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Looking at Metabo grinders, what to pick?

metal4130

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I am looking to get a small angle grinder, 5", and I really like the Metabo units. They have so many different grinders to pick from so I'm looking to hear about any reviews on what to get. Thanks.
 
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durallymax

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Any are good.

We have a 4.5" quick and a 9".

If I did it again I wouldve gotten the 4.5/5" quick. It has a 12 amp motor versus the 8 amp. That would be the one I would go for if I was you.

Get a pack of their slicers too. Those things work great.

20121205_120435.jpg
 
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rlitman

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I really like my "quick" model. You can spot the quick ones, because they have a yellow lock button with a fingerprint pattern cast into the button.

I've got the 4 1/2". I believe that the 5" spins just a little slower, and 4.5" discs are easier for me to find (plus the fit better into things for me).

I like the top button, some people like the paddle (I do not). Variable speed is a big step up in cost that didn't pay for me (I'll use air tools when I want something slower).

My big reason for choosing Metabo was the safety clutch. That's the best grinder feature ever!
 
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metal4130

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How can I tell if it is made in Germany or not? Are some made overseas?

I'm assuming that "quick" is some kind of quick change feature?
 

cundifc

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The only way I know is to search on there website and get the part number and look it up that way. Yes some are made in china and the good ones are made in Germany. If there under a 100 bucks there made in china
 

shoturtle

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You can get a 5" metabo and you can use 4.5 disk on it as well. But I have the 5 inch and it has a higher amp motor which is nice.
 

fflintstone

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Metabo’s are the only power tool I find used at a good price. There model # usually has the amps in it. look for the 11 amp and 14/14.5 amp models. Have 5 of them and paid $50 or less for them and the smallest one is 11 amps.

Older USA made Milwaukee’s are good to look for too.


"Quick" is referring to a quick action locknut for the disks. They are convenient but not necessary, and be bought separately, and will be of no use what so ever if you use thread on abrasives.
 
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durallymax

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You can get a 5" metabo and you can use 4.5 disk on it as well. But I have the 5 inch and it has a higher amp motor which is nice.

That is the reason i wished I had gotten that one. 12 amp motor versus 8amp.

How can I tell if it is made in Germany or not? Are some made overseas?

I'm assuming that "quick" is some kind of quick change feature?

Well Germany is "overseas" haha. I haven't seen one made in China, doesn't mean they aren't out there. IIRC Bosch has more in China though than Metabo, could be wrong though.

Quick is the quick change feature. Its like $20. Its just a nut with a snap ring and such in it. I never use a tool anyways but the nice thing with the quick change is that nobody can put a tool in it. It also gives you the extra security.
 

shoturtle

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The cheapo metabos on amazon are made in china, they run about 50 bucks with the all plastic round barrel handle without the black rubber and not contoured.

But most of their grinders are made in germany
 
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metal4130

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this one is a good one

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0027IQGPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

the W## is the amps(power) in this case 14
the -125- is the dia of the wheel, 125 mm just a hair under 5" (127mm =5")
as others said a 4.5" can be used on a 5"

some will say quick, if they have the quick nut.

You don't have to hold that button constantly do you? My dad has an old Milwaukee and it has the paddle switch which is what I'm used to.
 

Monte

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This design = Made in China

metabo-w-680-125-mm-im-koffer.png


This design = Made in Germany

W8-115_1.jpg




Metabo Quick:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LB7SzIk27EU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7gYpLbnAN_4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

You don't have to hold that button constantly do you? My dad has an old Milwaukee and it has the paddle switch which is what I'm used to.

no it locks in the "on" position
 
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durallymax

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You don't have to hold that button constantly do you? My dad has an old Milwaukee and it has the paddle switch which is what I'm used to.

no you do not hold it. It is much nicer than a paddle switch. We had never had anything but paddle switches. I don't think I'd go back.

I like the long handle for the 9" but wish it didn't have a paddle switch. it has a lock but it releases the lock everytime you touch the switch.

Some of their higher end models have restart protection so that in case you leave the switch on but accidentally un plug it or something, when you plug it back in, it will not start until you turn the switch back off.
 
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koster88

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Any are good.

We have a 4.5" quick and a 9".

If I did it again I wouldve gotten the 4.5/5" quick. It has a 12 amp motor versus the 8 amp. That would be the one I would go for if I was you.

Get a pack of their slicers too. Those things work great.

Thanks for the Advice!!! I just bought the WE14-125. Excited to put it to work. I'm ashamed to say this...but I've ever even seen one of these before. I didn't even know of Metabo until 5 min ago reading this thead. I was about to buy a dewalt (I've had a couple before and they were ok. )
 

durallymax

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Thanks for the Advice!!! I just bought the WE14-125. Excited to put it to work. I'm ashamed to say this...but I've ever even seen one of these before. I didn't even know of Metabo until 5 min ago reading this thead. I was about to buy a dewalt (I've had a couple before and they were ok. )

Thats just it, without online sites, or other discussion, many would never know. They are only in industrial stores or welding shops and such. They don't really advertise to the masses.

DeWalt has seriously declined I think. Even the last one we had that was 4 or 5 years old was nothing compared to the Metabo.
 
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metal4130

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I bought a Dewalt from Home Depot a few years ago and took it right back after I plugged it in. It felt extremely cheap and was at lease twice as loud as my dad's old Milwaukee.
 

cookefab

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A few years ago, I was out of town, on a big project, and needed a grinder...long story, shortened - Home Depot was the only option, so I tried a Milwaukee....I have a Metabo and two higher amp Makitas @ home...anyway, that Milwaukee was the worst POS...cheap feel to it, a really cheap "ratcheting" safety guard, way too much vibration...so it went back right then...I bought another Makita, w/ this being the first commonly available model that I've bought...still a far cry from my others, but definitely the best @ HD...

I guess I could have just said Metabo is tops when it comes to angle grinders, and definitely spring for the 12A model 4.5 vs 8 amps...the difference is huge.
 
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metal4130

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Thanks again for the help. Just ordered a WE14-125VS from Amazon.
 
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BJ42LX

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I have one of the China Metabos. Got it on Amazon when the price dipped to $50. It's a fine grinder, but frankly it's not quite as smooth as my Makita. I need a third grinder* and I'm going to give the German Metabo a try.

*Everyone needs three grinders: cutoff wheel, grinding wheel, flap wheel.




This design = Made in China

metabo-w-680-125-mm-im-koffer.png
 

fflintstone

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I need a third grinder* and I'm going to give the German Metabo a try.

*Everyone needs three grinders: cutoff wheel, grinding wheel, flap wheel.

everyone needs 7 grinders,
large and small grinding wheel.
large and small cutoff wheel.
flap wheel
flat wire brush
cup wire brush.

you can tell your wife I told you it was OK to have 7.
 

Jack Olsen

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Second-hand is another way to do it. All of mine had previous owners.

sixersq.jpg


Metabo1319846444.jpg


This one was listed on Ebay as 'used' and 'for parts only.' When it arrived, I was happy to see that it had never been plugged in.

tenbucksmore.jpg


Because other bidders were put off by the description, I got it for $78, delivered. (It's a 9" models and retails for just under $400.)

All that aside, they are great machines.
 

carbon

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May 31, 2009
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I wish metabo still made a paddle switch grinder WITH a lock-on, so when one is grinding for a long time one doesn't have to grip it as tight and you can rotate it and reposition it without it shutting down. At least I can't find one on their English site; all the paddle switch ones have deadman switches, meaning if you relax your grip it turns off.

Don't get me wrong, 90% of the time I don't lock a grinder on because I like the fact that if a paddle switch grinder gets away from you it'll turn off. When I need the lock-on feature, though, I NEED it.

Monte to the rescue?
 

durallymax

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I wish metabo still made a paddle switch grinder WITH a lock-on, so when one is grinding for a long time one doesn't have to grip it as tight and you can rotate it and reposition it without it shutting down. At least I can't find one on their English site; all the paddle switch ones have deadman switches, meaning if you relax your grip it turns off.

Don't get me wrong, 90% of the time I don't lock a grinder on because I like the fact that if a paddle switch grinder gets away from you it'll turn off. When I need the lock-on feature, though, I NEED it.

Monte to the rescue?

Our 9" has a paddle switch with lock. I do not know if they offer it on other sizes though.

You might be able to see it in the picture above. You squeeze the paddle, then with your finger click the tab at the front of the paddle forward and it locks it on. When you squeeze the paddle switch again it automatically unlocks. It isn't always the nicest setup to use, but it does work.

The term made in west germany was used roughly from 1946 to 1990
but I do not know when Metabo started making grinders.


@ Monte, what brand is the blue and red one?
 

durallymax

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Ooops, I forgot to say I'm talking about a 4.5" or 5" grinder.

Do you want the long tail or compact? I don't remember what they all offered in those sizes anymore though. Too many to keep straight.
 
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