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"Good on air" die grinders/cutoff wheels

kunkernator

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I have a 20 gallon/120 PSI air compressor which is great. It runs my impacts, air hammer, and drill all very well. Those are all name brand (Ingersoll Rand, Aircat). My die grinders and cutoff tool on the other hand are all Harbor Freight tools. They bog down very easily and are not air friendly at all. I would like to upgrade to better die grinders/cutoff tool, but at a DIY price. What have you guys had good luck with?
 
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plinker

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Feb 28, 2007
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I've got a 10 cfm 60gal compressor and a couple Matco die grinders (1/2 hp) and it does not take long to run low on air with them even on the "low" speed setting.

Best answer is either take several breaks (get's old) or upgrade your compressor.
 
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kunkernator

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I've got a 10 cfm 60gal compressor and a couple Matco die grinders (1/2 hp) and it does not take long to run low on air with them even on the "low" speed setting.

Best answer is either take several breaks (get's old) or upgrade your compressor.

I do understand that any die grinder is not going to be god on air, but these Harbor Freight ones are ridiculous. Not only with the air consumption, but also with the torque they provide.
 

DodgeMech

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Aug 17, 2012
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I got a silver eagle and it does ok on air and makes just enough torque for what i use it for...
 
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kunkernator

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A 20 gallon tank is not big enough to effectively run a die grinder or cutoff wheel.

I do understand this. I only want to use it in short bursts for small exhaust repair jobs. I guess it is more the torque I am concerned about. I can run my HF grinder for a solid minute before the compressor kicks in at 90 PSI. The problem I am having is more that the grinder stalls really easily. I have a hard time believing that it is air flow because my impact and hammer both run excellent. SO after deducting all this, I have determined it is just due to being a cheap tool.
 

Thunderbisciut

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Dec 2, 2012
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Cape Cod
Die grinders and cut off tools are some of the biggest air users. I mainly use my die grinder as a small sander for dressing welds and deburring and such. I can get away with having a small compressor that way. I also opt for my air saw whenever possible in place of the cut off tool.
If you're looking for suggestions for replacements for the HF stuff, I use Chicago Pneumatic air tools almost exclusively.
 

thebeekeeper1

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Sep 5, 2012
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Illinois
You need a much larger compressor or an electric angle grinder, which can do most of what a die grinder can do.
 

MG44

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your compressor is just too small to be honest. I have a 80 Gallon Westinghouse from 1955, 2 stage 220v, it runs the $20 (the better one) Harbor Freight composite cut off wheel all day. Its a good cut off wheel. I also have the 90 degree HF air grinders for a cookie and one for a wire wheel, use them everyday for over 5 years.

I have a IR straight die grinder as well, it does have more "power" but it ***** just as much if not more air. I don't use it as often beacuse it is straight, and the 90 degree ones are more useful to me.
 
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sberry

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I am not sure which tools you have but the constant theme of the air comp being underpowered is correct. An improved tool is not going to make night and day difference and some of the rotary tools are hard to beat.

2 solutions, more than double the air or find ways to work with other means, I have all the stuff dont mean I want to use it if a sawzall will work? Use a 30$ Walmart B&D 7750 grinder and cut wheel where practical, use air sparingly where needed.

For the diy or small biz there is a lot of stuff out there but the 3 pictured are the basics and bargains. That 4 inch is rugged and got lots of power, run wire wheel or disks, the pencil same game, wheels, rotary file, pencil brush etc and the 7 inch for sanding, I have a 5 inch but prefer 7.

Not everyone would benifit from every piece I own but those would get some use. They are actually a generic tool sold under several brands in this price range, I think the farm hand is the same? That pencil is really rugged too. I should have another one but figured to put the screws to this one to see how long it lasted, still going.

I have 3 or 4 of the right angle, one time I put a guy one one for 2 months cleaning a machine, not so much as a screw ever came loose on one.

I would tailor my needs from there, a hammer is good, I use a scaler a bit.
 

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dwright406

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77566
I have an Aircat angle die grinder that I am very happy with. It has lots of torque and is very quiet, and Aircat is good about building quality low air consumption tools.
My straight die grinder is an old Cleco that I inherited from my Dad. The Cleco has lots of torque but it's an air hog, which doesn't phase my 80 gallon compressor, but my 30 gallon doesn't do to well with it.
If I had to buy another straight die grinder, it would be an Aircat.
 
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sberry

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Cheif I would tend to agree. When I first got all ground every thing in site, expensive air hog, noisy. When you got to have it priceless but if there is any easier way I am on it.
 

Thunderbisciut

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Dec 2, 2012
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Cape Cod
To throw another option out there, Florida Pneumatic makes air tools for a lot of people, and they have a good reputation. Their 750k die grinder combo on paper is hard to beat for the price. I don't have any experience with it myself though.
31sKr1t5kAL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
 

crewchief888

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NW indiana
Cheif I would tend to agree. When I first got all ground every thing in site, expensive air hog, noisy. When you got to have it priceless but if there is any easier way I am on it.

thats the reason i have 5 electric grinders in the garage, everythings air powered at work, the shop has plenty of air.

it's easier ( to me) to have 3 or 4 electric grinders plugged in, than to have to keep switching air hoses around.


:beer:
 

Spudland_Dave

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Mar 12, 2010
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Maine
Electric Die Grinder...one of the best buys I've ever done. I've got 2 IR Die Grinders (Straight & Right Angle) which NEVER Get used anymore. Only time I do use em is when space is a consideration.

Electric has so much more torque, I just find it that much more useful.
 

AndyA

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May 23, 2011
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Texas Near Dallas
dotco! Very nice, but definitely not in the hobby price range.

I have IR and a few mac. I think the mac may be made by ingersol. The IR and mac ones I have are nearly identical. The last IR one I bought was made in China :(

Mac ran a special a while back that had a straight and 90 deg grinder for something like $70 for both. Not a bad deal if you can catch it.

I haven't noticed any air consumption problems with any of the ones I have. I do have about 24cfm of compressor so that makes a big difference.
 

big project

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;I have that same mac straight and 90, thougt it was such a good deal i got another set for home the next time that promotion ran.
 

helterskelter

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Mar 26, 2010
Messages
296
dynabrade or dotco. The old dotco's are sweet if you can find one in good shape. Every time I bump the trigger on one the torque surprises me.
 
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