How to Test Carbide Scrap Sparks

Carbide is a tough material that is often used as a tip on cutting tools, such as for drill bits and saw blades. It looks similar to steel but is much more valuable, and recycling carbide scrap can be very profitable. There are many ways to identify carbide, but one of the easiest and most definitive tests involves grinding a piece that you want to test and looking at the spark it generates. This method requires caution due to the machines involved, but is otherwise simple.

Things You'll Need

• Safety goggles
• Bench grinder

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Mount the bench grinder securely according to the instructions in your manual and put on a pair of safety goggles. You may want to wear gloves, as well.

   • 2

     Turn on the bench grinder and gently touch the piece you are testing to the wheel.

   • 3

     Watch the color and length of the sparks. Carbide sparks are very short and dark red.