Angle grinders are a mainstay in the farm shop. With abrasive wheels up to 9 inches in diameter, these powerful tools are capable of removing material rapidly and will work all day long without complaint (at 15 pounds for some models, that likely isn't true for the user).
You may consider a lighter option. At about half the cost, a 41/2-inch grinder works well even in the biggest farm shop.
These tools are maneuverable and well-suited for grinding and cutting metal, scoring concrete and even shaping wood at a third of the weight of a heavier model.
There is a large selection of grinders in the lighter-size category that are generally available for less than $100. They have barrel-shaped bodies and adjustable handles that can be used in one of several positions.
Angle grinders get much of their versatility from the wide assortment of wheels that are available. But the wheels generally are not interchangeable. Grinding wheels, for example, aren't meant to be used as cutoff tools. You're likely to end up with a mix of these types:
- METAL-WORKING WHEELS. For metal, there are cutoff wheels, wire wheels for removing rust or paint, and abrasive grinding wheels for shaping metal.
- MASONRY WHEELS. These come in several varieties, including those with diamond abrasives for scoring natural stone and concrete, and abrasive wheels for cleaning up rough edges.
- WOOD-CUTTING WHEELS. This group includes flap wheels and carving wheels. Flap wheels have a series of abrasive ridges formed into the perimeter that can be used to shape wood as well as masonry or metal.
More expensive wood-cutting wheels include a chain saw-like blade and one with teeth that can be replaced if they're damaged. These wheels remove material quickly.
Prices for the wheels vary considerably, starting at $5 or less for common abrasive wheels and topping out at $110 for a wood-cutting wheel from Arbortech.
At least a half-dozen major manufacturers offer angle grinders, but shopping for them by mail-order catalog or through an Internet retailer may not offer as much information about the tool as you'd like.
There's no substitute for picking up and handling a number of grinders to see which is the most comfortable.
While all grinders are similar, there are going to be differences in length, weight and overall balance. These features will make the grinders comfortable in your hands and easy on your arms.
Other features to look for include the type and position of the on-off switch. Some will be easier to find and operate than others.
Look for a switch that falls naturally under your hand and operates easily. Check how well-balanced the tool seems when the handle is moved from one position to another.
Finally, don't forget about the right safety equipment. While angle grinders are equipped with guards, they can expel bits of wood, metal or masonry at high speeds (wheels can turn at 10,000 rpm).
Safety glasses are the bare minimum. When you're working with dusty materials like stone or block, add a dust mask.
The Big and the Small
Just so you're comparing apples to apples—or apples to bowling balls—here's a quick rundown on grinders from Milwaukee Electric Tool. Prices will vary by supplier.
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4½-INCH SANDER/GRINDER.
This is a 0.7-hp grinder that generates up to 10,000 no-load rpm. It is 10½ inches long and weighs 4½ pounds.
Price: $94.95 (Model No. 6140-6) |
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4½-INCH MAGNUM SANDER/GRINDER
This 1.6-hp grinder generates up to 10,000 no-load rpm. It is 14 inches long and weighs 4.9 pounds.
Price: $199 (Model No. 6148-6) |
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7-INCH GRINDER.
Weighing in at nearly 14 pounds, this heavy tool generates 4 hp. It has a no-load speed of 6,000 rpm and is a little more than 19 inches long.
Price: $311 (Model No. 6088-20) |