Looking for Angle Grinder Recommendations
 

As a recent buyer of a welding outfit, I'm looking for suggestions as to brand/size/features on angle grinders for home/hobby use in metalworking.

In particular I'm considering 4 or 4 1/2 inch models and would like to know the pro/con of these sizes.

Also, is it easier to find wire brushes/pads/blades/etc for certain size mandrels - as some seem to be US Std (5/8") and others metric (10mm) ?

Mark

Mark,

After going thru several brands I'm very happy with Milwaukee; a few more $$s but well worth it, the one I've got now is a 5" I believe, I'll post the model # tomorrow.

I've got a 10" and a 4.5", and since I bought the 4.5" I haven't touched the 10" (literally in years). It's been a while since I looked, but I think the 4.5" is more common, and easier to find accessories.

My DeWalt 4.5" has been going strong under extreme duty for about 3 years now..

same here, but not as extreme duty as dave's

If you have a compressor I would recomend a 7" air powered grinder.

Dean

Sioux makes the best electrical and air tools there are IMHO. They are not cheap but last almost forever. Going 30+ years on my angle grinder now so the cost per year or useage is very low...

JoeA

Dean, why air-powered?

Milwaukee or DeWalt; all my 'important' electric tools are Milwaukee.

I prefer electric to air for an angle grinder; I can be a lot more precise and get into tighter spots without the air hose.

I have a lowly Craftsman 4.5" deal. After 15 years it's still going strong.

Milwaukee is an excellent brand for this type of stuff as well. For this type of tool you probably want to also take the amp rating as well. The higher the better.

I also prefer electric to air - for the reasons Thom mentioned. Also, if I'm running the grinder for hours on end, I prefer not to cycle my compressor that much.

the electric one does not REQUIRE ear protection as any air tool does. i think all the brands mentioned above will fit the bill. many of my friends are contractors, some wood, some iron/steel, others plumbing and electric, seems i am seeing more and more dewalt yellow in their tool boxes.

Isn't Dewalt made by Black and Decker?

DeWalt 4.5 here and very happy with it!

I broke my milwaukee grinder when it droped off the hood for my truck, cracked the cradel the shaft spins in, still works though it sounds like crap. then i bought the cheapest pos from harbor freight for 12 bucks it works fine. if it breaks ill toss it and get a new one. i can replace it 12 times for the cost of the milwaukee. just thought id throw this out there.

I make my living with tools and I have some Milwaukee in my truck along with Makita, Bosch and Porter Cable; all excellent.

I have 2 HF tools (the 4" angle grinder and the 3/8 drill) in my garage simply because I didn't want to spend the money for nice, but duplicate tools. It gets to be a hassle to go to the truck and unlock the box each time I want a grinder or drill motor.

So far, I'm impressed with what the HF tools can do. They get hotter sooner, but as a home hobbyist or secondary tool, I'd have to give them a decent recommedation. (And I really dislike buying stuff from China).

I also have a Milwaukee 7" grinder that stays home. When you need the big one, this is it. Use it all day if you want to.

one more tip, buy 2 cheap ones so you can have 1 grinding wheel and 1 cut off wheel. that way you dont have the hassle of switching out the wheels. sure save me time and agrrivation.

Get three. Put a sanding pad and disc on the third. Hah! You'd look like a surgeon with his tools laid out.

Actually, I'm gonna get a 2nd grinder. That's a good idea. Thanks.