Milwaukee Grinder

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I just bought a new Milwaukee 6065 7"/9" grinder, not the cheapo plastic one but the old tried and true metal one with replaceable brushes. Guess what boys and girls it is no longer a USA grinder, made in chinaDisclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:I shopped around a little at the local stores (one home center... one "quality tool" contractors supplier) and was amazed to see out of numerous brands and models of 4" / 4.5" grinders I looked at, regardless of the brand, they were made in China.  The milwaukee has something kind of funny on is label claiming something like "proudly engineered in the united states (but made in china in smaller print).)Actually, there was a bosch grinder I found at the contractors supplier that was "assembled" in Mexico, that was the sole exception to the 'all grinders are made in china" rule.  (However wouldn't surprise me if they were "assembled" in Mexico with chinese supplied components.)  So really, what you gonna do?FWIW, I really liked the ergonomics best of the makitas I looked at but it was $80. (Did include a nice aluminum briefcase and a load of grinding wheels and even a diamond cutting wheel through!)I ended up buying the "disposable" harbor freight 4.5" grinder for $15 after coupon, and including a 2 year long "you get a new tool, no questions asked" warranty.  It supassed expectations so far, working flawlessly on its first job.
Reply:A few years ago I bought a Milwaukee 1/2" Magnum VSR drill and was surprised and disappointed to see the "Made In China" label on it.  I check all my Dewalt tools and couldn't find a "Made In" label anywhere--silence may be more damning than confession.  Nowadays if you want something American made, you'll probably have to make it yourself.
Reply:Originally Posted by Invert'dA few years ago I bought a Milwaukee 1/2" Magnum VSR drill and was surprised and disappointed to see the "Made In China" label on it. . . .  Nowadays if you want something American made, you'll probably have to make it yourself.
Reply:All my Makitas say made in Japan but none of them are very new. I wonder where they are made now.
Reply:Hey Tozzi,Are you really surprised? Looks like it's all goin' there whether we like it or not. Seems American labor has priced themselves out of the markets & many, out of jobs.I had a German made Bosch 4.5" grinder about 7yrs old that finally decided to give up. I can't complain.... I ran it ruthlessly & it paid itself off many times. I saw the new ones were not made in Germany anymore, so I bought a HF orange paddleswitch 4.5" grinder for 1/3rd the price that hasn't stopped yet. I decided that may as well consider them as consumables anymore because of the price. The newer paddleswitch ones are red & I have (2) of them. Work quite well. My 10 yr old Porter Cable 1/2" drill also went to tool heaven a couple years ago & it was a real workhorse. When the drill died, I was on E-Bay & found a used Milwaukee 1/2" Magnum Holeshooter that was in pristine condition in the original case. The pics the seller posted had the nameplate also shown.....YUP....made in Brookfield, Wisc.. I got it for $23(+12s/h). It is a beast with unbelieveable torque @850rpm(variable). Now, that was a bargain & I was pleased. Anyway, guess you gotta get what you feel will give you the best service for the price......chinese or not.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:I bought the 6065 because I used my buddys and it said made in the USA on it and was a heavy beast. Next big grinder will be the old tried and true Makita, still made in Japan.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Originally Posted by BobAll my Makitas say made in Japan but none of them are very new. I wonder where they are made now.
Reply:Yup, i feel your pain. I found out about  Milwaukee ''made in china'' a fews years ago. Luckly when i bought my sawzall a few years ago new it still says made in the usa. I have a old  Milwaukee 4 1/2'' grinder and its been through ALOT and still runs like new! I bet the new ones don't even come close. Also Denny is not kiddin about those magnum drills, we have them at work and i have never used a drill with that much torque! Watch out if it grabs, it will break your wrist!Ya gotta spend money to make money!
Reply:Had the big Milwauke grinder. In less than a year something went wrong. I plugged it in and the trigger was somehow stuck on internally. Could have been a bad situation. Back to Hitachi. Never a problem.
Reply:just gotta get the vintage boat anchors at yard sales, and hunt for brushes and grind em to fit I suppose sad sad deal ....Quality is in the dog house now a days ...they figure if its like the old school stuff they don't sell enough to stay a float. bummer for us Good  luck with reliability now with the junkLincoln 225 Tombstone,Miller Big 20,Hobart 180,150' Argon,A/D hobart hood 22 Ton Log splitter,79 F350 dump eats 4.75 TONS and still turns cutters,grinders,And a  Hypertherm POWERMAX 30
Reply:Originally Posted by jakeruI ended up buying the "disposable" harbor freight 4.5" grinder for $15 after coupon, and including a 2 year long "you get a new tool, no questions asked" warranty.  It supassed expectations so far, working flawlessly on its first job.
Reply:My newest 4 1/2 Milwaukee didn't last a year. Felt like Milwaukee quality (nice cord and such) but now I'm not sure. The head exploded. Sounds like there are a million small pieces inside. Haven't had time to take it apart to see what happened but I'm sure it wasn't good. Not sure if it's worth fixing. I'll likely by a new one. Maybe Monday I'll tear into it and see what broke.My two 10+ year old Makita grinders are still going strong. My third Makita needs brushes but still runs in a pinch.
Reply:Originally Posted by Tony Djust gotta get the vintage boat anchors at yard sales, and hunt for brushes and grind em to fit I suppose sad sad deal ....
Reply:So has all Milwaukee's production gone to China, or just their lower end models sold at the home center stores?Most of my Milwaukee tools are older and probly made in USA.  I'll have to check my newest two, bought this year, a corded compact portable band saw and a corded vsr drill with 1/2" keyless chuck.I wanted another metal cutting hand circular saw for the shop, as I have an Evolution Rage 1 on the truck.  I was going to spring for a Milwaukee 8" metal saw, but bought the new Evolution Steel 1 instead.  The new Evolution is made in China.  Not sure where the Milwaukee is made and don't remember where the older Evolution was made.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I might get shot for saying this but just because it is made in China, mexico, or japan doesn't mean it is junk. I use my makita drill and my milwaukee LIthiouim Ion combo kit daily and I have not had any issues with them. I don't want to lose any jobs to china or japan any more then the rest of the people but just because it is not made here doesn't mean it can't be quailty. Look at the small John deere tractors they are Yanmar engines and there rebadged handheld products are from the lowest bidder. Yet John deere is susposed to be an Iconic lengend of american.Vantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:This thread reminds me of the Hitachi jig saw I bought last spring at our local Lowes. While looking at the demo models, the Hitachi model had a tag on it that said "Made in Japan". I asked the sales associate to bring me one which I bought. Like a dumbass, I didn't look at till I got home & sure enough it was tagged "Made in China". I was too lazy to take it back & so far it's working OK but then again I don't use it much.
Reply:I just did the stand and read every label at one of the big box stores, this past sunday. I strolled through the tool section and thought I'd check prices on a 1/2" chuck corded drill. There were Dewalts, Hitachis, Black and Deckers a few more, but no Milwaukees. The closest I could find was the Dewalts, which were made in Mexico. The rest were overseas. I didn't buy one. Like what was stated above, I generally stay on the lookout for vintage stuff that can be rebuilt.
Reply:Milwaukee still has the 5-year guarantee on all power tools.  I had a 3 year old lithium ion stop accepting a charge. I called, they sent an email with a printable FedEx label.  I sent it in, for free, they tested it, sent a new on back, free.  I have heard of the trials and tribulations of other "name brands" bought from big box stores, but when taken back the hassles began.  The store did not want to warranty the tool/battery and the manufacturer told them to go to the store.  I have not had any problems with Milwaukee tools.  I guess the manufacturing specs of manufacture are followed.   I just like their customer support after the sale.   Rigid used to, and still may have, a lifetime warranty on batteries.  I don't know how hard or costly it is to go through the process.   When I was growing up, any of my father's tools with Milwaukee, Rigid, Greenlee (electrical contractor type things), Makita, Fluke, etc.,  were off limits to mess with.  Things have changed, and will continue to. Many times it seems, for the bad.  People got to be worse than they used to and the more expensive tools started to be left at the shop and those left in gang boxes were the cheap ones. They got the job done, but instead of losing a $150 drill, you only may lose a $15 one. But, if you have have good experiences with a company before, during and after the sale, consider that company honest.   Good luck on your search. Report back on how it goes.Some guides to where products are madehttp://www.madeinusaguide.com/www.americansworking.com/www.stillmadeinusa.com/www.usstuff.com/www.madeinusa.orgLast edited by TxDoc; 10-04-2010 at 07:38 PM.
Reply:I doubt most here would care/know....I only buy Goalie Equipment made in Canada/USA... Which, unfortunately limits me to around 5 Manufacturers..Vaughn, the top-tier, upper echelon of Goalie Protective Equipment, is made in China.... A single tear rolls down my cheek...Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:Originally Posted by TxDocMilwaukee still has the 5-year guarantee on all power tools.
Reply:All Milwaukee drills and Grinders are Chinese now.  Nothing has been American for a while, it all went Mexican a few years back.  Worst of all, even the tried and true 0235 Magnum drill has gone Chinese.  I haven't been able to break my new one at work yet have noticed a significant drop in quality.  This ranges from a loss of the legendary Milwaukee speed control, a significant drop in power considering the motor carries the same amp rating, and a widely variable max speed and power that seems  to have more to do with the weather than the trigger position.Our Milwaukee grinders last about 3 months, we've never tried sending them in.  We've had similar life out of the $59 Dewalt grinders vs. Milwaukee's $120 price tag so we're going Dewalt this time around.  I'm ok with it (in fact, I suggested it) because I'm tired of spending hours piecing together trashed Milwaukees to make functional grinders.We bought a Hougen for our mag base drill press.I'm curious to see if the Porta-Band line has gone Chinese.  This has always been Milwaukee's most respected and most expensive line of tools.Last edited by 76GMC1500; 10-04-2010 at 11:16 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by GmmandanI might get shot for saying this but just because it is made in China, mexico, or japan doesn't mean it is junk. I use my makita drill and my milwaukee LIthiouim Ion combo kit daily and I have not had any issues with them. I don't want to lose any jobs to china or japan any more then the rest of the people but just because it is not made here doesn't mean it can't be quailty. Look at the small John deere tractors they are Yanmar engines and there rebadged handheld products are from the lowest bidder. Yet John deere is susposed to be an Iconic lengend of american.
Reply:Originally Posted by brslk...... Blame the company who puts their name on it.After all, it was built to their specifications.
Reply:Milwaukee no longer has any power tools made in USA.  Sorry guys.  All Chinese or other foreign manufacture.   Here is a Sept. 2004 article from Contractor Magazine.  "MILWAUKEE — Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. announced that it entered into a stock purchase agreement to buy Atlas Copco AB's electric power tool and accessories business, currently conducted through Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. and Atlas Copco Electric Tools GmbH. The firms sell tools under the brand names Milwaukee and AEG. TTI is paying $ 626.6 million on a debt-free basis.The purchase combines Milwaukee and AEG with TTI's Ryobi brand. The company also owns consumer brands such as HomeLite and Dirt Devil. They will face off against the other global power toolmaker Black & Decker that also owns Porter-Cable, Delta, DeVilbiss Air Power, Oldham Saw, and Flex brands."TTI also owns Ridgid Tools, and since that story was posted, there has been more consolidation in the power tool field.  If anyone remembers one of the old James Bond films, where Jimmy Dean also starred, he was the owner of Techtronic Industries -- of Japan.  A purely fictional company at that point, but one that has now come to pass and be based in China.  Do not lose sight of the fact that China is still a Communist Country, and whether you believe it or not, Communists are not friends of true Democracies, or Republics -- like the U.S.A. Cheers, Jim DonOriginally Posted by duaneb55If you want it to have a fighting chance to last even a year with moderate use, take the gear head off and pack the box full of a quality grease.  The "bee's wax" hard stuff they put in them - what little there is - doesn't do squat for lubricating the gears.
Reply:I bit the bullet and purchased an Ingersoll-Rand G-3 4-1/2" pneumatic. We got some Black & Decker grinders at work and the best one lasted 4 weeks. One of them blew up in about 12 hours of use. I have had the Ingersoll grinder for 9 months now and it has never missed a lick. I think I am a fan of pneumatic tools when you have good air available. I do think that the quality of tools made in china are nowhere near the quality of things made in the states or Canada. My IR grinder is made in Germany. The Germans have always made quality stuff as well.
Reply:Originally Posted by HCFI bit the bullet and purchased an Ingersoll-Rand G-3 4-1/2" pneumatic.
Reply:We have a bunch of DeWalt 29494-series grinders at school, and they hold up very well and are well engineered. DeWalt generally seems to be getting better in recent years.I love my 28V Milwaukee tools, but wouldn't be averse to trying some DeWalt cordless units next time.
Reply:Originally Posted by forhireThanks for the reminder!I'm sending my grinder for repair. Milwaulkee has a thing called e-repair on their website. Took about 5 minutes to fill out the form, print the label and box it. It will go out with tomorrow's fedex. Should be repaired at no cost
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallWe have a bunch of DeWalt 29494-series grinders at school, and they hold up very well and are well engineered. DeWalt generally seems to be getting better in recent years.I love my 28V Milwaukee tools, but wouldn't be averse to trying some DeWalt cordless units next time.
Reply:Originally Posted by jakeruActually, there was a bosch grinder I found at the contractors supplier that was "assembled" in Mexico, that was the sole exception to the 'all grinders are made in china" rule.
Reply:I bought a Dewalt D28114 4.5" grinder about 6 months ago and really like it.  It has the 13 amp motor and will really dig.  I have always bought Makita grinders until this one.  I still think Makita has the best ergonomics, but are a bit underpowered.  If this grinder is any indication of Dewalt quality, this will not be my last Dewalt purchase.
Reply:My big 9" milwaukee is american made and old it will probably kill me before I kill it. My 41/2" thats only 1 year old doesn't feel alot better than the cheapo that we leave on the service trailer but costs 4x more.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer