Anyone have opinons of this Craftsman 4-1/2" grinder?

[SMKS]

I'm in need of a 4-1/2" grinder for some paint removal projects. It will have a cup brush installed. Obviously, that's a really light duty job for a grinder.

I thought about picking up one of the cheap HF grinders. But, this Craftsman grinder is on sale for $33. After using my SYWR points and a $10 gift card I have, I'd be paying right around $20 for it.

So, anyone have this grinder? Would it be worth it to spend more and get one with a paddle switch?

From my casual observation, compared to the HF units the Craftsman has more amps and the quick-release guard.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-1-...p-00924542000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[zkling]

I'd highly suggest you spend a few more bucks and bump up to one of the smaller dewalts. The only craftsman angle grinders I'd recommend are the older pro ones. According to a few reviews due to the guard on that model you can't use flat wheels, which kinda ***** IMHO when you want to use cheap cut off wheels. You could always use the card and points you have built up on something else at sears, but I personally think you won't be very happy with that grinder.

Just my 2¢

 

[Banjorear]

I'd highly suggest you spend a few more bucks and bump up to one of the smaller dewalts. The only craftsman angle grinders I'd recommend are the older pro ones. According to a few reviews due to the guard on that model you can't use flat wheels, which kinda ***** IMHO when you want to use cheap cut off wheels. You could always use the card and points you have built up on something else at sears, but I personally think you won't be very happy with that grinder.

Just my 2¢

I use to have a Craftsmans pro that quit. It worked well until it quit. I put my grinders through the ringer. They were used to cut stone using a diamond blade dry so the dust it created was incredible.

I have a Bosch now and it works great.

Regardless of which one you buy, I think you can take the guard off. I do that on all my grinders.

 

[SMKS]

I appreciate the suggestions of a more expensive grinder. I have looked at them.

But at this point all I'll be doing with this grinder is removing paint from some surfaces. I don't really need a Dewalt, Makita or Metabo to do that. I appreciate that people here like good tools, and I do, too, but in this case any of those would probably be way overkill and not an effective use of my money.

 

[Banjorear]

At this point all I'll be doing with this grinder is removing paint from some surfaces. I don't really need a Dewalt, Makita or Metabo to do that. I appreciate that people here like good tools, and I do, too, but in this case any of those would probably be way overkill and not an effective use of my money.

I would go for it. I know guys who use the $19 HF grinders for years without break-down.

 

[SMKS]

It looks like the Craftsman is just a relabled version of this Porter-Cable. It looks like the PC comes with two different guards and has a 3-year warranty, though.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004X5NNGG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[zkling]

I appreciate the suggestions of a more expensive grinder. I have looked at them.

But at this point all I'll be doing with this grinder is removing paint from some surfaces. I don't really need a Dewalt, Makita or Metabo to do that. I appreciate that people here like good tools, and I do, too, but in this case any of those would probably be way overkill and not an effective use of my money.

I understand the budget believe me I do, but cheap angle grinders are really no joy to use. Especially extended use, wire wheels and the like for removing paint on surfaces.

I'm curious what was the price range you were willing to spend for the paddle switch model? You will spend more on a feature than quality?

So, anyone have this grinder? Would it be worth it to spend more and get one with a paddle switch?

IIRC some of the best small angle grinder for the money were B&D and skil.

As for the paddle switch they can be a real personal preference type deal. I'm personally not a fan, but YMMV. They can be a pain for hand positioning when using cutoff wheels and tight spaces. The paddle switches are considered safer by many including OSHA, but like most things a bit of common sense and respect for the tool will go a long ways. I'll stick with the locking side switch.

 

[SMKS]

I'm actually leaning away from the paddle switch based on the job I'll be doing. I think it would make it more difficult to position the grinder.

 

[monomach]

I don't have the Craftsman, but...

I've got a nice Bosch and a Harbor Freight Heavy Duty in 4 1/2". I usually grab the HF one for light duty jobs like that (even though it's managed just fine on some heavy jobs, too).

I've never had great experiences with Porter-Cable (haven't specifically used the grinder), so I'd just go with the HF if that's your price range.

The HF one is fantastic for that light duty kind of stuff. Just make sure you dig through the stock and get the one with the switch on the top rather than on the side, if you go that route. The top-switch model is NOS and is a lot better quality, or so the guys with the side-switch models tell me. I's also good to open up the case and get things greased up with some Lubriplate. It seems like nothing is greased out of HF's contracted factories.

 

[1Garageman]

HF Heavy duty and regular Angle grinders are on sale right now, and you can use one of those %25 off coupons. Makes it worth the risk of trying one for $20, or less!

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=Angle+Grinder

 

[Jswain]

I have a cheap black and decker grinder that has been abused for years and still works awesome. They still make them in the same model and I believe I paid 19.99 or 29.99 for it at Walmart or Canadian Tire

 

[Monte]

looks like there is another family member:

 

[Aquaticbob]

I don't like Craftsman power tools, other than their shop vacs if we are going to consider those power tools. I too would say you should try out the HF ones, or take the next step up and get a more expensive unit if you really want the quality.

I have heard some decent things about the black and decker units from what I've read. Not sure who makes them, but a few people here vouch for them. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000077CPU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[SMKS]

Porter Cable is another brand owned by Stanley Black & Decker. I also have read some recommendations for the Black and Decker models. But that makes me think the Craftsman might not be too bad, since it's also apparently made by SBD.

 

[sberry]

I had several cman grinders made under different deals and different designs and they were nothing to write home about. .. Sears is often NOT good at sourcing great quality. Having said that it looks a lot like the B$D and how much and how painful is the risk of 20$????????????????? Try the thing. One we have proved out is the B&D from Walmart, Kmart or Menards on sale sometimes. Even at retail of 30$ no one is being robbed and its better than the Dewalts, the cord last longer and although I am partial to paddles this is about as good as it gets. I will never buy another grinder as long as they make it.

Never had to replace a cord, the cheap plastic outlast a "good rubber" one 2 to 1.

 

[CWP1616L]

It looks pretty good for $20. It's got the slide switch on the left side like I like and it's got the angled side handle. The one nice feature about my Bosch is that the slide switch is spring loaded to the off position; so it clicks into place when it's on and then gives you that added assist when turning it off.

 

[crewchief888]

looks very similar to a hitachi i have.

mines an older one without the toolless guard.

FWIW
lowes had the hitachi on sale again last week for $39.99
comes with 5 wheels, and a blow molded case.

some like to keep their power tools in blow molded cases

 

[fivespdcat]

You can also find the bosch 1380SLIM at some lowes for $44. That's what I went with.

 

[SMKS]

Well, I happened to be at HD today and I fondled the grinders they have.

I checked out Milwaukee, Dewalt and Makita. Of all three, the Makita had by far the best paddle switch design, IMO. If I eventually buy a grinder with a paddle switch, it will probably be a Makita.

 

[CWP1616L]

^What's the advantage of a paddle switch again? I forgot.

 

[GoodEnough]

You can get a Makita for $50.
Or the Cman for $20
Go for it. How can you lose?

 

[kenburkholz]

I think the main reason for paddle switches over slide switches is safety. If you drop the grinder, or it gets hung up,when you let go it stops, same for trigger switches. Ken.

 

[1950mercury]

I stopped buying anything craftsman with a cord 20 years ago...i would rather buy the hf...with that budget