Powerbrush Safety Information

Technical Tips

Brushing Pressure
Remember the tips of a wire brush do the work. Operate the brush with the lightest pressure so only the tips of the wire come into contact with the work.

If heavier pressures are used, the wires will be over stressed, resulting in a wiping action, and if this is continued, the life of the brush will be shortened due to wire fatigue.

Apply the work to the face of the brush in such a way that as much of the brush face as possible is in full contact with the work. Applying the work to the side or edge of the brushing tool with result in wire breakage and shortened brush life.

Reversing the brush rotation periodically will tend to increase the life of the brush. This results in the re-sharpening of the wire tips or ends, insuring faster cutting action.

Brushing Action
There are many variables in power brushing conditions. In many cases one or more power brushes may accomplish the same results, however if one brush does not accomplish the desired results, follow the suggestions below:

Flexibility
Long trim brushes are more flexible and are able to follow contoured surfaces. Conversely, short trim brushes are faster acting and suited for more severe brushing actions.

Methods and Plant Equipment

Method of Driving a Brush
Large diameter brushes are normally used on stationary machines, bearing in mind the available horsepower. On portable equipment, brushes up to 200mm diameter are as a rule the largest that can be handled efficiently.

Power requirements
When purchasing brushes, the power capability of the available machine or plant should be known. The following table will act as a guide, although the unknown factor that has to be determined by practice and experience is the amount of resistance developed in the brushing operation.

Working with Light Pressure

Safety Requirements

Safety Goggles: Safety Goggles or full-face shields worn over safety glasses with side shields, must be worn by all operators and others in the area of power brush operation.

Guards: Keep all machine guards in place

Speeds: The speeds specified on each power brush are the maximum speeds that each brush may be used at. These are not necessarily the optimum speed for a given application. Operating speed should be determined by the application, but should never exceed the MSFS (RPM) for which the brush is rated..

Protective Equipment: Appropriate protective clothing and equipment must be used where there is a possibility of injury that can be prevented by such clothing or equipment. All power brushes like other rotating cutting tools, demand that certain operating precautions be observed to assure operator safety.

Inspection: Brushes should be carefully checked when removed from original packaging. Do not use if any rust or damage is seen. Check used brushes regularly.

Storage and handling: Store brushes in original packaging. Wire brushes should not be exposed to heat, high humidity, acids, fumes or liquids that can result in deterioration of the wire filaments, and subsequently, their premature failure. Also check for distortion of brush fill that can cause imbalance and excessive vibration when brush is run. Do not allow foreign material to accumulate in the brush face.

Machine Condition: Proper machine maintenance is essential to keep them in a safe operating conditions. Use adequate spindle diameter for the brush – do not use a brush larger than the machine was designed for. Brushing machines should have sufficient power to maintain rated spindle speed.