Over the last few years, the flooring market has been flooded with new grinders. Buying a grinder these days can be more confusing than ever.
What to consider before choosing your grinder
Get the right size grinder!
Approximate Grinding Rates
15" ProGrinder
100-200 sq ft
20" ProGrinder
200-400 sq ft
25" ProGrinder
400-700 sq ft
30" ProGrinder
700-1200 sq ft
Grinders come in many sizes. What size machine is best for you will depend on your typical job. Here are some rules of thumb to keep in mind:
Bigger machines tend to be better choices for bigger jobs.
Here are some rules of thumb about bigger machines, such as the Pro Grinder 25” and Pro Grinder 30”
They have higher production rates (anywhere from 400 - 1200 sf/hour, depending on size and application)
Are more expensive than smaller grinders
They perform better in large open spaces, better for larger commercial jobs
Smaller machines tend to work better for smaller jobs. Here are some rules of thumb about smaller machines, such as the Pro Grinder 15” and Pro Grinder 20”
They can move quickly through tight places, good for smaller residential jobs
Cost less than the larger machines
Production rates typically from 100 – 400 sf/hour
Can fit through any standard doorway
Pick the right power source
Depending on the jobs you tend to do, you may prefer a gas machine, or a 110 Volt or 220 Volt electric machine.
110Volt – This is a great option for contractors who do residential work. A 110 Volt grinder can simply be plugged into an ordinary outlet. This will save you from having to bring a generator to the job.
220volt – With a 220 Volt grinder, you can have the option of a variable speed machine. Variable speed machines are preferred for polishing.
Gas – Gas powered gives you the benefit of not having to worry about cords. If you anticipate doing many outdoor jobs, gas may be the best option for you.
Consider what you will be using the grinder for
What kind of work you will be doing will also play a major role in your decision.
Exclusively Grinding - If you plan on using the machine exclusively for grinding (coatings removal/ profiling), a single speed machine may be a better choice.
Both Grinding and Polishing - If you will be using your machine for both grinding and polishing, you will want to look at a machine that is variable speed. If the machine is too fast or too slow you could end up with damage to the diamonds and floor.
Once you’ve figured out the answers to the above, narrowing down your choice of grinders is actually quite easy for an experienced consultant. What many contractors don’t give proper consideration to is the importance of choosing the right diamonds for their needs.
Use The Right Diamond Heads
There are literally hundreds of different kinds of diamonds you can run on your machine. But, if you want to operate with maximum efficiency and optimal output, using the right diamonds is critical. And, using the wrong diamonds on your grinder (even if it is the right grinder for the application), could result in costly accelerated diamond wear, and damage to the flooring surface.
We pride ourselves in helping our clients identify BOTH the right grinder AND the right diamonds for your application.
Give us a call today. We’ll review your needs with you, help you identify the proper equipment and consumables, and arrange to get your order to you fast. Most orders ship out within ONE BUSINESS DAY.