Difference between a straight die grinder and a cut off tool?

[Lyaec350]

= a guard?

I was thinking about getting another Aircat (already have the 90* die grinder) and would like to get the more useful of the two. It would be nice if the cut off tool was just a die grinder w/ a shield...

[l_bilyk]

The guard and a cut-off tool will have a shaft with a bolt to accept wheels, instead of a collet

[billymade]

If you are looking for a good one; I have the Mac rebadged version which actually is a Florida Pneumatic Mfg #3501; I LOVE THIS TOOL! Not a bad price either! $50.60! I like the chuck because you can put a mandrel (for cut off wheels) or whatever type of attachment you like. There isn't a cover, so you have to be more careful but it makes the tool more versatile to use in different situations.
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/sjdiscounttools_1997_433717809
Florida Pneumatic Mfg 3501 - 3/8" High Speed Straight Drill
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/fpt3501.html
FP-3501
3/8” High Speed Straight Drill
• 20,000 RPM
• Low Weight Impact Resistant Composite
Handle
• Short Compact Design
•Precision Engineered
Made in U.S.A.

[Lyaec350]

The guard and a cut-off tool will have a shaft with a bolt to accept wheels, instead of a collet

Hm, thats a strike against the cut off tool... I've always used a shaft that inserts into the collet to hold my cut off wheels, but I do like the idea of a guard.

Also, I think I'm going to go w/ an Aircat regardless of the style... my hearing is worth an additional $50.

[billymade]

Good call; used the wrong term, not collet, mandrel! I guess they use the term; Cut-Off Wheel Arbor as well!
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/sjdiscounttools_1997_378935792

[Lyaec350]

Actually I think the thing you have pictured is a mandrel... the collet is that little thing the post of the mandrel slips in to and is tightened by compressing it radially w/ a nut.

I also like the low profile non-safety paddle switch design on the Aircats rather than that guarded switch that most other die grinders have--prevents your hand from getting sore.

[Merkava_4]

I've got the safety switch on my Sioux; it's not too hard to use and I'm pretty much used to it, but maybe their safety switch is designed better than some other makes; I don't know. The one thing I like about the safety switch is that I can sit it on the floor and not worry about the hose twisting and firing the grinder up by itself.

[Lyaec350]

I've got the safety switch on my Sioux; it's not too hard to use and I'm pretty much used to it, but maybe their safety switch is designed better than some other makes; I don't know. The one thing I like about the safety switch is that I can sit it on the floor and not worry about the hose twisting and firing the grinder up by itself.

I'm not sure if you've seen the Aircat triggers... I think it would be pretty tough to accidentally set one off. I just don't like those paddle things because they sometimes stick and are hard to use.

[billymade]

Mine is a earlier model that does not have the "safety" on the lever; it keeps you on your toes, if I'm not using it I definitely disconnected it form the hose! This little guy can bite you if your not careful!

[billymade]

Is this the one your talking about ? http://www.toolplanet.com/imrep/white/401164/401164__1.jpg
The lever is closer to the body and doesn't stick out but I don't see a "safety" feature; maybe wouldn't get accidentally pushed because of the design?
http://www.toolplanet.com/product/401164

http://www.toolplanet.com/imrep/white/400744/400744__1.jpg
This model looks pretty much the same without the guard.
http://www.toolplanet.com/product/400744