How to Cut Wood With an Angle Grinder: 7 Easy Steps

There are dozens of high-end power tools that can efficiently cut wooden materials down to the required size such as the band saw, the circular saw, and the plunge saw.

But what if you can’t afford to buy any of these power tools? A good plunge saw for instance will cost you about $200 or more. Of course, you can rent one, but you might want to get yours and some of the power tools out there are a bit high-priced.

Well, if you want a power tool that is cheap but is still capable of making good cuts on wood, then let me introduce you to the angle grinder.

If you are familiar with this power-tool, then you already know it’s a multipurpose tool capable of doing just about any cutting, sanding, or cleaning task.

If you are new to the power tool, then you are probably wondering if and how a tool called an “angle grinder” can cut wood. Let’s clear your doubts and teach you how to cut wood with an angle grinder.

Can an Angle Grinder Cut Wood?

Yes, you can cut wood using an angle grinder but it’s not very recommended. You need a different blade and you have to always be careful while doing it. Make sure to read the safety precautions that we wrote before starting to cut wood with an angle grinder.

The angle grinder is a multipurpose power cutting tool. This means the power tool is capable of cutting virtually any material ranging from wood to concrete and metal.

What you need to ensure is that you are using the right disc for your task and the angle grinder you buy or rent is the right size too.

Angle grinders though multipurpose come in different sizes. The larger the angle grinder, the larger the required disc, and therefore, the larger the capacity of the angle grinder.

In simpler terms, a big angle grinder will be fit for cutting large wooden logs and boards while a smaller angle grinder though powerful will be much suited for medium-sized wooden materials.

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What Kind of Angle Grinder and Attachment Should You Use to Cut Wood?

All angle grinders are multipurpose. You can get a durable angle grinder and use it for virtually any task that an angle grinder can carry out.

All you need to do is to attach the right disc for the job and you are good to go. To cut wood with an angle grinder, you will need a wood carving and cutting disc of 4-inch or 5-inch thickness depending on the width and structure of the wood.

For most wooden materials, a 4 ½-inch wood carving and cutting disc will do just fine. Most people ask if a metal cutting disc can cut wood seeing as the metal disc is the most common angle grinder disc found in the market.

The truth is a metal disc can cut wood but the result you will get will be poor. Also, you will be putting yourself at risk of strong kickbacks, so we don’t advise you to use a metal disc. Just get a wood cutting disc. They aren’t costly.

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Why Should You Use an Angle Grinder to Cut Wood?

• The angle grinder is remarkably light in weight. This means it is handy and easier to maneuver than most power tools.
• With the required disc, the angle grinder will save time and effort. You can quickly cut through wooden stock without using much force. Grinders move between 11000 – 12000 RPM. This may not seem much, but when you compare this speed to that of a circular saw that moves at 5000 RPM, then you know the angle grinder spins at top speed.
• The angle grinder can also be used to smoothen out rough edges on your wood after cutting. This gives you a better chance of a clean finish.

Related Read — How To Cut Metal Using an Angle Grinder?

What Are the Tools Needed to Cut Wood With an Angle Grinder?

• A measuring tape for taking an accurate measurement
• A pencil
• A dust mask
• A ruler
• A pair of work gloves
• A pair of goggles
• An angle grinder
• A wood cutting and carving angle grinder disc

How To Cut Wood With an Angle Grinder?

Before you begin cutting, you should know that an angle grinder is a free-hand tool. It doesn’t come with a fence, guide, track, or any of those features on other saws that allow precise cutting.

With an angle grinder, the straightness of your cut relies largely on your level of skill with the tool.

Unplug Your Grinder and Put on Your Safety Gear

Always unplug your grinder and use your safety gear before any cutting task. The gloves protect your fingers and palms from cuts and bruises.

The goggles prevent debris from getting into your eyes, and the dust mask prevents you from inhaling sawdust. If you are using a battery-operated grinder, make sure to remove the battery too.

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Clamp Your Wooden Material

If your work table has a clamp or grip installed on it to firmly hold your material in place, then use this to hold down the material.

If it doesn’t, then you need to find an alternative to hold the material in place while you cut. You can also install a clamp on the work table.

If the material is loose, then you wouldn’t get a clean cut because the material would bounce, vibrate and wobble around.

Adjust the Disc Guard

The angle grinder uses a half-disc guard. The guard covers the disc when not in use and you can adjust it downward to serve as a shield to your hand while cutting.

To rotate the guard, press the switch located behind or near the blade guard. Then rotate the guard to the desired position and release the switch to lock the guard in that position.

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Measure and Mark Out the Parts You Want to Cut on the Material

To get an accurate cut, you need an accurate measurement. It’s that simple. Use your measuring tape to take an accurate measurement of the required size of wood.

Then make a cut-line on the wood with that same measurement you got so you know exactly where to cut. You also need to take note of the side of the material you need and the part that will be the waste or cutoff.

Install the Disc Into the Grinder

To install the disc to the grinder, make sure there isn’t any disc already installed. To remove a disc on the grinder, press the spindle lock switch to stop the blade from moving.

Then use a wrench to loosen the clamping flange and remove it. Take out the previous blade and install the new one.

Since you are installing a thick disc, place the pointed side of the clamping flange on the disc with the flat side of the flange facing the outward direction.

Screw the flange tightly with a screw to lock the blade firmly. Ensure the disc is pointed in the same spinning direction that the tool spins.

There are usually arrows on the disc and the tool to indicate the direction of the spin and how the blade should be installed.

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Power-up Your Grinder

If you are using a corded model, plug in the cord and if you are using a battery-operated model, slot in the battery.

Start Cutting

With the cut-line previously drawn and the material clamped down firmly, press the trigger button located near the handle to begin cutting with the angle grinder.

Ensure to keep a firm grip on the angle grinder while cutting. To cut, you can start at either end of the wooden material.

Push the disc down into the stock and move the grinder forward or backward depending on which end of the stock you are starting from

Safety Precautions to Follow While Cutting Wood With an Angle Grinder

• Point the grinder away from your body before you switch it on. The grinder has no kickback guard and the blade is also exposed so be cautious.
• Put on your safety gear at all times. Your gloves, goggles, and a dust mask. Keep them on always.
• Hold the grinder with both hands. The lightweight and build of the grinder make it possible for the grinder to be handled with one hand. However, you need to ensure a firm grip on the grinder with both hands. This way, you can follow the cut line you marked straightly.
• Don’t move too close to the cutting area. Remember there isn’t any kickback guard so maintain a safe distance that can still allow you to see what you are doing.
• Inspect the grinder before using it.

There you have it. Easy steps right? Ensure you try it out. You can also check out other articles on this website and leave a comment if you like them. Have an excellent cutting experience.