Another angle grinder thread

admin

Can't decide on what brand 4 1/2 to go with.  It's between milwaukee and makita I think . Help me choose
Reply:my dewalts have held up great. i think youll be fine with any of these 3
Reply:Makita is best
Reply:Metabo! If you're only gonna have one, have one that will last. Seriously, all the others get crunchy gears within a few years if not sooner. I haven't paid more than $30 for a grinder in a long time. Tool rebuilders have not done right by me, so when a grinder gets too loose to make a clean cut it's a lot easier to say goodbye to $30 that did right by you than $140 that left you wanting. I have all the cheap brands, from HF to Skil and box store brands galore, but I have ONE expensive grinder left. 8.2amp paddle switch Metabo for my meat axe, because that thing can rip your guts out of your belly if the gears get crunchy or it doesn't have the juice to rip the metal. It was the first expensive grinder I bought and unless the thing dies it will be my last. For general grinding/cutting with abrasives the cheap ones work just as good as DeWalt/Milwaukee/Makita, and if they die in half the time, they cost a 1/3 as much!
Reply:which Mlwke and which Makita?  there's different 4 1/2 inch ones with different amps and different features in each line.  Get which ever is on sale and same features you want.if you want cheap but not terrible quality, get a two pack of Bosch at Home Despot for $69.  I have a pair of those and the 11 amp Mlwke. Wish I had NOT gotten the locking switch... gives me the shakes thinking about one getting away from me.  On the other hand, it makes sure I keep my disability premiums paid up.When in doubt, I go for a brand with some reputation.  After that it's all about amps.  The bigger the better.  I have a Makita 3/8" corded drill from 1983 that will still about twist my wrist off.Is it for real work or for weekends?
Reply:Yeah I think the highest amp makita is what I'll go with.
Reply:My Makita 9564CV is the best grinder I've ever used. Very smooth gear box and plenty of power. And it's assembled in USA, I think that's the closest thing to a made in USA grinder you can get anymore.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:I have one Milwaukee left.(I've owned more) I have 11 Makita. They are usually $69 at the Depot. Absolutely the best grinder for the money. The newest one I have is 7 years old and the oldest is 22 years old.
Reply:The Milwaukee goe a little too fast, 9000-10000 RPM is ideal for me.  You want one that locks on, you can see from the pics below that a 4 1/2" grinder can almost replace any bench machine in the shop. I prefer the heavier duty DeWalt.  If it will lock on you can turn it into replacements for many expensive bench tools. Attached Images
Reply:Here are some more. Basicaly I make a stud with a locknut so I can use the grinder as a bench tool. It is usually more powerful than most actual bench grinders or brushes, Some of the weird looking items are, cement grinder, tile cutter, scotch brite pad and a DA adapter.  There are also buffers, flap wheels etc. If I put two back to back I can hollow grind knife blades for a hobby. Attached Images
Reply:I can't post more than 5 pictures at once. I have to say, I go through 3 or 4 grinders a year.  I know my big 7 and 9" grinders have their place on heavy repairs, but I use the DeWalt 4 1/2" and Cordless DeWalt 98% of the time.    Hold each brand in your hand and see how they feel.  Many of them are a little too thick in my opinion.
Reply:OK, after talking to myself for 3 posts, (I can only post 5 pics at a time) I like the DeWalt, but I think REDONE is right, Metabo has a good reputation, I just haven't used them.  Just see how it feels in your hand. Some of them feel to big for me.
Reply:Look at the guarantee and you may get some insight into how confident a company is about their products. Also, look at buyers experience with a company AFTER the sale.  I only buy Milwaukee, now.  Why? My father was an electrical contractor for over 60 years. He had all kinds of brands, i.e. Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Greenlee, Rigid, Bosch, Hilti, etc.  Electricians can destroy any tool.  Milwaukee seemed to be the one he always migrated back to. Still have some Milwaukee drills that all-metal construction that were prior to the plastic use, and still run fine. Milwaukee guarantees ALL their tools for 5 years. So, they are confident in doing so, knowing full-well what the range of care and abuse those tools will see.  Milwaukee is easy to deal with if and when a problem arises.  I had a V28 battery just stop accepting charges. I sent their customer service an email describing the problem (doing so without being confrontational will greatly help you with any company. People who are accusatory only increase resentment. Give a company a chance without threatening that you will do this or that).  I sent my email around 8:30 on a Monday morning. Got a reply around 3-4 pm that day.  They sent an email that included a printable FedEx label that was postage free for me. I sent it in before 6 pm, I expected 2-3 weeks to test and turn around a reply. Friday, I got a new battery in the package and no charge for shipping. No questions, no hassles, no problems. Many times a company will go to great lengths to avoid standing behind their products as they perceive it costs them money. But, in actuality, it only disappoints and infuriates customers who stop buying and are happy to expend energy in passing their unhappiness to as many people as possible--make one person happy, and they will tell 10 or more, but make one person unhappy and they tell everybody. By giving you that support AFTER the sale, it actually keeps you buying new tools which is what the company wants...if they want to stay in business. Milwaukee has been around since 1924.  Milwaukee came out with the Sawzall in 1951. They are the only company that can use that term.  All copies must be referred to as a reciprocating saw.  Henry FORD had some of his success due to Milwaukee:As World War I drew to a close, Henry Ford approached a young manufacturer named A.H. Petersen with a simple product request. Petersen had been producing tools and dies for Ford for a number of years. The request was for Petersen to produce a smaller, lighter, portable 1/4″ capacity power drill. Petersen seized the opportunity to provide Ford with the tool he was looking for, and created the Hole-Shooter. In 1924, with the intention to fully develop the sales potential of the “Hole-Shooter,” A. F. Siebert began the Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation.Word of the new improvements quickly spread and soon, specifications for tools produced by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation rivaled the equipment standards of the United States Government. In 1930, the company sought and achieved an acceptable equipment specification rating from the United States Government for its new portable electric drill. Before long, Navy technical standards were being applied to the manufacture of all Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation portable tools. Electric sanders, polishers, the electric hammer, and a portable hand grinder were now all manufactured according to Naval specifications.World War II and the tremendous use of portable power tools in the armed forces marked the real turn around for the tool business and Milwaukee. Hole-Shooters were used extensively in the manufacture of airplanes and many new product ideas were developed during that period.In 1951, Milwaukee produced an unparalleled new tool — the Sawzall® reciprocating saw. The first portable hacksaw made up of a reciprocating mechanism with only three moving parts, designed to withstand daily abuse and still provide a 3/4″ stroke ideal for sawing and roughing out. Both the Milwaukee Right-Angle Drill and the Sawzall® recip saw revolutionized the power tool industry, firmly establishing the Milwaukee tradition. Today, Milwaukee still delivers the same quality and ruggedness that they delivered so many years ago. So look at how long has the company been around, how long do they guarantee their tools, do they actually stand behind that guarantee, see if customers can attest to the integrity of the company and their tools and see if they rest on their past or develop new innovative products. Personally, it does not matter to me what you buy. If Harbor Freight suits YOUR wants and needs, then you need to go that way. You don't have to buy something to appease anyone else who may tell you "buy what I buy! " (for a million different reasons).  I have been disappointed, upset, regretful in many brands.  With free time being a premium thing to me, there is nothing worse than expecting a tool to run....and then it doesn't.  I want to have supreme confidence that a tool will always be dependable...and...if it does fail, as any mechanical or electrical thing can...I want and expect help from who made it. So, check out all the tools you are considering, talk to owners about dependability and customer support with problems, try some if you can and buy what best suits your wants and your needs and your price range.  Good luck.Last edited by TxDoc; 02-13-2013 at 11:58 PM.TxDoc's Photos Lincoln SP175 PlusLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln 250 LX Spool Gun Lincoln Precision Tig 225 Hypertherm 600 KMG 2x72 Belt GrinderBaldor 812RE Grinder
Reply:My Makita 4 1/2" disc grinder is 20 years old and still going strong. I did finally replace the power cord on it last year, but no complaints. I also have an old Milwaukee disc grinder wit the paddle switch. I keep that one set up with a wire wheel. I have always liked the Metabo, and my local steel supplier has their basic 4 1/2" model for $109. Last one that was owned in the family business got stolen on a job site. Been thinking about adding a new one so I have 3 grinders set up with 3 different wheels. One for grinding disc, one for flap disc, and one wire wheel.
Reply:Originally Posted by FireForge1My Makita 4 1/2" disc grinder is 20 years old and still going strong. I did finally replace the power cord on it last year, but no complaints. I also have an old Milwaukee disc grinder wit the paddle switch. I keep that one set up with a wire wheel. I have always liked the Metabo, and my local steel supplier has their basic 4 1/2" model for $109. Last one that was owned in the family business got stolen on a job site. Been thinking about adding a new one so I have 3 grinders set up with 3 different wheels. One for grinding disc, one for flap disc, and one wire wheel.
Reply:Although I have a couple of the milwaukees, I have two issues I don't like on them.  11,000 RPM will throw more wire darts at you than 10,000.  When using a flat sanding disk with a backer pad, I like to hold it totally flat sometimes to do final clean up splatter. The milwaukee's stud protrudes through a ltttle where I can't do that. The milwaukee backing pad sits flush when put on the dewalt.
Reply:I,m with redone.  I have five or six of the HF,s when they quit I get another one.  I can,t justify t. he price difference for the name brands.
Reply:Just don't roll over onto the paddle switch when you're working under a car. That will wake you up.
Reply:Originally Posted by blackbartAlthough I have a couple of the milwaukees, I have two issues I don't like on them.  11,000 RPM will throw more wire darts at you than 10,000.  When using a flat sanding disk with a backer pad, I like to hold it totally flat sometimes to do final clean up splatter. The milwaukee's stud protrudes through a ltttle where I can't do that. The milwaukee backing pad sits flush when put on the dewalt.
Reply:I love my Metabo's... My 6" grinds like a larger grinder but is still very maneuverable and I haven't killed it yet...going on 3 years now..Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Originally Posted by blackbartJust don't roll over onto the paddle switch when you're working under a car. That will wake you up.
Reply:METABO ! I have the first one I bought 30 years ago. If you want luxury with variable speed get this one. AWESOME when using a wire wheel. http://www.amazon.com/Metabo-WE14-12.../dp/B0027IQGPG
Reply:I disagree with the "bigger is better" philosophy:1.  holding heavier grinders can quickly cause operator fatigue, while lighter tools can be used with precision and accuracy for extended periods.2.  you won't necessarily always be able to use extra torque on a 4.5" grinder, because many of the tools are prone to overheating.  For example, a 4.5" flap disc can easily be overheated, if you press down too hard.  I've had similar happen on grinding wheels also in some circumstances.  This also causes the workpiece to get too hot, "smear", and oxidize.  Also, I've noticed that extra torque on a cutting disc can increase cutting speed, but may also dramatically accelerate wear on the cutting disc.That said, I'm pretty happy with some 6.0 amp Hitachi 4.5" grinders I've got.  Very quiet and smooth.  I'll grab the 9" milwaukee beast when I need more power (which for me, is rare.)Although I love how light the harbor freight 4.5 amp'ers are, they are very noisy and rough.  A little cheaply-built too (but considering cost $10 on sale, not a bad value for someone getting into a grinder for the first time, or to stock up so you don't need be changing tools out one a single grinder frequently.)
Reply:I have a old milwaukee and love it! I'm told they are built in mexico or something now and aren't much good. The old milwaukee stuff is great though!
Reply:I am willing to pay for ergonomics. f those round barrel handles.Last edited by mikecwik; 02-16-2013 at 09:09 PM.+100 for Metabo.  Acquired the 4-1/2" WP8-115 Quick w/ Paddle Switch.  AbSoLuteLy dig it!  Germans know engineering, ball bearings, and reduction gears.  Milwaukee was the runner-up.
Reply:Makita with the lockable thumb switch. 10 years and going strong.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by REDONEThat's exactly why I have tons of cheap grinders, I don't like changing out the media. Depending on the job I may have 5 out and plugged in at a time; cut-off, curf, grind, flap, and a wire brush for the smoke.I'm really digging blackbarts handle-hole bench mount, that just needs said!
Reply:Originally Posted by Rich59I,m with redone.  I have five or six of the HF,s when they quit I get another one.  I can,t justify t. he price difference for the name brands.
Reply:dewalt 28402, they pass the roustabout / roughneck test.dave
Reply:There are several variates of the HF models - I tried the mid range and top blue paddle version ($24 w/ 20% coupon). I then tried this $30 Skil from Wal-Mart (don't laugh, made by Bosch).http://www.walmart.com/ip/Skil-4-1-2...95-01/14227167IMO that Skil is far and above the HF grinders. I also really like how the spanner wrench is stored in the handle, and the quick change metal guard. Also even at 6 amps, it had way more power than the similarly rated HF grinder.The two pack of slim Bosch's look interesting for $89 at Home Depot, but for $30 I'm going to get another Skil and have a grinder on one and maybe a wire brush on another.Miller Passport
Reply:I've learned a few things in 15+ years. Small dia. body is best for one handed, especially if you have shortish fingers like me. Brand really doesn't seem to matter beyond personal preference and your own in-hand feel. I've owned/used just about every 4.5" brand out there from $20 house brands to the $200+ Metabo and it always was one handed fit that was the biggest happiness factor. They are such a simple tool, your preferences really hinge on feel. Further to that it's gonna be: Trigger position, trigger lock ergonomics, guard adjustability/ removability, wheel changing function, two or three position aux. handle. If you do a lot of zip cutting in funky positions, the clutch on the Metabo/Walter's is a nice feature if worth the bucks to you. I have: 2 Bosch ( two-pack from HD for $89-great deal) running 5-6yrs and no prob's. 4 Makita 10-12 yrs, one died after 12 yrs, one after being thrown across the shop, 2 still going. 2 Mastercraft one dead other still going strong after 6 years( both were $20 and had 3 year warranties). 2 yr old Ridgid w/ lifetime warranty. Great because it has a "wasp" like body. Trigger lock is a bit hinky though, but manageable. Best advise is to let the tool do the work. But I am guilty of gorilla-handing too.I really don't think there is a "best" grinder.200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:I bought one of the Skil grinders at HD ($29.95 minus my 10% discount) about 18 months ago.I've used it a bunch with cutting disks, flap and wire brushes.  My old Porter Cable has only grinding wheels since it doesn't have a shaft lock and is a pain changing disks.  So the Skil gets run hard without mercy and it has survived just fine.  I expected it would go up in smoke but so far so good.  Don't like the thumb switch.  Seems like the 6 amp rating is under rated.  I'd buy another.