Question about using a rasp versus a grinder for finishing a quarter crack

I was working on a quarter crack on a draft horse in Spokane and had to choose between my trusty old rasp and a new angle grinder with a sanding disc. I went with the grinder for speed, but it got too hot and the horse got jumpy, so I had to switch back halfway through. Has anyone else found a good middle ground for smoothing that area without the heat?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_oscar1mo ago

Actually, starting with the grinder can set you back. That initial heat makes the hoof more sensitive for the whole job.

amy9751mo ago

Good point, @foster.patricia's experience seals it for me, I was dead wrong about grinders lol.

foster.patricia1mo ago

Man, that heat from power tools is no joke. I was all about the grinder for years, thought it was the only way to get things done fast. Had a similar thing happen with a nervous mare, and it just isn't worth the stress for them. Now I mostly use the rasp for the final smoothing, but I'll start with the grinder on a low speed just to take the big edges off, keeping it moving so it stays cool. You really have to baby that area.