What is a key safety step when preparing a grinding wheel for use?

• A. Dress the wheel to restore the abrasive and remove glaze
• B. Inspect for cracks only after use
• C. Increase wheel speed before mounting
• D. Remove the wheel guard during operation

Answer: (A)

Dressing the wheel to restore the abrasive and remove glaze is a critical safety step before using a grinding wheel. When a wheel becomes glazed or loaded, the surface gets smeared with material and the sharpness of the abrasive is dulled. This makes the wheel cut poorly, generates excessive heat, and can cause uneven wear or vibration that increases the risk of wheel failure. Dressing uses a dresser to scrape away the glaze and expose fresh grit, re-establishing a true, sharp cutting surface. This not only improves cutting efficiency but also helps the wheel run more evenly on the spindle, reducing the chance of accidents.

Before mounting, you should also inspect the wheel for cracks, and ensure the guard is in place and the wheel is used at its rated speed. Removing the guard or altering the speed setting invites a serious safety hazard.