When to Use difference between metal grinding disc and cutting disc？

Summary:

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The main difference between a cut-off wheel and a grinding wheel is in their thickness. Cut-off wheels are thinner and are used to make clean, precise cuts at a 90-degree angle. Whereas, grinding wheels are thicker and are utilized for several jobs, such as material removal, smoothing, and polishing at a lower angle.

• Cut-off wheels: They are versatile and can be a cost-effective option, but they can break easily and are not as accurate.
• Grinding wheels: They are a durable and practical option for heavy jobs. However, they also produce noise, heat, and vibration.

When choosing between a cut-off wheel and a grinding wheel, you must consider several important factors, such as abrasive grain, size, shape, and material. Choose a grinding wheel for thick materials and a cut-off wheel for thin materials.

The main difference between a cut-off wheel and a grinding wheel is their thickness.

The manufacturing and metal fabrication sectors utilize both cut-off wheels and grinding wheels to cut or remove extra material from workpieces. While the grinding wheel smooths the metal surface for a polished appearance, cut-off wheels are frequently used to cut metal. What more makes them different? Let’s discuss this through this article.

Cut-off Wheel vs. Grinding Wheel

Cutting wheels or cut-off wheels have different applications and structures than grinding wheels.

Cut-off wheels cut small material workpieces at 90-degree angles, whereas grinding wheels grind large material workpieces from a low angle. As a result, cut-off wheels are quite thinner than grinding wheels. Cut-off wheel thickness provides more clean, and accurate cuts.

Cut-off wheels are used for cutting on the peripheral surface. Why?

Additional reading:
Advantages of Diamond Drilling | Drilling Holes - Corecut

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• Cut-off wheels are thin, so they are not preferable for side cutting.
• Fiberglass reinforcement provides strength to the cutting wheel. Avoid using the part of the wheel that can break or cause damage.

Grinding must only be done on the surface of the wheel. But, when it comes to edge grinding, using a cut-off wheel can be risky. If the edge of the wheel is used for grinding or deburring, the wheel can break. If the workpiece strikes the fiberglass supporting the edge, the wheel can be damaged. The thin cut-off wheels cannot resist heavy sideload, whereas the thicker grinding wheels can resist powerful sideload.

The grinding wheel is thicker than a cut-off wheel. A 4 ½ inch metal grinding wheel is considered ideal for fast stock removal with long service. The minimum thickness required for an abrasive-bonded grinding wheel is 1/4 inch.

Cut-off Wheel vs. Grinding Wheel: Advantages and Disadvantages

Cut-off wheels: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Versatility: cut-off wheels are highly versatile as they come in several designs and thicknesses to cut different materials like plastic, metal, and tiles and for different applications. 
• Economical: cut-off wheels are affordable as compared to grinding wheels.

Cons:

• Poses danger: cut-off wheels are dangerous to work with as they generate a significant amount of dust and sparks. Also, it has the potential to kick back, which is harmful for operators. 
• Potential to breakage: cut-off wheels are thin and have the potential to break when applying excess pressure. 
• Less precise: cut-off wheels produce less precise and uneven cuts compared to other wheels.

Grinding wheels: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Versatility: grinding wheels can be used for several applications, including cutting, deburring, polishing, smoothing, and sharpening.
• Efficient material removal: grinding wheels remove material efficiently and effectively for heavy-duty projects.
• Long-lasting: grinding wheels are highly durable when stored properly. 
• Available in multiple options: grinding wheels have multiple options to choose from as they are available in different shapes, sizes, grits, and materials.

Cons:

• Noise and vibrations: grinding wheels create vibrations and noise which causes discomfort and also affect the operator's hearing ability.
• Generate heat: grinding wheels generate heat during the cutting process which may damage or break the wheel while in use. This can cause further harm to the operator and their surroundings. 
• Risk of Wheel failure: incorrect use of wheels or damaged wheels can cause more damage or severe injuries. 

Choosing Cut-off wheels and Grinding wheels

Consider all the factors such as Abrasive grain, size, shape, and material are important factors when choosing the best cut-off wheel or a grinding wheel. 

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I have three angle grinders 1; 4inch 240volt I last used this with a Bosch Metal Disc to cut up a cement mixer. - used about 5 discs. As soon as they show deterioration ; change the disc.
2; 5 inch 240volt this is permanently fitted with a £20 high quality grinding cup to smooth out ridges on concrete floors . Used inside and outside recently.
3; 9 inch 240volt I Bought this at an amazingly low price at a DIY outlet that has since gone bust. Homebase or WHSmith Do it All? I have never used it. It scares the bejeebers out of me . I have lent it out two or three times. This size and the larger 12inch? IMHO should only be used by professionals and others who are used to them and with safety goggles ,gloves,possibly ear defenders and steel toe capped boots. My friends cousin who was a experienced brickie nearly lost an eye but instead lost a chunk of his forehead instead.
The problem is that they have such a strong torque that if they get stuck in anything they give a massive kick back and if you loose your grip it could fall against and it could cut your foot off particularly if it was locked on. Granted this would be an extreme case.
The last time I had to use an ambulance was in (hence my avatar) when I bought a Dremel rotary 2.5inch? 240volt cutter . I was cutting up an old kitchen worktop for disposal.
I had finished using it; switched it off. Between the time I switched off and the disc stopping I managed to severely injure the base of my left thumb. They said it did not reach the nerves but I can feel it now as I type this with my right hand.
So even a Dremel can hurt you if you are not careful.
So to the OP " Don't use an angle grinder for the first time in this Crisis". In fact only use power tools that you are familiar with. I will be using drills and a jigsaw. I would not use say a circular saw as I have never used one before. A few years ago I was removing some cement (90%) and asbestos (10%) tiles from the 's from my old coal place and wash house.
It was a blazing hot day in August and with wearing a mask my safety glasses steamed up and as I was crouched on a ladder at the time (don't ask me why!) I stood up and nearly cracked my skull on a roof spar.
I suppose I should have been wearing a hard hat.
Can you imagine a guy walking along scaffold planks with full PPE (Boots , High Viz jacket and trousers?,safety glasses ,facemask and hard hat and his glasses steam up and someone has forgotten to put an end board ?on. "Hey mate ,watch where you are going" and he can't hear and falls off the end.
I do not suppose for one minute that this could actually happen in practice.