How to grind hardened steel?

vonsworld · 30 Nov 2015

Hello

I have a vintage model train and I need to grind about 0.75mm off the flanges/edges of each wheel so that it will run on modern track.

I have put a wheel onto an axle and then put that in an electric drill and tried running it against a metal file, however very little comes off the wheel, it just grinds holes in the file. I've been told this is because the wheels have been hardened.

Please can you tell me what I can use instead of a standard file that will make an impression on these wheels?

I thought about trying a grindstone, but if so what type would you recommend?

Thanks

Burnerman · 30 Nov 2015

Very difficult to be accurate here I guess, but a green grit grinding wheel is whats used for sharpening carbide bits.....although a carborundum one would probably do the same.
John

Diyisfun · 30 Nov 2015

How many wheels?
What diameter?
You could find an engineering work shop, you could use an oil stone, a grind stone.
You must keep moving the item & keep it cool.

Nige F · 1 Dec 2015

Hmmm It might be an article for the Antiques Roadshow - but with ground off wheels it might be half a pound of scrap

Dave54 · 1 Dec 2015

A carborundum stick I'd have thought. Slow going though to remove 0.75mm. Think very slow! Also remember that if the wheels have been case hardened, you'll go through the hard layer I'd have thought.

Best way I can think of doing it without specialised gear would be a mounted drill with the wheel attached to an axle as already described, and something like a Dremel with a suitable grinding wheel used gently off some sort of rest if possible.

As already said, you might destroy any value by modifying it.

Burnerman · 1 Dec 2015

Not too sure I understand this one, but to reduce a flange by hand is asking for bother, I think.
Maybe a lathe with a tool post grinder ( remember them?) or shortening the axle span somehow?
John

Dave54 · 1 Dec 2015

That'd be the best answer John although I've done odd small bits freehand as I described. Don't know about accuracy or repeatability though.
To the op, if you do anything like that, you'll obviously need to protect your eyes and face.

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How to grind hardened steel?

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