epson et-2800 is making a weird grinding noise when it tries to print, is this normal?

No. A grinding noise indicates a mechanical obstruction, usually paper.

1. Turn the printer off.
2. Open all access doors. Remove any paper from the input tray and the output tray.
3. Inspect the paper path for a torn piece of paper, a label, or a foreign object.
4. Remove any obstruction. Power the printer back on.

If that didn't work: The issue could be internal. The printer has a rated sound level of 52 dB(A) during operation—a consistent hum is normal, grinding is not. If the noise persists with all paper removed, the internal mechanism is likely damaged.

Heads up: Always use supported paper weights: 64-90 g/m² for plain paper, up to 102-300 g/m² for photo paper. Overly thick or odd-sized paper can jam and cause this noise. Using genuine Epson ink is also recommended to prevent printhead clogs that can force the mechanism.