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Cabinet Terminology

What is a Grinder?

GrinderA grinder is a confusing term only because of the wide variety of things it can be used to reference. From a sandwich to a power tool, a grinder must be observed in context to be sure what is being referenced. Most likely, when limiting the term’s use to the arena of cabinetry, a grinder may be one of the following. This term could be used in reference to a tool used to abrasively remove material from a hard surface. Alternative uses of this term in a kitchen setting could refer to a geared mill used to pulverize coffee, shred meat into ground beef or refer to a meatball sandwich on a French baguette.

If the power tool does happen to be the type of grinder being referenced, then there is also further delineation of the term’s use. Handheld grinders come in two forms: angle wheeled and miniature rotary. Though grinding wheels rotate at a high enough RPM to remove material from the surface of nearly anything, they are typically used to alter the shape of metal. Hand rotary grinders are detailing tools used to engrave or to make small alterations. Grinders are not designed to be used for sanding or shaping wood surfaces.

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