Makita or Fein Grinder?

[SMLWinds]

I am in the market for a basic sized grinder (probably 4-1/2inches...would consider going down to 4" or up to 5"). Money is not a factor for this purchase. What I am looking for is 1) safety and 2) quality.

I was looking most closely at the Makita 4-1/2" 9564PC 13Amp grinder. However, after nearly settling on that one someone told me that Fein makes an arguably better grinder with better safety features. I am just now researching Fein but am looking most closely at the Fein WSG 10-115 T Tip Start 4-1/2" angle grinder.

I make my living operating on people who are careless with powertools so safety is of the utmost importance. I know that all tools are safe when used correctly but the more safety features the better...things like a soft start, anti-kickback mechanisms, safety locking mechanisms to prevent accidental starts, ergonomic design that is easier to handle, blade guards, quick braking systems, as well as trigger type switches that stop the grinder if you drop it as paramount in my decision.

With that said, what is the safest and nicest 4"-5" angle grinder out there? As for uses, it will be a basic all-purpose grinder. I will be cutting some tile but also using it for a wide variety of purposes as they arise in life.

Thanks a lot for your assistance!

 

[Kurt4440]

You may want to look at the Metabo line of grinders.

 

[rlitman]

There is no such thing as a quick stop on a grinder. If there were, then any screw on attachments (like brushes) would go flying off every time you stopped it.

Safety is relative with a grinder. It is in the operator, not the tool.

Some people swear by paddle switches. I do not. I find that having to hold a paddle switch can make me not have a good a grip on the tool as I would like, and having a good handle on the tool is the most important to avoid a kickback.

Blade guards are what they are. They're all pretty much equally effective, and equally ineffective when removed by operators. Read the instruction manual carefully. The guards that come with a grinder are not technically made to be used with cutoff wheels, etc. I will say that I really like the indexable guard on my Metabo. Other grinders where you need to use a tool to tighten and loosen the guard to rotate it are much less convenient.

One thing to consider is vibration. Bosch and Metabo offer shock absorbing handles. Vibration from tools is known to damage your fine finger control, so I feel like this is a little bit of nice insurance.

The biggest safety feature I really advocate for is a slip clutch. My Metabo has one, and if a wheel binds up, it is so nice to know that the machine won't be as likely to kick, and the wheel is less likely to shatter.

 

[volaredon]

neither. Buy Milwaukee./

 

[Maexle]

Metabo....

 

[SMLWinds]

Thanks for the responses. I will check into Metabo. I must be honest....I hadn't even heard of that.

I am well aware that there are no substitutes for good, safe use of the tool. With that being said, assuming the user is constant, there are definitely tools out there that are obviously safer than others. I will use the tool the same regardless but no matter who is using the tool, accidents can happen so you want as much protection as possible should those instances occur.

Is the Metabo a nicer grinder, a safer grinder, or both? Conveniently, I often find that the higher end tools are both the nicest and the safest so you don't have to decide between the two.

Any further opinions/comments are appreciated!

 

[ricleh]

Fein. Metabo is good, but Fein is better IMO. I own both. My Fein is over 20 years old so it doesn't have tip start, but it is an excellent grinder.

 

[Maexle]

Thanks for the responses. I will check into Metabo. I must be honest....I hadn't even heard of that.

I am well aware that there are no substitutes for good, safe use of the tool. With that being said, assuming the user is constant, there are definitely tools out there that are obviously safer than others. I will use the tool the same regardless but no matter who is using the tool, accidents can happen so you want as much protection as possible should those instances occur.

Is the Metabo a nicer grinder, a safer grinder, or both? Conveniently, I often find that the higher end tools are both the nicest and the safest so you don't have to decide between the two.

Any further opinions/comments are appreciated!

I've helped my neighbor order this one here, and i really like it, quick adjustment safety guard, nice handling, the price is great too:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CSEJLA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Maexle]

Thanks for the responses. I will check into Metabo. I must be honest....I hadn't even heard of that.

I am well aware that there are no substitutes for good, safe use of the tool. With that being said, assuming the user is constant, there are definitely tools out there that are obviously safer than others. I will use the tool the same regardless but no matter who is using the tool, accidents can happen so you want as much protection as possible should those instances occur.

Is the Metabo a nicer grinder, a safer grinder, or both? Conveniently, I often find that the higher end tools are both the nicest and the safest so you don't have to decide between the two.

Any further opinions/comments are appreciated!

I've helped my neighbor order this one here, and i really like it, quick adjustment safety guard, nice handling, the price is great too:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CSEJLA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and it's made in Germany, not China, Taiwan...etc... i would take this any day over my Hilti

 

[Roots]

Metabo really is the gold standard.

 

[sharkytm]

Metabo.
Milwaukee is decent for some stuff, but I'll take big or small Makita, and Metabo for everything else.

 

[SMLWinds]

Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems like Milwaukee and Makita are top of the line but if you want to step it up even a step further you get to the class with Fein and Metabo.

Seems like all are quality tools. Can anyone comment on the safety features between the Fein and Metabo? Seems like they both have a lot of the same features--soft start, some sort of clutch/anti-kickback mechanism, etc. Anything one has that is unique to that company?

While I know there are different opinions out there, I am also a fan of a trigger type switch (correct me if I am wrong, but I think it is also called "paddle switch" on grinders). I know the Fein has sensors on the handle but it is the same concept. What I am after is if I drop the tool, I want the blade to start slowing down.

Thanks again!

 

[Jason280]

Can't say much about the Fein, but I have been impressed with the Makita 4.5" grinder I have in the shop.

 

[SMLWinds]

I'm having a pretty tough time figuring out the features of the different Metabo grinders. What I would like is variable speed to make it more useful and a paddle/trigger.

Can someone recommend specific models? What do the numbers after the models mean? What exactly does "Quick" denote? Some sort of tool-less changing of the blade?

 

[ricleh]

My 25 year old Fein has blade change requiring no tools. My much newer Metabo grinders also have blade changes requiring no tools for the smaller sized ones (6" and smaller). The tilt start Fein blade will start to slow if your fingers are removed from the pads on the handle.

 

[Rezeppa]

I hate paddle triggers but the Fein tip start is sweet. We purchased a few of the Fein grinders for work and they have been pretty impressive so far. The only issue we have with them is the ergonomics of the 6 inch are far superior on the Metabo for one handed use. If I was to go paddle trigger vs tip start tip start gets my vote. Metabo was once the finest grinder in the world but over time they have declined on the longevity but upgraded on weight and power in my experience. I would buy a Metabo locking trigger or Fein tip start.

 

[SMLWinds]

Can someone actually explain how this Fein "tip start" works? How do you start it and how do you keep it going after it is started? I haven't found a clear explanation of what "tip start" really is, although I see numerous folks love it.

 

[ricleh]

Fein Tip Start

 

[rlitman]

I hate paddle triggers but the Fein tip start is sweet. . . If I was to go paddle trigger vs tip start tip start gets my vote.

As I said above, I feel that paddle triggers that automatically turn off a tool when you let go actually make a grinder less safe, not more.

I've looked into tip start before. It gets all of the good concepts of a paddle switch (having the tool shut off when you let go), without any of the drawbacks (sub-optimal grip positions, since you must keep a finger on the same paddle, regardless of the orientation that the tool is being used).

I have a Metabo because it is one of the finest grinders out there, and because the slip clutch is IMHO the most important safety feature this tool can have. I'd have a Fein, if I thought the added cost for the tip start was worthwhile. I'm not knocking Fein, and I'd grab one in a heartbeat if I saw it at a pawn shop.

If you want safety and ergonomics, first get yourself a really comfortable pair of safety goggles that cover from all angles. You'll need that with any grinder.

 

[cryan]

Don't rely on safety features when using a grinder or as we call them here, angle grinders. Personally I prefer a switch that locks on as this relieves a lot of stress on the hand when using the machine meaning that your grip is less tired and your far less likely to drop it. Although if you feel as if your likely to drop it then perhaps a grinder is not for you? Pick a machine that has a quick release guard so that you can spin it round to what ever position you need quickly. pick a machine with an easily removable handle so that you can use the handle in normal use but that you can quickly remove it for those tight spots. HOWEVER. By far the biggest danger when using any grinder whether it be hand held or a bench grinder is the abrasive wheel! All grinder related injuries are caused by the abrasive wheel. The majority of grinder related injuries are caused by failure of the abrasive wheel (It explodes). The majority of abrasive wheel failures are caused by either incorrect use or incorrect storage which leads to damage of the structure of the wheel.
In short worry less about the switch and A LOT about the wheel. Buy quality wheels, keep them stored safely, don't bang them together, try and keep them in boxes, don't get them soaked in liquids especially non drying liquids. Don' use cutting wheels to grind and grinding wheels to cut. Don't try to cut deeper than a third of the diameter of the wheel. Always wear goggles or even better a face shield.
I like Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi and Makita.

 

[Chuck122]

I have a really old ( perhaps 30 yrs) skil 4" that has a rocker switch in the back right next to where the cord goes in. I like it but I must admit it is not the safest thing around.
If you are a surgeon, you are probably pretty smart and have pretty steady hands. You could probably use any grinder safely.

 

[LG63]

I will be cutting some tile but also using it for a wide variety of purposes as they arise in life.

Thanks a lot for your assistance!

I've never cut tile, but if tile dust is as abrasive as masonry dust I woud buy a Harbor Freight grinder for the tile job and a nice grinder for everything else.

 

[DCarr]

I dont own any Fein tools, but whenever I have researched any they always seemed to be the top of the line and the cost refected that.

Makita has always made very good, reliable tools. Cant go wrong with them.

 

[SMLWinds]

How important is it to have the variable speed option on the angle grinder? When would you want lower RPMs? Seems that the Fein doesn't have a variable speed option so I was wondering, since that is what I'm leaning towards currently.

Thanks!

 

[rlitman]

Don't rely on safety features when using a grinder or as we call them here, angle grinders. Personally I prefer a switch that locks on as this relieves a lot of stress on the hand when using the machine meaning that your grip is less tired and your far less likely to drop it. Although if you feel as if your likely to drop it then perhaps a grinder is not for you? Pick a machine that has a quick release guard so that you can spin it round to what ever position you need quickly. pick a machine with an easily removable handle so that you can use the handle in normal use but that you can quickly remove it for those tight spots. HOWEVER. By far the biggest danger when using any grinder whether it be hand held or a bench grinder is the abrasive wheel! All grinder related injuries are caused by the abrasive wheel. The majority of grinder related injuries are caused by failure of the abrasive wheel (It explodes). The majority of abrasive wheel failures are caused by either incorrect use or incorrect storage which leads to damage of the structure of the wheel.
In short worry less about the switch and A LOT about the wheel. Buy quality wheels, keep them stored safely, don't bang them together, try and keep them in boxes, don't get them soaked in liquids especially non drying liquids. Don' use cutting wheels to grind and grinding wheels to cut. Don't try to cut deeper than a third of the diameter of the wheel. Always wear goggles or even better a face shield.
I like Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi and Makita.

What he said. Wheel can explode. Grinder wheel can get caught and kick grinder back at you. Wheel can get caught in clothing. Those are your worries.

I've never cut tile, but if tile dust is as abrasive as masonry dust I woud buy a Harbor Freight grinder for the tile job and a nice grinder for everything else.

Agreed. I actually have an air grinder I use for this now. Air has two advantages.
1) Pressurized air goes in the machine, so does does not. It is impervious to the most dusty of environments, and has no brushes to be worn out by abrasive dust
2) Air requires no electricity, so there is no shock risk when wet grinding.

How important is it to have the variable speed option on the angle grinder? When would you want lower RPMs? Seems that the Fein doesn't have a variable speed option so I was wondering, since that is what I'm leaning towards currently.
Thanks!

On an 4 1/2" general purpose angle grinder? Variable speed is a waste, and something else to break. You won't want it with cutoff wheels, depressed center grinding wheels, brushes, cup wheels, and flap discs. Not much else you'll use in it.

If you were using it as a polisher, perhaps that would be a good idea, but that's generally going to be on a 7" and up machine.

 

[neophyte]

How important is it to have the variable speed option on the angle grinder? When would you want lower RPMs? Seems that the Fein doesn't have a variable speed option so I was wondering, since that is what I'm leaning towards currently.

Thanks!

Variable speed is used for some situations were you want more control with the grinder. Larger wire wheels, and certain cutting/grinding situations. The grinders sold specifically for work on stainless steel usually top the speed out at 7,000 RPM. This includes the angle grinder models for stainless steel from Fein, Flex, and Metabo.

As far as variable speed on the grinder being something else to break, the German industrial angle grinders usually already have safety circuitry built in. The safety circuitry supplies features such as, soft start, constant speed control, overload protection, and power interruption protection. The variable speed module may add an additional complication but it's not going to make the tool that less reliable.

Fein does make a variable speed 5" grinder. It's the WSG 14-70 E. Unfortunately it lacks the TipStart Feature and just has a regular switch. Its top speed is 7,000 RPM.

http://www.feinus.com/en_us/grinding/compact-angle-grinders/wsg-14-70-e-0282459/

They also make a 5" TipStart model with variable speed. It's the WSG 14-70 ET.

http://www.feinus.com/en_us/surface-finishing/surface-finishing-tools/wsg-14-70-et-0282484/

Some descriptions list the WSG 14-70 ET as 6" but it should be 5". If the grinder did come with a 6" guard, a 5" Fein guard should still be usable and can be ordered.

 

[thinmac]

I use a Metabo myself, but I work with professional fabricators who use their Makita angle grinders all day every day and love them. I'd say if you're going to use it every day maybe look at the Metabo, otherwise get a Makita and save yourself some money. At worst the Makita's 80% the grinder at 50% the cost. Both will last if you don't drop them.

If you possibly can, buy an angle grinder in person. The differences between one model and another that I find are most important aren't what kind of switch, variable that, soft start the other. The big differences are things like weight and vibration, which are often a trade off. Feel the weight and ask yourself if you can hold it up for two hours. Feel the vibration and see if you can handle that for the same amount of time. Specs on a website won't tell you how it feels, and an angle grinder is all about how it feels to use it for long periods of time, not bells and whistles. All the soft start in the world won't save you from tingly hands and sore arms.

Personally, I like a heavier grinder - seems to minimize the vibration.

 

[cookefab]

I own a Metabo 5" and 3 Makita's - 4", 4 1/2" & 7"... All are side switched - I agree w/ the poster above who pointed out that paddle switch grinders typically don't allow for as much user control... Are paddle switches safer? Maybe if you don't use cutting discs... I'll admit that I wouldn't want my 7" to lock down while cutting, but it wasn't bought w/ cutting in mind.

Your decision really depends on your intended use... None my four electric grinders are safer than the others...Bottom line? If heavy cutting is in your future, you might want to look @ air cutoff tools.

I guess I get the issue the OP has w/ safety, but it really all comes down to the user, not the device. I'll guess that the OP is an ER doc, or similar, so its plausible he already has some experience w/ medical grade cutters/grinders/drills...which are usually pneumatic...

I must add that using quality abrasives is more pertinent to safety than any other single factor...skip the HF/flea market junk and look @ what fab shops, (like mine), use day in, day out... My "buy quality" advice is 10x more important when dealing w/ wire wheels!

 

[countryss]

i just ordered the makita that amazon had on sale last month came with an aluminum carrying case and 6 wheels for 85 bucks. great tool

 

[SMLWinds]

While I was leaning towards the Fein with tip start, I have been captured by this model, a Metabo brake series:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008NS3G48/?tag=atomicindus08-20

There was a video about the electronic brake, the safety slip clutch, antivibration side handle, and autobalance system. You can see it here:

I know a lot of companies advertise they brake quickly, but seems that none brake as fast as this one (correct me if I'm wrong there). The Fein does say that is has an "auto stop" but I don't know if it stops as fast as the brake series Metabo. I like some of the ergonomics advertised by Fein but like the antivibration and balance I hear about from Metabo. I think it is a toss up there.

I do agree that buying in person is best. To be honest, I have no idea where to buy Fein or Metabo though. Furthermore, it would be over an hour drive for me to get to the store. I might order both and send back what I don't like if there is any question. But, I lean towards ordering the Metabo and I think I'll like it.

 

[BoostAddiction]

I just got a Makita 4.5" battery-powered grinder as a present, to go with the other Makita 18V tools I have.

Got a chance to use it last weekend on some fiberglass work I was doing. Really a nice grinder, and of course, the usual Makita quality and features.

While battery-powered grinders are new to me, and probably not much of a production tool, for my use cases, they work very well.

I still have a few of the HF cheapie 4.5" grinders - they are very inexpensive on sale, and seem to have OK life.

 

[rlitman]

I might order both

I know you're new here, but you sound like you'll fit in real well.
Who knows, you may end up keeping both . . .

I didn't realize that they offered auto-balancer in a 5" wheel machine. It is nice to have in larger wheels. Balance isn't that big a deal on 4 1/2" wheels, IF you get good wheels that wear evenly (buy Metabo or Sait, or Norton abrasives, and not DeWalt, or certainly not anything from HF).

I'm not sure how much that brake will help you. 1-2 seconds is more than enough time for it to have done it's damage, if you get my drift. By the time the brake would have stopped the machine, you could have already been injured, and shut the tool down. Perhaps on a larger machine, where you could potentially get entangled, it would make more sense (14" grinder, lathe, milling machine, drill press, etc).
It seems to me that it just makes it less likely that you will put a running tool down on a table.

The downside to a brake, is that if it is too abrupt, it could cause a screw on attachment (such as a cup brush, or wire wheel, or a grinding disc with a screw on hub) that doesn't use the hub nut, it can come flying off when you shut the machine. I have that same issue with the "quick" release toolless Metabo, but at least then, I know what to expect.

Anyway, paddle switches are a love it or hate it type thing. If you ride a bicycle with randonneur bars, or a mountain bike with bar end extensions, and like to move your hands around and use all the grip surfaces (like me), you'll probably hate the paddle. But you won't know until you use it some.

 

[Monte]

The safest grinders are currently made by Fein and Metabo.

i made a short overview:

Grinder:.................Fein WSG 14-125 T.......Metabo WEPBA 14-125 Quick
Power input Watt:.........1200....................1400
Power output Watt:.......750.......................750
Switch:................."TipStart" buttons........Deadman paddle switch
tool quick change:..Available (WSS model)....yes
Brake:....................yes (electric).............yes (mechanical)
Brakes in:............less than 3 seconds........cutting disc 1 sec./ grinding wheel 2 seconds
Anti jam protection:..."AutoStop" (electronic)......mechanical clutch
Autobalancer:..............no...............................yes
Anti Vibration handle:....yes..............................yes
Soft start:..................yes...............................yes
Constant speed:...........yes...............................yes
Toolless adj. guard:.......yes...............................yes
Made in Germany:.........yes................................yes
Self-start lock:.............yes................................yes
Shut-off brushes:..........yes................................yes
Overload protection:.......no................................yes
Motor dust protection:....yes...............................yes
No load speed:...........10.000............................10.000
Weight:.....................5.1 lbs............................6.3 lbs


there are also cutting guards available from Fein and Metabo for extra safety:

Here some videos of the TipStart grinder:

Metabo brochure:
http://cdn.metabo.com/up/media/WEPBA_Brochure_US913.pdf

 

[SMLWinds]

Can someone who owns or have used a Fein tip start tell me how quickly the auto stop halts the wheel after you let go? Does it just slow relatively quickly or does it have some sort of brake mechanism like the Metabo brake series?

The Metabo stops between 1-2 seconds if you get the electronic brake model. Does the Fein compare to that? I'm thinking it is probably a bit slower, but can't find anything for sure.

Thanks!

 

[SMLWinds]

Those were great responses. Monte...I have been searching the internet for a day and not able to find that comparison chart! Thank you!

Sounds like it is a toss up for safety and function. I feel like they are both upper level grinders and top notch safety. Each probably wins in 1 or 2 ways but they are largely on par in my opinion.

As said above, the brake probably doesn't help you much in a lot of situations. Let's face it, if the wheel is spinning at 500rpm it will have no issues slicing right through your skin, tendons, nerves, etc. As has been said, the safety features are no fool proof by any stretch. I guess what I focus on is getting every feature you can have so that if you happen to have a rare accident, there is a chance your injury may be minimized. While it will still leave a mark if the wheel hits you at 500rpm, it will be less of an injury than 5000rpm. I guess my approach is buy as if there will be an accident, and then use it as if there are no safety features.

What I really like about the Fein is that it seems to have a skinnier handle for gripping. I feel a less meaty handle may make it easier to hold. All things considered, seems like it is a toss up on safety. I would give a slight edge to the Metabo on performance quality.

 

[SMLWinds]

To further beat the dead horse can someone please comment between the differences, pros and cons of the electronic "autostop" vs. the mechanical clutch?

If the clutch on the Metabo kicks in, does it immediately restart while bound up? I know the Fein guys use that as the rationale for the electronic autostop.

 

[neophyte]

The safest grinders are currently made by Fein and Metabo.

i made a short overview:

Grinder:.................Fein WSG 14-125 T.......Metabo WEPBA 14-125 Quick
Power input Watt:.........1200....................1400
Power output Watt:.......750.......................750
Switch:................."TipStart" buttons........Deadman paddle switch
tool quick change:..Available (WSS model)....yes
Brake:....................yes (electric).............yes (mechanical)
Brakes in:............less than 3 seconds........cutting disc 1 sec./ grinding wheel 2 seconds
Anti jam protection:..."AutoStop" (electronic)......mechanical clutch
Autobalancer:..............no...............................yes
Anti Vibration handle:....yes..............................yes
Soft start:..................yes...............................yes
Constant speed:...........yes...............................yes
Toolless adj. guard:.......yes...............................yes
Made in Germany:.........yes................................yes
Self-start lock:.............yes................................yes
Shut-off brushes:..........yes................................yes
Overload protection:.......no................................yes
Motor dust protection:....yes...............................yes
No load speed:...........10.000............................10.000
Weight:.....................5.1 lbs............................6.3 lbs


there are also cutting guards available from Fein and Metabo for extra safety:

Here some videos of the TipStart grinder:

Metabo brochure:
http://cdn.metabo.com/up/media/WEPBA_Brochure_US913.pdf

The wattage on the Fein grinder may be lower, but that seems to be common on a number of Fein tools. Fein produces some tools with a higher cutting capacity than some of their competitors but the tools routinely have lower wattage ratings. Fein just seems to be able to produce very efficient motors.

Fein also manufactures plastic disc guards that slip over, and snap on to, the basic metal guard for further safety when cutting. For some reason they don't picture them in their catalogue, but they are mentioned in the manuals. This is a link with a picture.

http://www.fein24.de/query.php?cp_sid=2511072959b998&cp_cat=165801111&cp_tpl=550411&cp_pid=284065

The "Protective guard for cutting work" for the 5" grinders is part #63811002010 ( might also be listed as 6-38-11-002-01-0).

The "Protective guard for cutting work" for the 4-1/2" grinders is part #63811001010 or ( 6-38-11-001-01-0).

 

[poprockcrusher]

A LOT of those brands are CHINA DOLLS

 

[neophyte]

A LOT of those brands are CHINA DOLLS

Every model of grinder by Fein is Made in Germany. The high end Metabo grinders should be too, all though I'm not sure about every component.

 

[Monte]

Monte...I have been searching the internet for a day and not able to find that comparison chart! Thank you!

i made it

Sounds like it is a toss up for safety and function. I feel like they are both upper level grinders and top notch safety. Each probably wins in 1 or 2 ways but they are largely on par in my opinion.

As said above, the brake probably doesn't help you much in a lot of situations. Let's face it, if the wheel is spinning at 500rpm it will have no issues slicing right through your skin, tendons, nerves, etc. As has been said, the safety features are no fool proof by any stretch. I guess what I focus on is getting every feature you can have so that if you happen to have a rare accident, there is a chance your injury may be minimized. While it will still leave a mark if the wheel hits you at 500rpm, it will be less of an injury than 5000rpm. I guess my approach is buy as if there will be an accident, and then use it as if there are no safety features.

What I really like about the Fein is that it seems to have a skinnier handle for gripping. I feel a less meaty handle may make it easier to hold. All things considered, seems like it is a toss up on safety. I would give a slight edge to the Metabo on performance quality.

the best would be to order both like you already wrote and then decide....ergonomics are a subjective thing....the on/off switches are very different....etc....

To further beat the dead horse can someone please comment between the differences, pros and cons of the electronic "autostop" vs. the mechanical clutch?

If the clutch on the Metabo kicks in, does it immediately restart while bound up? I know the Fein guys use that as the rationale for the electronic autostop.

in this video you can see the clutch engages:

go to 0:59

the motor still spins if the clutch engages so the discs will spin again if you remove the grinder from the cut. If you release the trigger switch the tool stops so its still save (in case the grinder falls out of your hands).
The Fein grinder (and Bosch "Kick Back" models) will stop and shut down the motor. There is a speed sensor build in at the rotor (or a amperage sensor ?) which sensors the speed (amperage ?) and if the rpm of the rotor drops too fast (amps rise too high) the motor is shut down. Fein offers this type of electric brake "EBS" system since 1987.

Can someone who owns or have used a Fein tip start tell me how quickly the auto stop halts the wheel after you let go? Does it just slow relatively quickly or does it have some sort of brake mechanism like the Metabo brake series?

The Metabo stops between 1-2 seconds if you get the electronic brake model. Does the Fein compare to that? I'm thinking it is probably a bit slower, but can't find anything for sure.

Thanks!

i have a TipStart grinder but without brake so i can´t say anything.....

The wattage on the Fein grinder may be lower, but that seems to be common on a number of Fein tools. Fein produces some tools with a higher cutting capacity than some of their competitors but the tools routinely have lower wattage ratings. Fein just seems to be able to produce very efficient motors.

Some Metabos already come with their new 1450 Watt motor with 830 Watt output power. But i agree the paper values don´t tell everything like the torque of the tool or how good the electronics regulate the speed etc.