Cup Wheels

About Cup Wheels

Cup wheels are specialist grinding attachments designed for use with angle grinders, providing aggressive material removal and precision surface preparation across concrete, stone, masonry, metal, and timber. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade cup wheels from leading manufacturers including Bosch Professional, DeWalt, and Sealey, covering both diamond and abrasive configurations. The distinctive cup-shaped design allows the entire working surface to contact the material simultaneously, delivering faster grinding action and more consistent results than standard flat discs.

Diamond cup wheels feature industrial-grade diamond segments bonded to steel cup bases, making them ideal for grinding concrete, brick, and natural stone. Available in turbo row, single row, and double row configurations, these durable attachments tackle everything from floor levelling to removing trip hazards. For metalwork and timber shaping, abrasive cup wheels and specialised wood carving discs provide controlled material removal with excellent surface finish. Standard sizes include 115mm and 125mm diameters with 22.23mm arbor fittings compatible with most UK angle grinders.

Applications

Cup wheels serve numerous trades and applications:

• Groundworkers and concreters: Grinding concrete slabs, preparing surfaces for resin flooring, removing laitance and trip hazards
• Stonemasons: Shaping natural stone worktops, smoothing granite and marble edges, levelling stone surfaces
• Bricklayers: Removing mortar, grinding brickwork flush, preparing masonry for pointing or rendering
• Welders and fabricators: Smoothing welded joints, removing mill scale, blending weld seams on metal
• Floor fitters: Preparing concrete substrates, removing adhesive residues, levelling uneven floors
• Plasterers: Removing old render, grinding back concrete repairs before new applications
• Wood carvers: Shaping timber, creating contoured surfaces using specialised wood carving cup wheels
• DIY enthusiasts: Home improvement projects including patio levelling and general surface preparation

Choosing The Right Cup Wheels

Material compatibility is crucial—diamond cup wheels are essential for concrete, stone, and masonry, whilst abrasive cup wheels suit metalwork. Specialised wood carving discs feature different tooth patterns for safe timber shaping. Using incorrect types creates poor results and potential safety hazards.

Diameter and fitting: Match cup wheels to your grinder specifications. Standard UK sizes are 115mm and 125mm with 22.23mm arbor fittings. Always verify your grinder's maximum RPM exceeds the cup wheel's rated speed.

Segment configuration: Turbo designs offer fastest grinding with excellent debris clearance for general concrete work. Single row patterns provide controlled precision grinding, whilst double row configurations deliver maximum aggression for heavy material removal. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks the complete Bosch Professional range including Best for Concrete and Expert series for demanding applications.

Working conditions: Consider wet or dry grinding requirements. Most diamond cup wheels perform optimally with water cooling, reducing dust and extending service life. For dry grinding, ensure adequate dust extraction meeting HSE requirements for silica dust control.

Safety Information

Cup wheel operations require strict safety protocols. Always wear appropriate PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and respiratory protection—particularly crucial when grinding concrete or masonry generating respirable crystalline silica (RCS). Implement adequate dust suppression using water cooling or on-tool extraction connected to suitable vacuum equipment meeting HSE guidance under COSHH regulations.

Ensure cup wheels are correctly fitted with power disconnected, never exceeding maximum RPM ratings. Inspect wheels before each use for damage, and always use correct guards positioned between operator and wheel. Maintain firm two-handed control throughout operation, allowing wheels to reach full speed before contacting workpieces. Never use damaged or excessively worn cup wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between diamond and abrasive cup wheels?

Diamond cup wheels feature industrial diamond particles bonded to steel cups, specifically designed for grinding concrete, stone, and masonry. They're more expensive but exceptionally durable on hard materials. Abrasive cup wheels use synthetic grinding compounds suited for metalwork and softer materials. Using the wrong type results in poor performance and rapid wear.

How long should a diamond cup wheel last?

Service life varies depending on material hardness, grinding pressure, wet or dry operation, and diamond quality. Premium brands like Bosch Expert typically grind 20-50 square metres of concrete under professional use. Water cooling significantly extends life by reducing heat and friction. Replace when segments wear down to approximately 2-3mm height.

Can I use cup wheels on both floors and vertical surfaces?

The same cup wheel typically handles both applications, though technique differs. Floor grinding with angle grinders is more physically demanding. Turbo row diamond cup wheels suit both orientations well, providing good debris clearance. For extensive floor work, consider hiring dedicated floor grinding machines designed specifically for horizontal surfaces.