How to Clean THE GRINDER
It’s imperative to clean your stained glass grinder, as it is a valuable tool for creating your stained glass work. THE GRINDER is the premier tool to satisfy all your needs and will sustain you through all your cherished projects. If properly cared for, the glass grinder can last for many years to come.
There are a few key ideas to keep in mind while taking care of your stained glass grinder. THE GRINDER is an electronically complex machine that requires regular maintenance to maintain peak performance. Just like any other tool you purchase, it’s important to read the instruction manual and abide by the manufacturer’s maintenance directions prior to use for your safety. You should always use a properly grounded 3-prong outlet with THE GRINDER, and always use caution when filling or draining water to and from the water tray.
When working on any glass grinding project, ALWAYS use eye protection. This protects your eyes from minute glass particles that may be projected from the grinder. You may also wish to use gloves during the grinding process. Gloves protect your hands from scratches and scrapes from the glass during grinding. Be sure to find gloves that fit well and allow you to still feel the shape of the glass.
Keeping your glass grinder on a flat and level surface ensures that the machine functions at an optimal level for grinding. Remember to keep your grinding area neat and orderly—as well as your studio—to ensure best practices. You should also clean any accessories that may become dirty by wiping them with a lightly damp cloth. This can greatly increase the longevity of the parts.
To disassemble THE GRINDER safely for cleaning, begin by powering off the light and motor using the buttons on the front face of the unit. Next, remove these items in the following order: first the lift grid, then the grinding bit, LumiShield®, and Splash Guard. If you have THE GRINDER 1, place the rubber LumiShield Cap on the port to protect against water damage.
Next, lift the removable water tray straight up—tilting it will cause water to spill. Take it to a sink or drain and completely empty the water tray. Finally, clean any remaining glass debris with dish soap and a soft cloth or brush. You may then reassemble THE GRINDER in reverse order to what is listed above.
It’s important to periodically clean your water tray to prevent glass particles from building up near the shaft. The best time to clean is whenever you are finished with your glass project for the day or if you know your machine will sit unused for a few days. You can use the convenient scraper tool to loosen glass material from the bottom of the tray. Be sure the Aqua Flow System has been removed, as over time, glass particles can also build up underneath this tool.
A unique feature of THE GRINDER is its removable water tray. The underside of the tray grid is equipped with our Water Wave Stabilizer—supports and baffles that help prevent spillage during transport. Unlike other grinders, which require the entire unit to be carried to the sink, you only need to remove the water tray of THE GRINDER. There is no need to carry the entire unit and risk spilling onto the floor or other surfaces.
For small, intricate glasswork, you’ll want to utilize the Mini G Elevated Work Surface*. The Mini G acts as a separate, smaller grinder with its own reservoir of water. The 1/4″ and 1/8” bits can be purchased separately and easily screw onto the shaft. When using the Mini G, it is imperative to remember to use the orange Shaft Water Seal. Simply remove the seal from the Mini G basin and slide it down the shaft BEFORE installing the Mini G onto the grid of the lower housing. The placement of this orange cap prevents water damage to the inner workings of the unit.
*Not compatible with THE GRINDER 3
When filling THE GRINDER, pay close attention to the water level. Overfilling your glass grinder can lead to splashing, leaking, and water damage to the inner parts of the machine.
To keep your stained glass grinder running smoothly for years to come, it’s important to take good care of it. Remember to read the instruction manual and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance directions to get the optimal experience from your stained glass grinder.
The new PAPYROS ORGANIC is available for purchase—contact your local distributor and ask for it by name! To learn more about PAPYROS ORGANIC and to see some tips on best practices, check out our YouTube page. Or, if you have more questions about this or any Techniglass product, feel free to contact us using the link at the top of the page.