Flap wheel

Abstract

In one embodiment, a support member on an abrasive wheel has (a) an annular surface which fixedly supports (as by epoxy) a plurality of flaps in a partially overlapping relationship between successive flaps and (b) a central hole for receiving a mandrel which rotates the wheel. Each flap has on one of its surfaces abrasive particles facing outwardly from the annular surface. Each flap defines an acute angle with the annular surface and preferably extends at its opposite axial ends beyond the axial positions of support by such support surface to obtain a fixed positioning of the flaps relative to the support surface even at the axial positions beyond the axial ends of such annular surface. In a second embodiment, the flaps are disposed on the annular support surface in a tighter relationship than in the first embodiment so that each flap contacts adjacent flaps along a portion of its length. When the wheel is rotated with the flaps disposed adjacent a workpiece, the inner portions of the flaps provide an abrading action, partly because of their contact with one another, and the outer portions of the flaps provide a polishing action, partly because of their separation from one another. This polishing action is facilitated by the fact that (a) the flaps become separated from one another at their outer ends because of centrifugal action and (b) the grit on the flaps becomes progressively worn with progressive positions toward the outer ends of the flaps.