Pencil grinders are specialized power tools that require maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. Developing a maintenance plan will save you time and money in the long run.
When working with a pencil grinder, ensure you have the proper safety gear and wear earplugs to avoid overheating from grinding debris. A good dust collector is also important to keep your equipment safe.
Clean the Shavings Tray
When using a pneumatic pencil grinder, always clean the shavings tray. If it’s overfilled or filled with debris, the motor can become sluggish and the blades dull.
The best way to clean the shavings tray is to empty it and use a vacuum cleaner to remove all the wood and lead. If the shavings are not properly cleaned, they can cause breakage in the blades and the unit’s plastic housing.
Alternatively, you can blow the shavings out with canned air at least once weekly. However, be sure to use safety goggles when doing this. This will help to prevent injury if the air nozzle is directed at your eyes.
Using an OSHA-compliant wheel cover for your pneumatic pencil grinder is also a good idea. This will prevent dust and debris from getting into the motor.
In some models, the shavings box also has a safety button that shuts off the motor when the shavings tray is removed. This can be a lifesaver when using the unit on a large project or if you’re in a tight spot where you need to use it quickly.
Another way to keep the shavings tray of a pneumatic pencil grinder clean is to use a special brush that’s designed specifically for cleaning the shavings tray. The brushes can be purchased at most hardware stores.
In addition, it’s a good idea to clean the shavings tray every time you use a pneumatic pencil grinder so that you don’t have to worry about spilling the shavings on your hands or in your work area. It’s also a good idea to ensure the shavings tray is in a well-ventilated space.
Clean the Motor
The motor on your pencil grinder is one of the most important components to keep humming along. It supplies the power to your blades, so if it’s not up to par, you can only do a little work on your machine.
The most efficient and effective way to keep your motor running smoothly is to ensure it’s properly lubricated. Most manufacturers recommend oiling the motor every two weeks to ensure smooth operation. You can also choose to use a special grease to help prevent wear and tear on the motor.
Besides keeping the motor lubed, you should also ensure the fan works well. If the fan on your machine is not circulating enough air, it will not be able to cool the motor. In some cases, the fan can be replaced with a new one.
A few things to look for when inspecting the motor are the brushes, the bearings, and the armature. If you need clarification on any of these, it’s best to consult the manufacturer’s specifications before deciding.
Top Tip: The motor on your pencil grinder is a complex device with many moving parts. Maintaining all of these parts and replacing them as needed is important.
The best way to do this is to use a maintenance guide from your tool manufacturer. This will help you determine which parts your machine needs and how to replace them.
Now that you know how to maintain your motor, you’ll be ready to tackle any job with confidence the next time you need to do some grinding.
Clean the Blades
One of the best ways to keep your pencil grinder in top condition is to give it a good old-fashioned cleaning. The abrasive chemicals used in some cleaners can cause serious damage to your tool, so it’s important to use mild soap and water to get the job done right. Using a soft microfiber cloth is also the safest way to do it.
The blades of a good quality pencil grinder should be the first thing on your to-do list, and while they’re in their protective coverings, it’s a great idea to clean them frequently. This is especially true if you have kids at home, as their fingerprints and poopy diapers are a breeding ground for bacteria. Regularly dusting your grinder is also a good idea to prevent the build-up of lint on the blades, which can rust and ruin your tool.
As with any power tool, you can always be careful, and if you follow these simple tips and tricks, your pencil grinder will keep chugging along for years to come.
Inspect the Motor
Whether you use an pneumatic or gas-powered grinder, it’s important to inspect it regularly to keep it in tip-top shape. If you neglect this simple maintenance, your grinder may suffer major problems that require expensive repairs or a full rebuild.
Inspect the field, armature, bearings, and carbon brushes for sparks or burn marks that indicate excessive heat. This is an easy and inexpensive repair, and replacing the whole part is usually unnecessary.
You should also check the wheel flange, spindle, and lock nut to ensure they’re not cracked or damaged. Cracks in these parts can cause your wheel to wobble or break off during operation, which is dangerous and will shorten the tool’s life.
Other common issues affecting the motor include seized bearings, which can cause it to overheat. Seized bearings can be caused by heavy dirt build-up or by a broken cooling fan.
When checking the armature, try to spin it with your hand; if it doesn’t move, the bearings are seized. You should also test-run the grinder tilted back to hear any dissonance from the bearing.