Die Grinder Cutting Capability? How Good?

[oldschoolcraft]

I think most car mechanics use their die grinders primarily for sanding and polishing with roloc heads.

How good does a die grinder cut metal or possibly tile with a cut off blade?

For limited uses, would it work okay? For example, suppose over the course of the next decade I have to make a dozen cuts in ceramic tile, would an angled die grinder work?

How about cutting the occasional steel pipe?

I'm specifically looking at the M12 Fuel, although I know pneumatic is what most mechanics use.

I was thinking of the M12 3" cut off tool, but I think I want a die grinder anyway and would rarely use the cut off tool, so wondering how well the die grinder can serve double duty. Might be awkward from a handle perspective since a right angle die grinder I have to hold with my wrist parallel to the thing I'm cutting, and there's no guard. Not sure if anyone makes after market guards to temporarily attach for such jobs?

I know right tool for the right job, but I think I'd use a 3" cut off tool maybe twice a year so hard to justify two tools if I can do overlap.

 

[quadrcr87]

I haven’t tried tile with a die grinder but with a good diamond blade I am sure it would work. For steel a 3” cut off works ok but not nearly as powerful or as fast at an electric 4-1/2 grinder. You can pick up a corded grinder very cheap for occasional use.


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[oldschoolcraft]

I haven’t tried tile with a die grinder but with a good diamond blade I am sure it would work. For steel a 3” cut off works ok but not nearly as powerful or as fast at an electric 4-1/2 grinder. You can pick up a corded grinder very cheap for occasional use.


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Thanks for the reply. I do have a corded angle grinder, but it's relatively big and I'm looking for a multi purpose portable kit of the fewest tools than can do the most number of things.

I guess tile isn't something I'd cut with zero notice so I could plan to just bring the angle grinder for that. Never used it to cut tile though, feel like it might be too large and unweildly to do something like cut out an electrical outlet box from a kitchen backsplash, for example.

 

[unslow1]

I've used the die grinder many times to cut off body panels. The Dremel tool is what I've used for tile.

 

[FigureItOut]

I have the M12 die grinder you're considering and the 3" cut off tool. I use the grinder for occasional small cuts and it does well. I have full size cordless and corded angle grinders at the ready and still find myself cutting with the M12 for smaller stuff, if that tells you anything. I can certainly be a bit more accurate with it than I can an angle grinder. I'll also say this, I haven't picked up the 3" cut off tool since I got the die grinder. I'm sure that thing has it's uses, but I haven't found it useful at all.

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[oldschoolcraft]

I have the M12 die grinder you're considering and the 3" cut off tool. I use the grinder for occasional small cuts and it does well. I have full size cordless and corded angle grinders at the ready and still find myself cutting with the M12 for smaller stuff, if that tells you anything. I can certainly be a bit more accurate with it than I can an angle grinder. I'll also say this, I haven't picked up the 3" cut off tool since I got the die grinder. I'm sure that thing has it's uses, but I haven't found it useful at all.

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Interesting! Do you find the right angle die grinder weird to cut things, since I imagine you have to hold the grip either upside down, or hold it upright but make a cut from under the material, or perhaps hold the grip parallel to the thing being cut?

 

[FigureItOut]

Interesting! Do you find the right angle die grinder weird to cut things, since I imagine you have to hold the grip either upside down, or hold it upright but make a cut from under the material, or perhaps hold the grip parallel to the thing being cut?

Well the handle is always going to parallel with the cut, so perpendicular to the piece, just like an angle grinder, so the neither the grip nor your hand is usually going to be in the way. I'll just toss a piece in the vise however it seems most comfortable, and it works fine. I think I'd feel weird with a straight grinder, like I'd be doing more of a chopping motion. Just buy one and try it. If you don't like it for cutting, they're super handy for all kinds of stuff, I'm realizing more and more the longer I have it.

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[d.mcfarland]

Die grinders work the same as an electric angle grinder, however, much slower, more prone to bogging down/stalling out, and probably maxes out on something less than 1/8" thick.

 

[RoninB4]

I've used die grinders on the job for several decades, both pneumatic and electric. I don't mean to be vague but success will be all about technique, abrasive used, and the material being cut. Haven't used one on tile, mostly various metals. Any type of hand held tool will be far less efficient/accurate than a rigidly held fixture, that greatly affects how well the abrasive cuts. If hogging off material a hand held can be ok. If a thin/brittle cut-off disc is used it can easily explode when deep in the kerf and not aligned with the disc. Cut-off wheels/discs don't tolerate flexing very well, the shrapnel can cause serious injury even from a tiny dremel sized wheel. I appreciate you wanting to hold costs down but if you're not very familiar with using a die grinder on a regular basis I'd invest in a good face shield and some heavy leather gloves when using one or fabricate a tracking jig for holding the die grinder solidly when using cut-off wheels. JMO but I've got scars that show how easy it can go wrong. I've been working in machine shops for over 30 years.

 

[vanapplebomb]

I would say you could do with more power than the M12. That die grinder is about 1/3HP, which is the equivalent of smaller pneumatic die grinders in the $30-50 range. Don’t pay attention to the advertising that it is 30% more powerful than air. What that says it that the M12 is 30% more powerful than a bottom of the barrel 1/4HP air die grinder which costs $15-20. Also, the M12 eats batteries. We have some at work, and I’m not thrilled at all. If you use it a lot for cutting it will just chew through the batteries.

I personally wouldn’t use a die grinder. A 4-1/2” angle grinder is going to work a lot better. Just my experiance.

I use angle die grinders for sanding. I use straight die grinders for carbide burrs and cut off wheels. Mine cuts through steel tubing and plate pretty well with a 3” wheel as long as it is 1/8” thick or less. More than that and I always reach for my 4-1/2 angle grinder.

 

[Ign]

Die grinders just have odd ergonomics for cutting. The longer neck makes for more leverage on the operator if it binds up.

I will say if light cutting is the goal the M12 3" cutoff is great. Some people say they hate it and most complaints seem to be about power but I personally love mine for quickly lopping off bolts or cutting expanded steel. It's one of the most useful tools in my shop for quick, drama free small cuts. The design tucks the blade closer to the handle and ergonomically it's just much easier to use than a die grinder, straight or RA

 

[Robinson1]

the biggest problem with cutting with a die grinder. They are air hogs and fairly slow. Ive used one quite a bit cutting bolts and small bits and pieces. Not in common to have to stop and let my 30 gallon compressor catch up. On thr flip side they will fit places a angle grinder won't.

I've done tons of tile work and can't think of a single application where I would want to use a die grinder. I mean 1 or 2 cuts it would work. Slow but work.

 

[dnschmidt]

Unless you've got an 80 gallon two stage compressor air die grinders, either straight or right angle will disappoint you, They are complete air hogs and don't have nearly the grunt of electric.

 

[vanapplebomb]

Yes, a good size compressor is a must. I have used the smaller 1/3 hp models on a 60 gallon single stage, 11CFM compressor. It did keep up, but was running 100% of the time. For more powerful die grinders, you are looking at 5 - 7.5 HP two stage unots.

To be fair, whether electric or air is more powerful depends entirely On the tool selected. Yes, the average corded die grinder will have more grunt than a cheap $30 1/3HP air tool or the M12 cordless. But, step up to something in the same price range as a corded unit, and air will smoke the electric die grinder. For the average price of an electric, you can buy a 1hp air die grinder. Air hungry, yes, but as far as I know there isn’t a 115 volt corded version that has that much power. Given a 15 amp 115 volt circuit, and the poor efficiency of small universal motors, 1hp is barely if at all attainable. I have used 1hp air die grinders, and they are a beast, not to mention half the size.

I still maintain a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder is going to be the best tool for the original posters situation. It’s probably one of the most versatile grinders/cutters out there. Small enough to make somewhat precise cuts, but powerful enough to really moved some material when you need to.

 

[ZRX61]

I use a diamond blade in a 4.5in angle grinder for tile.
I've cut a bunch of P51 coolant header tanks in half for repair with cutting discs in a die grinder. Often takes more than one disc. The tanks are very soft aluminum about 1/8in thick.

 

[mikkowus]

Looking for some kind of spark guard for the m12 fuel right angle die grinder.... Has anyone found anything? Even a 3d printer file would be hella helpful.

 

[GeoBruin]

Found one!

 

[Hohn]

I don't think a cutoff tool is a good use of a die grinder. I have a couple air units and the most powerful corded Makita offers. The latter was an epiphany for me in terms of how useful it is, but it's really just a massive Dremel and best used with carbide burrs and mounted points. If you need to cut something, I think a cutoff wheel in an angle grinder is a better approach.

 

[mikkowus]

I have angle grinders and Dremels. I need something in the middle. I need this for small jobs that I leave in a bag for on the road. Things like a bolt, a hose fitting, or an exhaust hanger and small bodywork jobs. The spark guard would help with keeping things safer and cleaner.

 

[GeoBruin]

Find someone who has done the cut off tool to band file conversion. They'll have this laying around. Maybe you can 3d print an adapter.

 

[Firebrick43]

Thanks for the reply. I do have a corded angle grinder, but it's relatively big and I'm looking for a multi purpose portable kit of the fewest tools than can do the most number of things.

I guess tile isn't something I'd cut with zero notice so I could plan to just bring the angle grinder for that. Never used it to cut tile though, feel like it might be too large and unweildly to do something like cut out an electrical outlet box from a kitchen backsplash, for example.

It works better than a smaller tool. you start having clearance issues with little 3" cut off blades. Just use a cheapy as the dust is hard on them and wear a dust mask. Unless your cutting a huge amount of tile it isn't really worth it to set up and clean up a wet saw.

 

[Firebrick43]

I use a diamond blade in a 4.5in angle grinder for tile.
I've cut a bunch of P51 coolant header tanks in half for repair with cutting discs in a die grinder. Often takes more than one disc. The tanks are very soft aluminum about 1/8in thick.

You cant just show a few pictures and not explain what it is and how it works. Come on man?

 

[ZRX61]

You cant just show a few pictures and not explain what it is and how it works. Come on man?

Here ya go:

Mark on Maintenance – P-51 Header Tanks | AirCorps Aviation

The P-51 Mustang header tank (P/N - 106-46002), is fitted immediately behind the propeller spinner and is connected to each cylinder head coolant outlet and arranged around the reduction gear housing. The tank is designed with two outlets, one on each side of the gear housing...

www.aircorpsaviation.com

 

[mikkowus]

Find someone who has done the cut off tool to band file conversion. They'll have this laying around. Maybe you can 3d print an adapter.

I will do that. And now I'm wondering if Milwaukee sells that guard on its own without having to buy the whole tool.

 

[lbhsbz]

I think most car mechanics use their die grinders primarily for sanding and polishing with roloc heads.

How good does a die grinder cut metal or possibly tile with a cut off blade?

For limited uses, would it work okay? For example, suppose over the course of the next decade I have to make a dozen cuts in ceramic tile, would an angled die grinder work?

How about cutting the occasional steel pipe?

I'm specifically looking at the M12 Fuel, although I know pneumatic is what most mechanics use.

I was thinking of the M12 3" cut off tool, but I think I want a die grinder anyway and would rarely use the cut off tool, so wondering how well the die grinder can serve double duty. Might be awkward from a handle perspective since a right angle die grinder I have to hold with my wrist parallel to the thing I'm cutting, and there's no guard. Not sure if anyone makes after market guards to temporarily attach for such jobs?

I know right tool for the right job, but I think I'd use a 3" cut off tool maybe twice a year so hard to justify two tools if I can do overlap.

Not sure about the electric stuff, but pay attention to the max RPM of whatever wheel you're using. Most pneumatic die grinders are in the 10K RPM range. Most angle grinders are under 5000rpms.

 

[ZRX61]

Found one!

I use one of those paired with goggles for added safety. The Dewalt ones are cheap & effective, I have them in clear & dark.

 

[mikey03]

I will do that. And now I'm wondering if Milwaukee sells that guard on its own without having to buy the whole tool.

Why not just buy there band file? I saw this mod a while back and it seemed cool because there wasn’t a legit band file made but they just released one a year or two ago now

 

[Rinspeed]

I don't think a cutoff tool is a good use of a die grinder.

For smaller stuff a cookie wheel on a die grinder is a great solution.