Have I been using a die grinder wrong?

[b7labelle]

Most likely.

For years I have been using a die grinder with cutoff wheels. I think today I realized the tool I should be using is a....gasp....cutoff tool.

But after examining these tools the only difference seems to be the cutoff tool has a shield. Is this the only difference? Or does a cutoff tool perform spectacularly better than a die grinder with cutoff wheels?

Reason I ask is I was using 2 today ( a Kobalt and a CH) and they both barely had any balls..

Or...do I just need a bigger air compressor.......

Edit-
Air Compressor specs: CH 125 PSI 5.5 CFM, 25 Gallon

 

[thightower]

A die grinder does work well for cutoff wheels. But if you have ever had a wheel explode, a cutoff tool is well worth the money. Might need to do some research but I think the cutoff tool has a little more power.

 

[GShelton]

5.5 cfm seems light for a die grinder or cutoff tool. As for which is right... A die grinder can be a cutoff tool but a cutoff tool can not be a die grinder. ;-)

 

[b7labelle]

I think my problem lie in my air compressor...I see a lot of these tools need at least 6CFM..oh well, might just have to upgrade ;-)

 

[dirtydogintex]

so you take a break every now and then.... wait! is that 5.5 acfm @ 90 psig or 40?

 

[b7labelle]

5.5@90, [email protected] thinking my my air compressor is about half as big as as needs to be.

Taking a break every now and then wouldn't be a big deal if I got more than 5-10 seconds of full power grinding for 2 minutes of tank charging..

 

[tyheuser]

I dont think theres really a difference they have similar specs I just thought some came with that annoying pos cover to make it a little more dummy proof. Ive had some with it and ripped them off so I could see what I was cutting. Ive always removed the safety lock thing out of the trigger to if has one I think there both a pos!

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I dont think theres really a difference they have similar specs I just thought some came with that annoying pos cover to make it a little more dummy proof. Ive had some with it and ripped them off so I could see what I was cutting. Ive always removed the safety lock thing out of the trigger to if has one I think there both a pos!

If the wheel shatters the guard is a good thing.

 

[b7labelle]

I think I am going to return my CH that I bought today and check out the HF electric cutoff tool..same price, seems to have good reviews. If it doesn't work out I will return it.

I am trying to trim some metal to make replacement gas tank straps for my 87 dodge W150. Had to repair the plastic tank with some plastic stock I got from McMaster and a heat gun I bought from Amazon..

There is no aftermarket tank straps that I have been able to locate...so I went down to my local Alro and got some 2"x1/4" rolled steel. Had to get a vice to do the metal work...but had to build a bench to hold the vice (never ending cycle). Ended up finding a wilton 1780. I hope before I go back to work in January to sand blast it and restore it.

 

[b7labelle]

Bought a electric cutoff tool at harbor Freight for 24.99. So far it rocks. Bought the 2 year replacement plan because you know.. It's from HF..

 

[welder4956]

Be sure to check the rpm rating of the tool against the max. rpm for the cutoff wheel. I have one die grinder that goes to 35,000 rpm that far exceeds the 20-25,000 rpm limit on the cutoff wheels. We have had a couple of folks injured at work when the cutoff wheels disintigrated due to exceeding the rpm limit of the wheel. If you don't have a face shield on when this happens it can cause serious injury.

Other than checking that, I see no reason you could not use a die grinder with the properly rated cutoff wheel.

 

[darkk]

A die grinder does work well for cutoff wheels. But if you have ever had a wheel explode, a cutoff tool is well worth the money. Might need to do some research but I think the cutoff tool has a little more power.

I have an old THOR die grinder that is really strong and fast revving. I've had it for around 35-40 years and have used it exclusively with cutoff wheels. I've never had one explode. I have exploded a grinding wheel on a 10" electric grinder though....try holding that sucker after the exploded wheel rips a hole in your gut.....

 

[davesnothere]

One of my die grinders has never been anything but a cutoff wheel. Works great.

 

[Twelvevoltman]

Don't forget to put 2-3 drops of air tool oil in before each use. Lack of oil will cause them to run slower.

 

[fordgasm]

funny thing is Ive never ever oiled my air tools before. Of course they are all from Harbor Freight and cheap, but whatever, lol.

 

[sk farmer]

i can't beleive noone has mentioned this. yes there is a differance. a die grinder has a collet type holder to accept accessories like stones, burrs and mandrels wich can be used to hold cutoff wheels. a cut off tool does not have a collet. it only has an integrated mandrel for holding cutoff wheels and the like. it also has provisions for a sheild like mentioned. i recomend the shield but it also makes them useless in compact spaces.

 

[Seanbev24]

Die grinders are great for cutoff wheels. Even the 2 actual cutoff tools I use have the shields removed. I'd rather be able to see what I'm doing through a face shield.

 

[Kevin54]

i can't beleive noone has mentioned this. yes there is a differance. a die grinder has a collet type holder to accept accessories like stones, burrs and mandrels wich can be used to hold cutoff wheels. a cut off tool does not have a collet. it only has an integrated mandrel for holding cutoff wheels and the like. it also has provisions for a sheild like mentioned. i recomend the shield but it also makes them useless in compact spaces.

^^^^This^^^^

 

[ken w.]

I have a cut off tool and a die grinder.A die grinder seems to get into more places than the cut off tool.I use the cut off tool more than the die grinder for cutting.I have one with the shield on and one with it off.The one without defiantly gets used the most. And yeah the work much better when you oil them before you use them.I oil with Marvel Mystery oil. It really works awesome in air tools.When your impact wrench isn't working up to par,you pour some Marvel Mystery oil in it and it brings it back to life.