3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cut & Grind Wheel

The 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cut & Grind Wheel is a two-in-one abrasive wheel that offers the versatility of a grinding wheel and a cut-off wheel in a single product. This unique wheel is part of 3M’s newest Cubitron 3 line and is designed to simplify metalworking tasks by allowing you to grind, cut, gouge, and blend using the same wheel. It features a depressed center (Type 27) construction with a flat, reinforced inner surface for grinding and an ultra-thin outer edge for cutting. The result is a wheel that can rapidly remove welds or bevel edges, and then seamlessly transition to making precise cut-offs in sheet metal or tubing – all without the need to change discs. In head-to-head performance, the Cubitron 3 Cut & Grind Wheel delivers longer life, cooler operation, and requires less effort than the previous Cubitron II version, so you can get more done with fewer wheels.

Versatility that Boosts Productivity

In a busy metal fab shop or maintenance operation, the Cubitron™ 3 Cut & Grind Wheel can be a game-changer. Its ability to perform multiple functions allows tradespeople to streamline their processes significantly. Imagine using one wheel to clean up a weld, grind a radius, and cut a piece of plate – all with minimal downtime. This all-in-one design directly translates to higher productivity, as there’s no need to stop and fiddle with multiple abrasive tools for different steps of the job. Fewer tool changes not only save time but also reduce the chance of error (for example, mounting the wrong wheel) and improve safety by minimizing the number of wheel swap operations.

The wheel’s design balances grinding and cutting features expertly. The flat inner face (near the hub) is perfect for controlled grinding and blending, since it provides a stable contact area and is reinforced for pressure. You can grind down weld beads, smooth out fillet welds, or perform light gouging with confidence. Meanwhile, the thin outer edge acts like a typical cut-off wheel, making fast, clean cuts in materials such as sheet metal, pipe, or bar stock. This edge is great for perpendicular cuts and even light gouging or slotting where precision is needed. Together, these features mean you can go from grinding to cutting and back to grinding without missing a beat.

Because the Cubitron 3 Cut & Grind wheel is engineered with 3M’s latest PSG abrasive, it cuts cooler and with less force than traditional dual-purpose wheels. You’ll notice that when grinding, the wheel doesn’t “grab” or dig in aggressively – instead, it shaves material off smoothly, which helps you finesse the workpiece and avoid over-grinding. When cutting, it tends to produce a steady stream of sparks without excessive heat, indicating efficient material removal. All of this contributes to better results and less rework, as well as a more comfortable experience for the user.

Key Features & Benefits

  • Multi-Function Design: Serves as both a grinding wheel and a cut-off wheel. This dual-purpose capability makes it ideal for cutting, grinding, gouging, and more – using one tool instead of two. For instance, you can grind down a weld bead with the face of the wheel, then cut a piece of metal stock with the edge, all in one go. This versatility eliminates frequent wheel changes, streamlining your workflow and saving time.

  • Enhanced Cutting/Grinding Speed: The Cubitron 3 Cut & Grind Wheel is formulated to cut and grind faster than its predecessors. It delivers up to 5% higher cut rate than 3M™ Cubitron™ II wheels on comparable tasks. That means whether you’re slicing through steel or rough grinding a weld, this wheel will do it a bit quicker, helping reduce the time and pressure needed to finish the job.

  • Rigid, Reinforced Construction: Built with a tough resin-bonded, fiber-reinforced matrix, this wheel can withstand high-pressure grinding on metals while maintaining the integrity needed for safe cutting. It’s designed for use on both stainless steel and mild steel, and its robust build gives it durability for heavy grinding (like smoothing welds or gouging out cracks) without sacrificing the precision required for cutting.

  • Smoother Operation & Control: The Cut & Grind wheel has been reformulated for improved balance and smoother action during use. It runs with less vibration and chatter compared to earlier models, which means more control and less fatigue for the operator. A smoother grind also helps in reducing rework and achieving a finer finish when blending or beveling, since the wheel is less likely to gouge or bump.

  • Long-Lasting Performance: Like all Cubitron 3 abrasives, this wheel is made with self-sharpening PSG grains that ensure a long life. It maintains cutting efficiency over time, outlasting many conventional aluminum oxide or even ceramic wheels (and also outliving leading competitors in its class). The extended wheel life means you consume fewer wheels per job, and spend more time working and less time on wheel changes. Overall, it offers a best-in-class lifespan for a dual-purpose wheel, which contributes to cost savings in high-volume use.

Tips for Using the Cut & Grind Wheel

To get the most out of this versatile wheel, here are a few tips: First, use a suitable angle grinder with at least a 1.5+ horsepower (or ~1 kW) rating for 4.5–7” wheels – a powerful grinder will ensure you maintain optimal RPM under load, which allows the Cubitron abrasive to work its magic. The wheel is formulated to perform even better at high speed, so a tool that can hold high RPM will yield faster cuts and smoother grinds. Always mount the wheel with the proper flange and use the required guard (for grinding mode, a Type 27 guard that accommodates the wheel’s thickness) for safety. When grinding, keep the wheel at a ~15° angle to the workpiece for best control; when cutting, approach at 90° for a straight cut.

Because this wheel is slightly thicker (5/32″) than a dedicated ultra-thin cut-off disc, avoid forcing it into very narrow cuts – let the wheel’s edge do the work and it will cut fine. For grinding, you’ll find the wheel feels stable and balanced, which reduces operator strain. Take advantage of the smoother action by applying moderate, even pressure – there’s no need to bear down hard. The PSG grains will continue cutting aggressively with minimal pressure, and lighter pressure will further extend the wheel life and improve the finish.

Finally, just as with any abrasive wheel, wear appropriate PPE (face shield, goggles, gloves, etc.) and ensure bystanders are clear, as the wheel can emit sparks and debris when in use. If you follow good practices, the Cubitron 3 Cut & Grind will reward you with fast, efficient cutting and grinding and an outstanding lifespan.

A Single Wheel Solution for Metalwork

The 3M Cubitron 3 Cut & Grind Wheel embodies the phrase “do more with less.” It gives metalworkers and welders a simplified, efficient tool to tackle common fabrication and repair tasks without constant tool changes. This not only boosts speed but also confidence – you know you can handle whatever the job throws at you (cutting or grinding) just by reaching for the same wheel. With the long life and consistency of cut that Cubitron 3 provides, you’ll also enjoy cost savings over time, as each wheel yields more workpieces finished.

Whether you’re in structural steel fabrication, pipeline construction, shipyard work, or general MRO (maintenance/repair), the Cubitron 3 Cut & Grind Wheel can make your job easier. It’s particularly beneficial for field work or situations where carrying multiple tools is inconvenient – one wheel in a grinder can handle many tasks on-site. Plus, by running cooler and easier, it puts less stress on both the operator and the equipment, which can reduce maintenance needs for your grinders in the long run.

In summary, the 3M™ Cubitron™ 3 Cut & Grind Wheel is a breakthrough abrasive product that saves time, saves tools, and delivers top-tier performance. It encapsulates what the Cubitron 3 line is all about: higher speed, longer life, and improved productivity in your abrasive operations. Once you integrate this versatile wheel into your workflow, you’ll wonder how you managed with the old two-step (separate cutting and grinding) process. It’s an excellent example of 3M’s innovation making life easier for the professional metalworker – truly “next generation” performance in a single, convenient wheel.

The Science of 3M™ Precision-Shaped Grain: Increases Productivity & Lowers Overall Grinding Costs

3M™ Re-Engineered Precision-Shaped Grain

Uses 3M microreplication technology to form sharp peaks that easily “slice” through metal-cutting cooler, faster and lasting longer than conventional abrasive grain.

Conventional Ceramic Abrasive Grain

Tends to “plow” through the metal, causing heat to build up in the workpiece and the abrasive – resulting in a slower cut and shorter abrasive life.