Which factor is NOT typically considered when selecting an abrasive wheel?

• A. Material being ground
• B. Wheel color
• C. Wheel grit
• D. Hardness

Answer: (B)

When choosing an abrasive wheel, you focus on matching the wheel’s abrasive material, grit size, and hardness (bond) to the workpiece and desired finish. The right abrasive material depends on what you’re grinding (steel, cast iron, nonferrous metals, stone, etc.), with different grains cutting differently and resisting heat in various ways. The grit size determines how aggressive the cut will be and how smooth the final finish will look. The hardness or bonding controls how long the grains stay in cutting before they wear or dull, balancing cutting speed and wheel life. Wheel color isn’t a reliable indicator of these performance properties, so it isn’t typically used to select a wheel.