What is the primary effect of using a flapper wheel in finishing?

• A. Roughens the surface
• B. Removes grinding marks and aids blending
• C. Applies coating
• D. Cuts through metal rapidly

Answer: (B)

Focusing on smoothing and blending the surface is what finishing with a flapper wheel is all about. The wheel is made of many small abrasive flaps that flex and conform to the contours of the metal. As you work, these flaps remove the fine scratches and tool marks left from prior grinding and help blend the welds or transitions into the surrounding metal. This produces a smoother, more uniform finish, ready for painting or plating. It isn’t used to roughen the surface, apply coatings, or cut through metal rapidly, which is why removing grinding marks and aiding blending is the best description of its primary effect.