Refacing Options – Taber

Refacing for Optimal Abrading Wheel Performance

As Genuine Taber® abrading wheels are used, they slowly disintegrate exposing fresh abrasive grains. When testing certain materials however, the wheel faces may become clogged as a result of the adhesive character of particles worn off the specimen. This changes the abrasive characteristics of the wheel and may impact test results. To reduce this variation, the working surface of abrading wheels must be cleaned and refreshed prior to use and if necessary, at regularly defined intervals. This process is referred to as refacing.

Recommended Refacing Media

Different Taber wheel types require specific refacing media for optimal performance. We do not suggest refacing CS-0 (rubber), CS-5 (felt), S-35 (tungsten carbide) or S-39 (leather) wheel sets as attempts to do so may damage the wheel.

Calibrade® Wheel Refacing (Vitrified Type)

The Taber® Wheel Refacer – Model 350 allows you to true and completely renew the working surfaces of Taber abrading wheels. Wheels are secured to a flanged extension of the motor shaft, and enclosed by a hinged cover for safety. A diamond tool, mounted on a shielded traverse slide, permits light cuts across a pair of wheels providing identical wheel diameters. Calibrade® wheels such as the H-10, H-18 and H-22 are diamond trued before leaving the factory and should be refaced whenever they show signs of being out of round, crowned or clogged with abraded material.

Calibrase® Wheel Refacing (Resilient Type)

Calibrase wheels such as CS-10 and CS-17 are typically refaced with the S-11 Refacing Disc. The S-11 refacing disc is a 4″ diameter, 150 grit abrasive paper sold in packages of 100. When using CS-10F wheels to evaluate transparent materials, the ST-11 refacing stone is used to resurface the wheels. The ST-11 refacing stone is a vitrified product that is 4″ diameter x 1/4″ thick with a 1/4″ center hole, manufactured with 180 grit surfaces.

Technical Specifications

  • S-11 Refacing Disc4" diameter, 150 grit abrasive paper
  • ST-11 Refacing Stone4" diameter x 1/4" thick, 180 grit
  • Diamond Tool RefacerFor vitrified Calibrade wheels
  • Package SizeS-11 sold in packages of 100
  • Minimum Wheel Diameter1 3/4" usable diameter

FAQ - Refacing Options – Taber

What is wheel refacing and why is it necessary?

Wheel refacing is the process of cleaning and refreshing the working surface of abrading wheels. It's necessary because wheel faces may become clogged with particles from test specimens, which changes the abrasive characteristics and may impact test results.

Which wheels can be refaced and which cannot?

Most Taber wheels can be refaced including Calibrase and Calibrade types. However, we do not recommend refacing CS-0 (rubber), CS-5 (felt), S-35 (tungsten carbide) or S-39 (leather) wheel sets as attempts to do so may damage the wheel.

What refacing medium should I use for CS-10 wheels?

CS-10 wheels should be refaced using the S-11 Refacing Disc, which is a 4" diameter, 150 grit abrasive paper. Each disc should only be used for one refacing session and then discarded.

How often should wheels be refaced during testing?

For tests of 1000 cycles or more, refacing every 500 cycle interval is typically sufficient. For shorter tests, refacing for 25 cycles is usually adequate. New wheels require two refacings of 50 cycles each before first use.

What is the difference between Calibrase and Calibrade wheels?

Calibrase wheels are resilient type wheels (like CS-10, CS-17) that are typically refaced with S-11 Refacing Discs. Calibrade wheels are vitrified type wheels (like H-10, H-18, H-22) that are diamond trued and refaced using the Diamond Tool Wheel Refacer.

Can I reuse S-11 Refacing Discs?

No, the useful life of an S-11 Refacing Disc is only one refacing session. Regardless of whether the disc has been used for 25 or 50 cycles, it should be discarded after use. Refacing with a used disc may change the wear coefficient and invalidate test results.

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