Surface grinders are machines that are used to smooth and polish concrete surfaces. There are a few different types of machines available on the market, but they all have the same basic purpose: to prepare a concrete surface for coating or resurfacing.
These machines have a grinding head that is attached to a motor and handle, which allows the user to move it back and forth across the surface of concrete or cement. There are also large floor grinders that can be driven and small and mini ones that can be pushed.
For example, if you are installing an epoxy flooring system, the concrete surface must be prepared beforehand. This is because epoxy does not adhere well to rough or uneven surfaces. To prepare the concrete surface, it should first be grinded down to remove any surface imperfections and provide a level foundation for the new coating. The material that is removed by the grinder will depend on the condition of the concrete surface.
If the concrete is relatively new and has a smooth, even surface, then a light grinding should be sufficient to then stain or polish. However, if the concrete is older and has a rough or pitted surface, then it will require a more aggressive approach and the grinders will need to use a coarser grit before you can seal or polish. When using these machines it is advised to hook it up to an industrial vacuum to remove dust and debris from the air.
There are several factors that you need to take into consideration when choosing a concrete floor grinder. The first is the size of the area that needs to be ground. If you are working on a small project, then you will need a small, mini or handheld machine. If you are doing a larger project, then you will need find a rental yard or buy a large floor grinder or sale. You should also consider your budget and what type or brand of surface grinder you want to use. Some great brands to look at are Husqvarna and Edco floor grinders for concrete compaction.
Equipment like this is designed for professional contractors, but there are handheld grinders available for the do-it-yourselfer that has a small concrete or cement project. The surface grinder can be used to prep concrete for sealing, polishing, and coating. It can also be used to grind down other surfaces like asphalt, brick, stucco, gravel driveways and patios. When portions of the slab are in disrepair and need to be replaced a concrete saw can cut a small area and the slab can be filled in with a concrete mixer.
The surface grinder can be used to smooth rough concrete, remove mortar and asphalt from surfaces, and prepare the material for resurfacing. There are even specialty blades available for preparing concrete for epoxy flooring systems and other coatings that produce a chemical reaction with the substrate. When using this equipment it is important to always wear protective eye-wear and a dust mask to protect your eyes and lungs from harmful materials.
Coating concrete surfaces is quite popular today because of its low maintenance requirements and its aesthetic appeal. This durable material has been used to add beauty and value to many homes, business, schools, churches and other commercial buildings around the world.
Another popular use of these tools is for garage floor grinding and sealing. Epoxy is used to create unique floor designs for garages, and the surface of the cement must first be ground down to remove oil stains, cracks and tire stains.
Husqvarna Concrete Grinder
The Husqvarna grinder uses a dual drive technology where there are 2 separate motors that are operated independently in the planetary head. This allows multiple combinations of settings throughout the grinding process. The planetary head can be set to run in the same direction or counter directions. The same direction allows a more efficient process with a high production rate and a smoother finish.
When using the machine in counter rotation and it is moving forward the "middle zone" is ground more then the "outer zones". The result is a deeper cut through the "middle zone" and less on the "outer zone". When using the same direction the "middle zone" is still ground more then the outer but not as much when in counter rotation.
Husqvarna carries a full line of machines from small push grinders to remote control systems for large areas like malls, warehouses and airports. They also offer the complete line of Husqvarna Hiperclean system of chemicals and grinding heads to maintain concrete.
The Edco line of surface grinders can be used in the same way that the Husqvarna models are used. They have a one handle control system for raising and lowering the concrete grinder head. This makes it easy to change speeds when grinding or smoothing concrete.
The Edco line of concrete floor grinders are available in both gas and electric models. The gas models have a Honda engine that is designed for long life and durability. All of the Edco concrete floor grinders have a high production rate and use sealed bearings in the drive system that are designed to keep out dust and debris.
If you need additional information for a solution for your job, contact Toolfetch today.