Angle Grinder

[Triple Point]

Anyone had experience (good or bad) with a particular brand of angle grinder? I'm about ready to dive into my restortion project and I envision lots of cutting, reshaping, polishing etc. There are more brands and models out there than you can shake a stick at. Any recommendations (ie size, power, special features and so on) from someone who's been on the business end of one of these things? Thanks

 

[Sumner]

Well I had a 4 inch Black and Decker that I used a lot. Cost about $60-70. I finally quit. Now I have a couple Harbor Freight 4 1/2 inch grinders and have used one of them a lot and it feels and works as well as the B&D I had. The second is a spare so when the one quits I have one to use until I can get a new one.

I got the grinder on sale I think for $20. I'd recommend the one that has the..................

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=65519

.............. paddle switch on the bottom and not the slide switch on top (a pain). I'd also recommend the 4 or 4 1/2 inch for most things especially grinding metal. I have the larger 7-8 inch ones and don't hardly ever use them.

Now you are talking about sanding and polishing then that is different.

http://www.amazon.com/Makita-9227C-7-Inch-Electronic-Polisher/dp/B0000223IZ

I have a good Makita variable speed 7 inch polisher/sander that works great and maintains the rpm you set it at regardless of load. That is a very nice feature if you are polishing. This isn't as cheap as the HF stuff, but it is a great product and I wouldn't use anything else if I was polishing out paint.

Good luck,

Sum

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[Nik]

3 names; Makita, Milwakee, Dewalt. OK, I'll toss in another Skill. As far as grinders go they are high RPM, great for removing large amounts and cutting , not good for polishing or sanding; hence the name grinder. As for sanders or polishers they are low RPM. There is no in between multi tool here. You pay for quality here and depending on your usage that should be the guide. I have a random orbit buffer polisher that I use on the boat that I got from AutoZone several years ago for about $50.00, works like a champ and it's used about 8 -10 hours a year. Would I buy that if I was doing more than that, NO. On the other hand I have a Milwaukee 4" grinder that I use regurarly for tuckpointing, tile, welds, cutting steel, you name it. It is closing in on 20 years (only replaced the brushes and the switch).

Nik

 

[Bob McL]

I carve carousel horses (or used to) and used a 4-1/2-in Black and Decker until I melted the internals. It was under warranty and when the B&D tech asked how I melted the thing - he said it would not take that abuse. So I went to a Milwaukee dealer and told them what I was doing. I was told to go to Harbor Freight and buy a half dozen and just throw them away when they wear out. So- not caring if I destroyed the grinder, I have put enough pressure on it to fully stop the motor. Never burned it up though. I now have eight, each with different carving tools (from Woodcraft). The one problem I did have was the switches. I now replace them with a standard toggle switch when they fail. Downside is that the thing can start in the on position when you plug it in - but they keep on ticken'

 

[Gregg9020]

I have a DeWalt, and I love it. I have used the hell out of it cutting everything from tile to slate to fiberglass and rebar. Never lets me down!!!


Gregg

Anyone had experience (good or bad) with a particular brand of angle grinder? I'm about ready to dive into my restortion project and I envision lots of cutting, reshaping, polishing etc. There are more brands and models out there than you can shake a stick at. Any recommendations (ie size, power, special features and so on) from someone who's been on the business end of one of these things? Thanks

 

[timebandit]

I honestly cannot think of any thing I would use a angle grinder on or in the boat except the keel or trailer.

Way to messy with dust you sure dont wanna get in you lungs or eyes and you kinna don't wanna get steel dust on your boat cause you will never get it all off and it Will Rust!

 

[Justin_NSA]

I agree with the bandit. I use an orbital buffer for polishing my boat. A drill and a Mothers Powerball might be handy. What are you cutting and grinding?

 

[Nik]

Triple Point,

E-mail me at mcitysailor@gmail.com the e-mail function on this site is not working for me on this site right now.

Nik

 

[timebandit]

Best tool for working on the boat???

Works for me.

Harbor frgt.


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[FONT=arial, sans-serif]This multi-use tool delivers 19,000 oscillations per minute for all the tough jobs you can put it through. Cut plastic material such as cable and air ducts and downspouts, plasterboard and pipes. Sand down cement, concrete, stone, plaster, tile adhesive, paint, and wood. You can even saw into wood 2" deep!

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[/FONT][FONT=arial, sans-serif]120 volts, 60 Hz, 1.6 amps, 1/4 Horsepower; 6 ft. power cord; Overall dimensions: 9" L x 3" W
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[Nik]

Timebandit,

Looks 'like' and to work exactly the same as the "Fein Multi Master" but not for 399.00; and others in the 120+ range. How long have you had it, how often used, blade / cutter life / cost of replacement / how well does it work? I am really curious on your experience. As we all know, price and name doesn't ALL WAYS mean better quality.

Nik

 

[timebandit]

Actually, I have the Fein.

At this price and buying a extended warantee and just using it around the house and not professionally it should last a long time.

If you go to the web site they have the prices on the accessories.

I am sorry I misled you.

Timebandit,

Looks 'like' and to work exactly the same as the "Fein Multi Master" but not for 399.00; and others in the 120+ range. How long have you had it, how often used, blade / cutter life / cost of replacement / how well does it work? I am really curious on your experience. As we all know, price and name doesn't ALL WAYS mean better quality.

Nik

 

[Hawk527]

I've been using the harbor frgt angle grinder for small welding & polishing for about 1.5 years with no problem. BTW the harbor frgt warranty works only once; but it will work for any reason -- like it's dirty. So get a 2 year warranty take it back in 1.95 years and for thew price of a new warranty you get another 1.95 years and do it again! -- Jon