The Grinder 2

The Grinder®2, by Techniglass, is a compact but powerful stained glass grinding machine. Unlike the old-school grinders you may be familiar with, The Grinder®2 has a brushless DC motor, which provides more power while using less energy than traditional brushed DC motors. It also operates more quietly. These characteristics make it an excellent choice for hobbyists working in a home studio, or for classrooms with limited space. The work surface measures approximately 11.5″ (~29.2cm) by 9.5″ (~24.1cm), and is 4.25″ (~10.8cm) high. THE GRINDER®2 compact, powerful stained glass grinder 4500 RPM brushless DC motor no footpedal required portable – 110-220 VAC compatible low profile – 4.25″ (~10.8cm) high vibration control built-in accessory drawer comes with a 3/4″ standard speed bit manufacturer 5 year limited warranty Optional Accessories: The Lumishield®2 LED Light (sold separately) The Guard®2 Splash Curtain (sold separately) Quick-Fit Bit® System The Grinder 2 uses Techniglass’ Quick-Fit Bit® System and comes with the 3/4″ bit holder and a standard 3/4″ bit. Their patented QFB System reduces grinding vibration and allows for vertical adjustment of the bit on the shaft, so you can use the entire bit surface. Changing bits is fast and easy, and does NOT require a special key. Replacement bits are available here. More information is available in this brochure from Techniglass. Safety Safety Glasses Always wear safety glasses with side shields when working with Stained Glass. Make sure that you don’t work glass around people not wearing safety glasses. As mentioned earlier, water applied to the grinding bit of course keeps dust and slivers to a minimum, but safety glasses are an easy precaution in case you drop a piece of glass, or if the glass cracks unexpectedly due to age or an imperfection in it that you couldn’t see. Dust The Grinder 2 makes use of Techniglass’ patented water delivery apparatus, the Aqua Flow System®, which has bristles wick water from the tray directly to the bit using capillary action. So long as sufficient water is maintained in the tray, water will be delivered directly to the grinding bit, which helps to minimize dust. Two optional accessories we also carry, the Lumishield®2 illuminated splash shield and the Guard®2 spray curtain, also help with dust and splash control. Do I need a stained glass grinder for mosaic art? Stained glass grinding machines such as Grinder 2 are meant for artists working with traditional stained glass methods, and especially artists trying to reproduce a pattern, such as for a traditional stained glass window or a sun catcher. If you are using the foil method for example, you need precise curves and smooth edges that are very difficult to achieve with hand tools. That’s where a grinder becomes indispensable. For artists using either the “Stained Glass Mosaic” or “Glass-on-Glass Mosaic” techniques, a grinding machine is not required, because grout gaps don’t have to be as precise, and edges don’t have to be as clean. Nonetheless, a grinder would still be helpful to a mosaic artist whose art requires precise stained glass shapes. How To Make Mosaics For more advice on designing your mosaic project or mounting, cutting, and grouting tile, please see our page of Mosaic Frequently Asked Questions or our Mosaic Information Guide, which lists instructional pages described by topic. We also post new articles about making mosaics at our How to Mosaic Blog.