Cutting Wood with Angle Grinder: Expert Techniques and Safety Tips

Have you ever wondered if it is possible to cut wood with an angle grinder? Or, you may simply be searching for novel ways of wood cutting. 

If this sounds like you, keep reading!

Knowing whether cutting wood with angle grinder is a good idea requires understanding its limitations and how to use the tool safely. 

Understanding the circumstances in which an angle grinder is not a good idea is also highly important. This article will cover all of these aspects so that you can get on with the job!

In this article, we will cover:

  • Whether it is possible (or safe) to cut wood with an angle grinder
  • How effective an angle grinder is at cutting wood
  • Our 3 Top Picks for the best angle grinder blades to cut wood
  • Some tips and tricks for safely cutting wood with an angle grinder. 

Let’s get into it!

Cutting Wood with Angle Grinder

Can You Cut Wood With An Angle Grinder?

The short answer is yes, it is possible to cut wood material with an angle grinder. That being said, there are a few caveats to using a grinder on wood. Angle grinders are primarily designed for use with metal. This includes cutting, polishing, and grinding metal.

Therefore, angle grinders are not the ideal handheld tools for wood cutting, as they have not been designed for this purpose. Angle grinders should only be used for wood cutting if you really have no other options.! When this is the case, you should ensure you are using the correct blade, such as a circular saw wood blade.

Is It Safe To Cut Wood With An Angle Grinder?

Safe To Cut Wood With An Angle Grinder

The case against cutting wood with an angle grinder stems primarily from issues of safety. It is not advised to use a blade designed to cut a piece of metal in an angle grinder if you are cutting a piece of wood! 

This is because blades designed to cut metal have smaller teeth, and will create more kickback when used on wood — increasing the likelihood that the angle grinder will lose control and result in injury.

Best Angle Grinder Blades For Cutting Wood: Our 3 Top Picks

To help you with your wood cutting, here are our 3 top picks when it comes to angle grinder blades to use:

Pomsare 4PCS Angle Grinder Wood Carving Set

This four-piece set features discs that are compatible with standard 4” and 4 ½” angle grinders, so there’s no need to throw out the grinder you already have just to use them! They’re ready for action and work right out of the box.

Each of these discs is made from steel or carbide and features different teeth designs, making all of them versatile enough to use for all manner of non-metal materials. And thanks to their safety features, this option is great even for complete novices.

  • Compatible with standard 4” and 4 ½” angle grinders
  • Ready for action and work
  • Features different teeth designs
Check Price on
Amazon.com

OA-BRES 3PL Circular Saw Blade

If you want a standard wood carving disc without all the bells and whistles but which still works fantastically well, this might be the one for you!

This set of three gives you identical circular blades with 40 carbide teeth that are compatible with standard 4 ½” angle grinders.

Durability is guaranteed, too! These blades are made from premium alloyed steel, while the teeth are reinforced tungsten carbide – leaving you with smooth, long-lasting woodcuts.

  • Circular blades with 40 carbide teeth
  • Standard 4 ½” angle grinders
  • Durability is guaranteed
Check Price on
Amazon.com

WHLLING 4PCS Wood Grinding Wheel

For versatility and a wide range of applications, you can’t go wrong with this four-piece set from WHILLING!

Unlike the other options, this kit includes a wood grinding wheel, wood shaping disc, toothed chainsaw disc, and even a replacement chain.

This kit works for all standard 4” and 4 ½” angle grinders and promises to be your all-in-one tool of choice for controlled woodworking.

  • Four-piece set
  • All-in-one tool
  • Durability is guaranteed
Check Price on
Amazon.com

Best Angle Grinder for Cutting Wood: Our 3 Top Picks

Here are our top 3 picks for angle grinders to use in wood cutting:

Angle Grinder GOCHIFIX Cordless Grinder

For comfortable work even for long durations, this angle grinder is one of the best options available. 

This tool is equipped with a high-capacity battery and features multiple handle positions for different working styles.

And like any great grinder, it also has a decent rubber grip that absorbs a lot of the vibration – steady, and won’t wake up the neighbors!

  • Comfortable work even for long durations
  • High-capacity battery
  • Multiple handle positions
Check Price on
Amazon.com

Greenworks 24V Brushless Angle Grinder

If power is what you’re after, this brushless angle grinder may be the perfect fit!

Running at speeds of up to 10,500 RPM, you’re in for an efficient and quick woodworking session. 

It also provides ample flexibility with its two-position handle, and it’s completely battery-powered to boot – keeping you untethered while you work.

  • Powerfull brushless angle grinder
  • Running at speeds of up to 10,500 RPM
  • Ample flexibility with its two-position handle
Check Price on
Amazon.com

SENIX 20 Volt Max* 4 1/2-Inch Brushless Angle Grinder

SENIX’s brushless angle grinder is another no-nonsense option to add to your toolkit! 

An ergonomic grinder with a three-position handle that maximizes comfort, it also keeps you safe thanks to its spring-loaded slide switch. 

Like the other grinders we’ve talked about, this one is cordless and packs impressive battery life.

  • No-nonsense option to add to your toolkit
  • Ergonomic grinder with a three-position handle
  • Cordless and packs impressive battery life
Check Price on
Amazon.com

Is Using an Angle Grinder to Cut Wood Effective?

As is hopefully becoming clear, using an angle grinder to cut wood is generally not the most effective method available. Using other tools that are specifically designed to cut wood is likely to be a better option.

Tips and Tricks to Avoid Mistakes and Increase Safety

So, how can we increase safety and ensure we are using angle grinders to cut wood as effectively as possible? Here are some essential tips:

  • For any angle grinder use, you should always wear the correct PPE (personal protective equipment). This includes wearing gloves, safety goggles, footwear, ear protection, and protective clothing
  • Check for any breakage or damage in the angle grinder and blade before use
  • Work in a safe area with laminated flooring where sparks will not catch anything on fire
  • Don’t wear loose clothing, as this is a potential hazard that will increase the risk of entanglement
  • Wear flame-resistant clothing or jackets
  • Ensure you have a firm grip on the angle grinder when cutting to prevent kickback and angle grinder injuries. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, cutting wood with an angle grinder is possible, but it isn’t the best method of wood cutting you can use! 

Whether you choose to cut your wood with an angle grinder also depends on the type of wood cutting you are carrying out. 

However, if you are set on using an angle grinder (such as if it’s the only tool available to you), there are some tips you can follow. These include ensuring you are using the correct blade, that you always have a firm grip on the grinder, and that you are wearing full personal protective gear.

Happy cutting!

Photo of author

Barry Gray

Hi, I’m Barry. I’ve loved woodworking and bringing things back to life for more years than I care to remember. I hope my passion for tools comes across loud and clear in everything you read here on The Tool Square.