to the low cost of this tool. In fact, craftsmen who try to do most of the work with a grinder are wishful thinking in order to save money. An angle grinder is a grinding machine, and the ability to cut with it is secondary, if not incidental.

You should try to use the grinder for cutting as little as possible. It is convenient and safe to cut long thick boards with a circular saw, cutting down trees is more convenient with a gasoline chain saw, and it is convenient to make curved cuts of plywood and chipboard with a jigsaw. And for small cuts, recesses, cuts with sharp corners and light grinding, a multifunctional and safe oscillation cutter is suitable.

In conclusion, a few general comments

An angle grinder is a high-speed tool, and this is where its danger lies. Jamming of the disk when cutting is especially dangerous, which should be avoided by all possible means. Those who cut with a grinder should remember the rule: angle grinders love precision! The reason for this capriciousness is that cutting is a side function of an angle grinder. Its main purpose is grinding, which does not involve immersing the disc in the material. There is one more important point. You need to place the disk on the workpiece not before turning on the engine, but after.

It is clear that all the intricacies of the matter cannot be told in one article. The more additional material you study, the better. Particular attention should be paid to safety precautions. Carefully study the types of injuries possible when working with an angle grinder and how to avoid them. There are many videos on the Internet where experienced professionals and traumatologists talk about this; safety rules are widely discussed on thematic Internet forums. If you know any experienced locksmiths, it is better to talk to them personally and take a few lessons in the workshop.

The most important thing is to clearly imagine at every moment what will happen in a moment. The master must control the situation one hundred percent. It's good to understand how the tool works, what can and cannot happen, and always know exactly what it does and where it will lead. The relaxed carelessness of a modern person, acceptable when working at a computer, can play a cruel joke when working with a dangerous tool. The master must think on the fly, naturally and quickly, like a soldier on the battlefield.

Pros and cons of glasses and masks

When thinking about what to choose – glasses or a mask – you need to pay attention first of all to the features of the repair work. So, glasses have the following advantages:

• low cost;
• good degree of protection;
• large range of products;
• Ease of use.

Glasses are suitable for work in which the likelihood of falling into fragments is minimal. They do not protect the entire part of the face, but only the eyes - this is their main drawback.

However, masks have other advantages:

• the ability to protect the entire face;
• many modifications and additional means of protection (fasteners, belts, rotating mechanisms, protective shallow stacks, etc.).

However, masks also have their drawbacks. It is problematic to work in them for a long time, since most of the face is covered, which will lead to sweat. The masks are equipped with holes for ventilation, but when working at temperatures they are unlikely to save you. And the cost of masks is more.

How do safety glasses work?

Most models of safety glasses consist of two elements:

• eye protection;
• securely attached to the head.

The design may differ in the presence of ventilation elements. They are necessary to prevent glasses from fogging up from the inside during prolonged use. Fasteners, linings, and seals are also allowed, which make the use of these products more versatile and comfortable.

The main task of protective equipment is to protect your eyes from sparks, metal shavings, scale, dust and suspensions that form while working with an angle grinder. Also, the purpose of the glasses is to create a barrier between the instrument and the eyes in case of destruction of the first.

The principle of operation of such glasses for angle grinders differs from their type. If the glasses are open, their effect is reduced to creating an additional protective screen made of durable plastic. At the same time, they leave gaps between the edge of the glass and the face.

Small particles of dust and smoke can get into these gaps. Open type products are characterized by low quality of protection. Their price on the market is low.

Closed-type devices have a more complex structure. They are a device that fits tightly to the face and reliably protects it from dirt. Their protection is more reliable.

The main disadvantage of such glasses is that the inner glass fogs up. To prevent this from happening, manufacturers apply a special coating to the inner glass. Installation of direct and indirect ventilation is also provided. Air supply partially solves the problem of glass fogging.

Among the open and closed type safety glasses, there are models with polarizing coating and light filters. Their operating principle is to protect the eyes from harmful radiation of different wavelengths. On the market you can find glasses in yellow, brown, black, gray, and pink colors. Depending on the shade, they transmit one or another light spectrum.

What to look for when choosing

When choosing safety glasses designed for working with an angle grinder, you should first of all understand that there are no universal eye protection products and that each of them has its own area of ​​application. Open models with side protection are suitable for working with metal in free space for movement, and when cutting mineral materials and concrete, only closed versions should be used. When working with an angle grinder for a long time, the optical parameters of the lens are important, on which the level of distortion and, accordingly, eye fatigue depend. In such cases, you should use lenses only of the first optical class and from trusted manufacturers. Processing with a grinder is accompanied by the active release of solid fast-flying particles, so it is necessary to use polycarbonate front glass with mechanical strength of classes A and S. And to avoid fogging of the lenses during work, you can purchase glasses with a special coating to protect against condensation. All these parameters are part of the marking code, which is usually printed on the lower right side of the product.

Review of the best safety glasses models

Let's look at the options for the best models. The leaders in this production are the manufacturers DEWALT, POCOM3 and UVEX.

For open models we turn to POCOM3 and UVEX.

POCOM3 HAMMER ACTIV: open type, models are available in three versions: transparent; with darkened lenses; with lenses that increase contrast. Wide view, chemical resistant plastic, protects against particles (120m/s). The cost is approximately 170 rubles. Since the price-quality ratio is most optimal in models of this brand. Customer reviews indicate that the glasses themselves do not interfere during work, although they reliably protect from dust.

UVEX PHEOS and I-VO are popular options for open eyewear from the global market leader in PPE.

These models are available with lenses of different colors - to suit certain needs. UV filter, protects against particles (45 m/s) and chemicals. The price varies 500-800 rubles.

Next, let's look at closed-type glasses. Buyers named the main advantage of such models as extensive adjustment options to suit the user’s size.

But there is also a minus; reviews indicate a flaw in the “anti-fogging” function. In addition, when choosing closed-type models, a problem also arises for people with glasses, because they also need to wear safety glasses over optical lenses.

There are two options here: either buy such models of safety glasses, where the lenses plus a corrective one, or choose spacious models with the ability to wear glasses under them.

UVEX ULTRAVISION – closed-type glasses with impact-resistant lenses and ANTIFOG anti-fog protection. Indirect ventilation. It is possible to wear over corrective glasses. Protection from dust and particles (120m/s) as well as from chemicals. substances. Adapted to attach an optional protective face shield. The cost varies from 900 to 1400 rubles.

Learning to choose the right face shield

Currently, the specialized clothing market is replete with various personal protective equipment.

One of the most in-demand categories is protective face shields. Workers at production and construction sites must have them.

Requirements for the condition of these protective equipment are strictly regulated by general safety rules in accordance with GOST standards.

Purposes of use and their purpose

Modern face shields are a reliable means of protecting workers from various injuries that may be encountered during work.

Thanks to its use, objects such as hot sparks, splashes of non-acidic liquids, solid particles, chemicals, acids, and alkalis are prevented from entering the face area. Some models protect against radiation. The convenience of the shields is of priority importance for the user; the safety of the worker largely depends on this indicator. Inconvenience, on the contrary, can lead to traumatic situations.

Protective face shields are widely used in the following areas:

• Construction;
• Gas and oil production sector;
• Ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy;
• Chemical industry;
• Machinery and automotive industry.

As for professional duties where the use of facial protection is mandatory, the list is very wide. Shields are used in painting, plastering, welding and numerous repair works.

In production facilities where there are blast furnaces and steel-smelting furnaces, wearing these means is also mandatory. In the latter case, there is a separate regulation of requirements for the use of individual means of protection, which must meet certain standards.

Manufacturing materials and production technology

All modern shields are made from various high-strength materials that are resistant to various types of wear, mechanical and impact loads. Production technology allows products to withstand significant temperature changes. Shields can be used in various climatic conditions.

The material can be various heat-resistant polymers, for example, polycarbonate. It is able to protect the face even from short-term strong heating to temperatures above 100o Celsius.

Depending on the manufacturer, the maximum heating value may vary. The average temperature is about 130o C.

Another common raw material used in production is non-flammable plastic. Its features include reducing the intensity of heat radiation by half. Plastic can effectively protect the face from significant mechanical impacts, since it has very high impact resistance.

The material most often found in budget options for protective face shields is organic glass or PMMA. Essentially, it is thermoplastic plastic, but manufacturers use various technologies that give the material not only resistance to impacts, but also to chemical influences.

A very important property of all three materials is their dielectricity, which makes it possible to use shields when working with electrical installations.

Companies supplying personal protective equipment to the modern market use high-tech methods to produce face shields. This is due not so much to the high degree of competition as to the requirements for safety and ease of use. The design of the products assumes lightness and no load on the cervical vertebrae.

The screen glass is 100% transparent without the slightest optical distortion, so your eyes will not get tired even after prolonged use.

The production of polymers using organic synthesis and other similar technologies makes it possible to create materials that, during prolonged contact with a person’s face, will not cause irritation even among allergy sufferers.

Manufacturing technology concerns not only glass, but also comfort in general. Most modern face shields have soft padding inside them, allowing you to ignore the foreign object attached to your head and focus on your work. The straps do not squeeze, however, they fix the shield very securely.

Types and characteristics

Personal protective equipment such as face shields comes in several varieties, each with different characteristics. Currently, among the most popular products there are several main types:

• Universal type protective face shields;
• Shields with special fastenings to the helmet;
• Face shields with helmet mounts for welding work;
• Protective face shields for electric welders.

Universal shields are designed for all types of work where face protection from damage is required. They perfectly protect against small particles of the processed material and splashes. The degree of protection from radiation and chemicals is determined by the glass material.

This type is characterized by ease of fastening, therefore it is used by specialists working in various fields. Such shields have an elongated screen, the shape of which is somewhat “sloping” downwards. The design significantly increases ergonomics, so the head can be freely turned and tilted.

The screen additionally protects the neck and upper chest from high temperature and mechanical damage.

A helmet with a protective shield is most often used at construction sites and various industries. This protective equipment can be easily removed and put on when needed. There are models with a special light filter, which allows you to do welding work.

Welding shields fall under a separate category. Professionals especially value one-piece models with a classic closed shape.

This is the safest option, since the characteristics of such products include, first of all, the presence of light filters with the ability to manually adjust the dimming.

Another important parameter is the presence of a large viewing window. Welding shields with fastenings on a helmet are not much different in their characteristics from the previous version.

There is also an adjustable light filter and a large viewing window. The only difference is in the design. Such models are mounted on a helmet, which makes them convenient for specialists who do not constantly have to resort to welding for work. Protection against direct radiation depends on the filter settings.

The right face shield can save your health and possibly your life.

Tips on how to choose

The facial protection products we describe are available on the market today in a very large assortment. Making a choice can sometimes be difficult.

The previous part of our article describes the characteristics of each type of glasses. And you should start choosing precisely from the design features and your own professional affiliation.

Naturally, welders will choose suitable models equipped with high-quality light filters.

In addition to the technical characteristics unique to each product, it is necessary to take into account your own comfort and individual safety. Therefore, the parameters presented below will be no less important:

• Availability of a headband adjustment system;
• Good resistance to shock and mechanical stress;
• Protective screen material;
• Product weight;
• Availability of additional accessories.

As for the screen material, it is advisable to choose shield models with the maximum range of protection. That is, protection should not be easy from fragments, but also from various aggressive liquids, and from increased temperature, albeit short-term.

Storage and operation

Each personal protective equipment has its own operational capabilities. Each manufacturer puts its own label with an expiration date, however, depending on the conditions under which you have to work, the period may be reduced.

Chemical industry workers, welders and other specialists engaged in hazardous work are forced to change personal protective equipment quite often. This is due to constant loads on this PPE.

With proper care and storage, it is possible to extend the lifespan. As a rule, manufacturers, in addition to the original packaging, also offer special storage cases.

If you didn’t have such a case when you purchased it, it’s worth purchasing. If this is not possible, it is necessary to keep the product separate from hard objects to avoid damage to the screen, even if the latter has a protective coating.

Any scratch can cause significant visual discomfort. Care of the shields must be carried out in full accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer. It is very important not to forget about this after the end of each working day.

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Protective shields

Special shields, or masks, for working with an angle grinder seem to be more reliable, but their cost is higher. Professionals prefer this category of protective equipment, because they protect not only the eyes, but the entire face. Masks come in different types and are made from different materials, which affects their appearance and cost.

The masks are attached using special belts or other fasteners and are held tightly on the head; the protective glass protects against the ingress of scale and dust particles and materials. Some shields have a visor that protects the forehead. In addition, shields are made with a special fine mesh - this is additional protection, including from damage to the mask itself during operation, which increases its service life. Overall, a face shield is more durable than regular glasses.

Types of construction safety glasses and shields

Construction glasses, according to their protective properties, are divided into three types:

• Reinforced - used for working with wood, stone and tiles. They can withstand even blows.
• With metallized glass - designed to protect against EM radiation, so they are worn when working with electricity.
• With a light filter - used for working in poor lighting, for protection from gas welding and bright sunlight.

According to appearance, they are divided into:

• Open – used to protect against small debris and sawdust. The body of the glasses is made of plastic; they are additionally equipped with a light filter.
• Closed - have built-in ventilation. They fit tightly to the face and protect it from moisture.
• Double - have a double frame in both lenses and body.
• Sealed - protects against volatile substances and hazardous liquids.

Construction screens differ in their areas of use:

• Welding - cover not only the face, but also the head and part of the neck. The viewing window often has a light filter installed, or the glass is simply darkened.
• Manual - intended for one-time use.
• Attached to a helmet – they have special fastenings. They are convenient to use in the wood processing industry.
• Universal – completely cover the face and can be used in any area.

Traditional methods for preventing glasses from fogging

Folk recipes are simple and accessible, but have their own nuances. Here are the most popular:

In this article

• Traditional methods for preventing glasses from fogging
• Tips for caring for foggy glasses
• Professional anti-fog glasses

• A piece of solid soap. The lenses of the glasses are rubbed with a dry piece of any scented soap, then the applied mass is evenly distributed over the lens with a soft cloth, while drying the glass (minus - it is difficult to apply an even layer, so the view will deteriorate on rainy days);
• Shampoo. Add warm water to the hair wash in a ceramic bowl in a 1:1 ratio and mix thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is obtained; then the solution is applied to the glass with a piece of clean soft cloth, and wiped dry with another dry cloth (this may leave barely noticeable rainbow stains, which will contribute to the appearance of glare and make it difficult to see);
• Spray for car windows. It is enough to spray it on the inner surface of the glasses lenses and wipe dry (you should remember that auto chemicals are not intended for people; it is undesirable to use such dangerous products);
• Glycerin (liquid). A soft cloth is generously moistened with the solution and the glasses are thoroughly rubbed on both sides, then the glasses should be allowed to dry naturally, and then polished with a dry soft flannel cloth (this method of combating glass fogging takes a lot of time);
• Toothpaste. Squeeze out 1 pea on both glasses from the inside and rub thoroughly with a napkin; after drying, the remaining paste is removed with a soft cloth (however, it is very difficult to clean glasses of dried toothpaste without damaging the surface of the glass);
• Shaving foam. Apply to glass with clean fingers and wipe with a dry cotton pad until completely dry (this method is the least effective due to the texture of the foam being too soft).

All folk remedies are free of charge, because they are available in any apartment, but the above methods are quite time-consuming. Various detergents often have to be reapplied to the glass, after first removing the previous layer of soap or shampoo. It is also inconvenient that mixed solutions of detergents and water cannot be stored; the ingredients will need to be mixed in accordance with the proportions before each application. Folk recipes are quite applicable as a one-time use when the glasses in your glasses fog up and you need to quickly take at least some action.

Types of line trimmers

There are quite a lot of them today, so everyone can make a choice based on their own needs. Cordless line trimmers are the most popular for people who want to operate independently from a power source. Examples include:

• Champion TB400 is a cordless trimmer. It has a telescopic rod, compact size and light weight, only 2.8 kilograms. A limit bracket is provided to prevent damage to useful plants;
• Gardena PowerCut Li-40/30. A professional tool that can handle even a wet lawn. Of additional note is the ability to adjust the head to work at an angle in hard-to-reach places.

Gasoline trimmers are more expensive and require regular refueling, but this pays off due to their high power and the ability to work for a long time on the site without being tied to a power source:

• Partner B305 CBS. Despite its light weight, it has impressive power. Allows you to tidy up green spaces without having a harmful effect on them by minimizing emissions. The cutting tool used is a special grass knife and a Tap&Go trimmer head operating in semi-automatic mode.

Most modern trimmers can be equipped with an additional head with a fishing line. There are four types of spin trimmer heads:

• automatic heads automatically feed filament when the throttle reaches a certain speed;
• semi-automatic heads advance the string when you press the spindle head to the ground when the throttle is applied;
• manual heads require you to turn off the trimmer before pulling or unwinding the rope to advance it;
• Fixed line heads do not provide string advancement. Instead, you use pre-trimmed replacement strings.

Don't look at the bright light!

Eye protection during plasma cutting is a question that interests many. Let's look at the problem in more detail. When cutting, a plasma arc, like any electric arc, emits a wide range of electromagnetic radiation, which goes all the way: from infrared light (passing through the visible spectrum) to its ultraviolet range. The electric current during plasma cutting can be very intense, ranging from 100 to 800 Amperes. It goes without saying that looking at the arc can easily cause eye damage. If a worker's retina is exposed to bright light for a long time, the consequences may be more serious. How to avoid this?

Recommended eye protection for plasma cutting

There are several important, good sources that have standards and recommendations that any good welder should know. These include OSHA and ANSI standards, as well as OST 5.9823-80 “Electric welding works. Safety requirements".

Let's consider foreign standards. OSHA is the US Federal Occupational Safety and Health Agency. Their fact sheet, “Protecting Eyes from Radiant Energy During Welding and Cutting in Shipbuilding Operations,” has guidelines for welder eye protection citing data from ANSI (American National Standards Institute). The eclipse degree numbers refer to safety glasses or welding helmets. The higher the number, the darker the glass.

ANSI and the American Welding Society (AWS) have published an even more detailed table, “Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Related Processes (ANSI Z49.1: 2005).”

In both cases, the guidelines suggest a rule of thumb: “Start with the shade that is darkest to show the weld area. Then we move to a lighter shade that gives enough representation of the welding area without going below the minimum.”

ANSI recommendations for SMAW, GMAW and FCAW welding are in the shade range with shade number 10 - 14. How does this apply to a welding operation? When welding, you basically stand and look at the welding area through your helmet as usual, and you can manually operate the welding torch, which is just a few centimeters from your face.

But the operation of a CNC machine is slightly different:

• the operator is much more likely to be further away from the arc;
• the welder must move around, so he must be able to clearly see his surroundings (this is relatively dangerous in a welding helmet);
• the operator must have visual ability to control the machine while the arc is on;
• The welding arc moves, so the operator will not always be able to see in its direction.