Grinding down Aluminum Trailer Ramp[

2510Paul · Nov 23, 2017

I had some really nice Aluminum Trailer Ramps built for my PJ trailer. They slide into a pocket. When they made the ramps there is an edge on one end that is a smidge too high to fit the slide-in pocket. I just need to grind it down maybe an eighth to a quarter inch.

Is there a grinding wheel for my 4.5 inch grinder that works best for Aluminum.

By the way, the ridge that needs to be ground down will not impact strength. It just got left too high.

Thanks.

Paul

rvirgil_KS · Nov 23, 2017

For things like that I use a cut off wheel on my angle grinder. Then smooth up with grinding wheel. You could use a wet rag to prevent excess heat build up.

kcm.MN · Nov 23, 2017

It would work better if you were to use a hand file or a powered sander. Belt sander with 60 or 80 grit will remove material fairly quickly, then use finer and finer grits to smooth out until desired.

Otherwise, an angle grinder will work, but you should really have a wheel meant for aluminum. I've tried it before with a standard wheel meant for steel and did not like the outcome.

jniolon · Nov 23, 2017

(quoted from post at 10:12:12 11/23/17) I had some really nice Aluminum Trailer Ramps built for my PJ trailer. They slide into a pocket. When they made the ramps there is an edge on one end that is a smidge too high to fit the slide-in pocket. I just need to grind it down maybe an eighth to a quarter inch.

Is there a grinding wheel for my 4.5 inch grinder that works best for Aluminum.

By the way, the ridge that needs to be ground down will not impact strength. It just got left too high.

Thanks.

Norton, Dewalt, Sait all make an aluminum grinding rock... but I can't vouch for them... don't know if they load up badly or not.. I know a wheel for steel will. When I have aluminum to grind I use a flap disc or flap wheel and lube it with a little WD-40 to cut down on it loading up... Google is full of the rocks but doubt if local big box stores will have them You might try Grainger or Fastenal stores...

john

Paul

jon f mn · Nov 23, 2017

Flap wheels work best foor grinding down aluminum. Sanders would work too. What ever you use will plug up quickly with aluminum unless you put something on it. Candle wax is the usual method, but I use regular welder nozzle spray. If your not going to weld on it after wd40 or equivalent works too.

Steve@Advance · Nov 23, 2017

That's a lot to grind.

Any way to set up a guide and use a carbide Skill saw blade? Then polish it with a flap disc.

vtjoe · Nov 23, 2017

yes there are special wheels for you 4.5

504 · Nov 23, 2017

Yes there are AL only grinding wheels, just like there are SS only wheels.

jeffcat · Nov 23, 2017

Yes aluminum does a great job of plugging up grind wheels. Files take time but even they can plug up. Spray something on them. Even PAM Will work. Belt sander run slowly. If practical . This is something I have done. Angle grinder with sanding disks. Out in the yard with a garden hose on just a little dribble. Just keep the surface a little wet. Works pretty well. Just watch your power grounds! Have never gotten a shock yet. Youre risk.

Welding man · Nov 23, 2017

Get yourself some 40 grit flap wheels. Best thing I have found for Aluminum.

2510Paul · Nov 23, 2017

Thanks everyone for all the great comments. The sanding flap discs make a lot of sense; maybe self cleaning. The second thing is it sounds like it is really important to keep it cool so the Aluminum grinds instead of flows.

Some of you mentioned Aluminum grinding wheels, I will also look into that. I suppose that could also benefit from some form of cooling.

Thanks again.

Paul

caterpillar guy · Nov 23, 2017

Just use an ordinary grinding wheel with some beeswax. It will keep it from loading up with the aluminum. Keep adding it from before you start. If it does load up add more beeswax before it does.

jtwat · Nov 23, 2017

A regular grinding wheel and a bar of soap works well.

Mark-Mi · Nov 23, 2017

Yes, 40 grit flap wheels. This summer we ground smooth 4 feet on 44 aluminum side kit stakes after band sawing the T off the stakes. Did this with nothing applied and only used a couple wheels.

glennster · Nov 24, 2017

a hand held belt sander will also work. wear a dust mask so you dont get the powdered aluminum dust in your lungs. it is hazardous. also be careful if you generate a lot of airborn alum dust as it can explode.

BarnyardEngineering · Nov 24, 2017

Another vote for a flap disk here.

2510Paul · Nov 24, 2017

Thanks everyone. I got the flap discs on order, 40 Gr. NorthernTool had free shipping today. Paul

Grinding down Aluminum Trailer Ramp[

2510Paul

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rvirgil_KS

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kcm.MN

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jniolon

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jon f mn

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Steve@Advance

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vtjoe

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504

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jeffcat

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Welding man

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2510Paul

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caterpillar guy

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jtwat

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Mark-Mi

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glennster

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BarnyardEngineering

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2510Paul

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