Looking to purchase a 4″ side grinder for initially cutting into bath tubs (fiberglass and/or steel)….never owned or operated one. Was wondering what features to look for: e.g. ease of changeover, variable speed (or RPM?), weight (as it impacts handling), on-off feautres, safety, etc. What are you guys recommending? Seached back issues of FHB, but had no “hits” on ‘side grinders’. Are they refered to as something else? Rookie
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Try 'angle grinder'
I have 2 Makitas & I'd buy another one if I needed 3.
Joe G
Bought a $20 Harbor Freight model 5 years ago, it's still going strong. If you're gonna use it on cast iron (tub, pipe, etc.) wear the mask, the CI dust is murder on your lungs (cough, cough.) Trust me.
Tried one of those Chicago Electric units from Harbor Freight today. Really not a bade grinder for the money - my brother got it for $10 and that includes a grinding wheel. Only used it for a few minutes of grinding and it was brand new, so I can't speak for how long they last.
I have a Makita that has served me well for many years. But might just have to get a couple of these $10 units just so as not to have to change wheels.
Here is a link http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=3150
$9.99! Man, I've been robbed!
I never met a tool I didn't like!
Go for the 4 1/2" angle grinder. You'll find these to be quite a versatile tool with a lot of attachments....there is a thread about them underway started by FHB and you'll get my drift if you read through the posts.
The 4 1/2" grinder comes with a 5/8" spindle....the 4" with 1/2" and there are fewer attachment options.
I have 5 angle grinders, set up for different uses and they all get a lot of use.
As far as brand, I use Milwaukie, but other brands are probably as good.
I got a millwakee, which I like but boy are they dangerous
Notchman & et. al.
Thanks everyone for your insights and recommendations on RIGHT ANGLE grinders. Guess I'll look into the 4.5" size. Last night I was in our local Wal*Mart and saw a B&D (RIGHT ANGLE grinder - thanks Reinvent) for $24.95 rated at 10K RPM and safety switch. Saw the thread on RIGHT ANGLE grinders after I posted and am amazed on the ingenuity of some (and stupidity of others) in the use of their tools. - Rookie
I have a Dewalt and it has done well. I really like the switch, it turns on naturally as part of a natural motion (that make sense?).
I would buy the Harbor Freight or Northen Tool cheapie before I would buy a B&D or a Ryobi. At least withg the HF or NT there's no pretense about it being a quality tool, whereas B&D tries to make theirs sound like all pros lust after it.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
I personally like the ones that have a paddle switch ( makes it much easier turning on and off). I believe both milwaukee and makita make ( or made) a model with the paddle switch.
-m2akita
So does Bosch
I like my Makita 4", but I'd go for a 4 1/2" next time for the larger spindle. I don't like the paddle switch, though, I like the push switch on the 4" grinder.
Good point on the HF & NT grinders. At $12.99 (with S&H) the HF can be both a learning & "throw away" tool (or back up) until I identify the features IMPORTANT TO ME. In the meantime, I'm making a list of your opinions on the other brands. Thanks.
Bosch 1347A w/out guard
I have 4 Harbor Freight and a dewalt..all 4.5 and all set up with something different, chainsaw type cutter, cup brush, knotted brush, diamond wheel and grinding/sanding pads.
Beware the chainsaw type wheel, they are highly hungry for meat.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
I recommend a Milwaukee. Depending on the size of your hands and aticipated time behind the tool you'll want to physically check out a couple. I have small hands and hate the newer grinders with a saftey. Takes 2 hands to turn on. The Milwaukee Model# 6140-6 I have has a shorter barrel and a large square on/off that's easy to use.
I had one in the past and sold it to a tile setter friend I know who is hard, I mean REAL hard on tools, a menace. He's had it for over 5 years and it's completley beat covered with grout etc..but works like new.
One of the few tools I've see hold up to true industrial use and abuse for a sustained period.
W
have a 4" Makita for "finish work" ...
use it for installing tile ...
nice and compact ... fairly light weight ... comfy ...
and a 4.5 Milwaukee the day I burnt up the Mak cutting thru an old mud job shower with real heavy diamond mesh ... more like plaster and rebar ...
ran to HD, picked up the Mil and got back to work.
The original Mak was repaired .. still had the reciept ... a week away from "out of warrenty" ... told them how I killed it ... fixed for free anyways ...
So now I baby that one ... if it's possible to baby a grinder?
get a few "good" diamond blades ... and a handful of "cheap" diamond blades ...
plus a wire wheel or two. some sanding disks ...Load the case up .. when the time comes ... you'll be glad it's all in there.
Jeff
Rookie,
If you can hold out a little bit longer I just did a 5 page article on angle grinders for the magazine, that's why there are so many threads popping up around here...but you didn't hear about the article from me.....
-Justin
"If God didn't want me to wear this Led Zeppelin shirt everyday he wouldn't have made them rock out so hard"