Grinder Questions

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I am making a railing for a log bed and have welded the pickets on and need to grind them down. My 4.5 inch grinder is too manly for these welds...so was wondering if there are other options?Has anyone used a dremel tool or something similar to get into tight spaces for grinding small welds? Lincoln AC-225
Reply:If the grinder fits where you want it to go, then try some flap wheels with high grit.  I use a 4.5 inch grinder 99 percent of the time for building rails.A die grinder would be an option.  Dremel would work if you don't have many welds, otherwise you will be changing bits too frequently.  I good file would also work.Harbor freight used to sell a tool that would attach to your grinder.  Making it sort of a dynafile.  It is a disposable tool, but it works.  I used one once, it worked though I have never had any use for one again.Also make sure all your welds are high so you can grind them down to the metal.  Be creative try to hide as many welds as possible.Be gentle
Reply:You can purchase carbide burrs and use them on the end of an air operated die grinder.  It takes a bit of care to keep the burr on location and not jumping around when in a corner.
Reply:I had the same trouble on a truck rack I built. The owner changed the dimension and then I had several welds a grinder couldn't reach. Solution, a die grinder and carbide burrs and flap wheels. They sure did the trick. I found a DeWalt die grinder for around 100 bucks NIB on Epay and got the rest locally. The best price I found locally was $185.  It works like a champ on stuff like that. Use it all the time now. Here is what I got. Attached Images
Reply:i use a   1/4 " right angle grinder (air) with a roloc disc (2") the disc's come in wide range of grits
Reply:Thanks for all the advice fellas...it's time for a trip to home depot!Lincoln AC-225
Reply:I've been using a cheap Makita 4.5" grinder for the last year. Thought it was a great tool... until I borrowed my TIG instructor's 5" Metabo variable-speed grinder. I was surprised to discover how useful the variable speed feature was. With my Makita, I'm constantly changing grits trying to get just the right amount of material removal. With the Metabo, I could very easily adjust the amount of material removal using the speed dial. It's got me tempted to buy a VS grinder myself!Might be something to consider for your project as well. Rather than running the grinder at 10,000rpm you could dial it back to 3000. That plus a less aggressive abrasive might give you the control you need...
Reply:The die grinder is a good piece of advise. But, I first use a "soft" wheel on it's side to do between the pickets, grind the side that throws the sparks away from you, then flip the whole thing over, grind again.  As to "soft wheels" a flap disc is soft, also a bit more aggressive than a flap wheel but often leaves finer grind marks is a masonry wheel (also used for aluminum)  The real key is to take your time, do not over grind! It takes a LOT of work to make up for grinding too deep.Just my  opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:I will check out the Metabo, thanks sstorkel. Thanks also tessdad for the advice you provided. I do tend to grind too aggressively, mostly due to lack of seat time.Can I combine two of the ideas: a dremel and a carbide burr? Would that work? The only reason I ask is because I can borrow a dremel and buy a burr...don't have the cash to spend on a bunch of stuff at the moment. But the wife wants the bed, so I might have some justification to buy a few tools!Lincoln AC-225
Reply:Originally Posted by keveyI will check out the Metabo, thanks sstorkel. Thanks also tessdad for the advice you provided. I do tend to grind too aggressively, mostly due to lack of seat time.Can I combine two of the ideas: a dremel and a carbide burr? Would that work? The only reason I ask is because I can borrow a dremel and buy a burr...don't have the cash to spend on a bunch of stuff at the moment. But the wife wants the bed, so I might have some justification to buy a few tools!
Reply:Originally Posted by keveyI will check out the Metabo, thanks sstorkel. Thanks also tessdad for the advice you provided. I do tend to grind too aggressively, mostly due to lack of seat time.