A: With a 38 mm cut-off wheel, the maximum cut depth is approximately 12 mm (0.47 inches). For thicker material, use a saw or plasma cutter.
Despite its name containing “38”, some users mistakenly believe it can accept 4.5-inch (115 mm) cutting wheels. This is incorrect. The FD Tool 38 is a precision tool, not a demolition grinder. Primary Applications of the FD Tool 38 The FD Tool 38 shines in tasks where standard angle grinders are too bulky, heavy, or imprecise. Here are its five core applications. 1. Die Grinding and Porting In cylinder head porting, mold making, and tool and die work, precision is paramount. The FD Tool 38 with a carbide burr or mounted stone allows you to remove material in tight radii and internal contours that larger tools cannot reach. 2. Weld Seam Blending and Finishing After welding, surfaces often require smoothing without undercutting the base metal. The FD Tool 38, fitted with a 38 mm flap wheel or non-woven nylon disc, produces a consistent, satin finish on stainless steel, aluminum, and mild steel. 3. Cutting in Confined Spaces When equipped with a 38 mm reinforced cut-off wheel (typically 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm thick), the FD Tool 38 can slice through bolts, sheet metal, rivets, and thin tubing where a reciprocating saw or large grinder cannot fit. 4. Deburring Machined Parts Automated machining leaves sharp burrs on edges and holes. The high RPM of the FD Tool 38 allows rapid deburring of aluminum, brass, plastic, and steel components without changing work holding. 5. Surface Preparation for Coating Removing rust, old paint, or scale from small areas is effortless with a 38 mm abrasive brush or surface conditioning disc. The tool’s lightweight design reduces fatigue during overhead or vertical work. FD Tool 38 vs. Standard Angle Grinder: A Comparison Many users ask, “Can’t I just use my 4.5-inch grinder?” While possible in some cases, the differences are stark. fd tool 38
| Feature | FD Tool 38 | Standard 4.5” Electric Grinder | |---------|------------|--------------------------------| | | < 2 lbs | 4 – 6 lbs | | Speed Control | Variable by trigger pressure | Single or 2-speed fixed | | Precision | High (pencil grip possible) | Low (requires two-handed grip) | | Overheating | No (air cools motor) | Yes (after 15-20 min continuous) | | Use in wet areas | Safe | Electric shock hazard | | Torque at low speed | Consistent | Drops significantly | A: With a 38 mm cut-off wheel, the