Grinding apparatus with splash protector and improved fluid delivery system

A method for using a grinding apparatus having a base, an apertured support grid mounted on the base and adapted to support a work piece for grinding, a fluid holder disposed below the support grid, a rotatable grinding bit having a working portion extending above the support grid, a power source for rotating the grinding bit, and a fluid applicator for applying irrigation fluid to the grinding bit, the method comprising the steps of:

• connecting a splash protector to the grinding apparatus so that the splash protector is located adjacent to the grinding bit, the splash protector being configured so that it maintains effective splash protection even as a work piece passes rearwardly by the splash protector during grinding operations;
• rotating the grinding bit at operational speed;
• placing a work piece on the support grid;
• grinding the work piece using the grinding bit while irrigation fluid is applied to the grinding bit via the fluid applicator;
• and
• using said splash protector to trap irrigation fluid and grinding debris sludge that are spun off from the grinding bit as it rotates, and directing the irrigation fluid via said splash protector to the fluid holder.

A grinding apparatus, comprising:

• abase;
• an apertured support grid mounted on said base and adapted to support a work piece for grinding;
• a fluid holder disposed below said support grid;
• a drive shaft for rotating a grinding bit working portion above said support grid;
• a power source for rotating said drive shaft;
• and
• a fluid applicator for applying irrigation fluid to a grinding bit mounted on said drive shaft, said fluid applicator comprising a fluid transfer brush comprising plural fibers or bristles adapted to wick irrigation fluid from said fluid holder into contact with a grinding bit mounted on said drive shaft.

A grinding apparatus, comprising:

• abase;
• an apertured support grid mounted on said base and adapted to support a work piece for grinding,
• a fluid holder disposed below said support grid;
• a drive shaft for rotating a grinding bit working portion above said support grid;
• a power source for rotating said drive shaft;
• a housing for supporting a fluid applicator for applying irrigation fluid to a grinding bit mounted on said drive shaft;
• said housing being adapted to support a fluid applicator of the comprises a fluid transfer brush comprising plural fibers of bristles adapted to wick irrigation fluid from said fluid holder into contact with a grinding bit mounted on said drive shaft.