Dotco Die Grinder Questions

I'm trying to decide between the 10-25 series and the 12-25 series. The particular model I'm interested in both share 0.9 HP and 23,000 HP, but the former has an aluminum housing and the later has a "composite" housing. The alum. housing is a little less weight (I think the the grinder weights about 0.5 KG total).

Anyway, is there any reason to go with alum. other than weight?

Also, why would you pick a rear exhaust over a front exhaust model? On the Dotco, you've got to pick one. On the IR Cyclone models, you can "flip" it around, from what I understand.


The best prices I've found, so far, are Industrial Supply Store followed by Abrasivestore.com. I like the former though, because there's more info. on whom you're buying from, rather than abrasivestore.com which is just an "anonymous" store front w/PO Box contact info.


edit: one other question: what's the logic behind a a line-up of models where the only difference in specs is RPM speed, and the RPM speed only differs by 2000? So, 20,000 - 18,000 or 10,000 and 8,000, etc? What applications make a difference where you'd choose one over the other?

Ended up ordering the Dotco w/composite housing. It's actually a tougher housing than the aluminum from what I understand. Went rear exhaust. It's a little "colder" and blows on the operators hand -- you get a little oil or dust up your sleeve, but with carbide burr on cast-iron and front exhaust didn't want to take the risk (albeit small), of blow back onto the operators face. Not that you shouldn't wear a face shield. I got the 12-25 .9 hp. Will let y'all know how it turns out.

The housings turn cold when they are operated, the composite housing will insulate better. As you noted, the rear exhaust keeps from blowing the grinding or cutting debris everywhere. I have two older Dotco units. One is a 90° head grinder, about 1/3 hp or so and is very handy, while the other is a straight grinder, .9 hp and has lots of power. It is a front exhaust. I bought both of them "used", they were actually unused however. These are older models, aluminum housing.

Charles

I bought from Industrial Supply House on the web. In addition to a reasonable price (I think the best price I found), what was more important is the guy was a fount of information. He spent a lot of time educating me on a lot of aspects of what I was doing with my compressor set up. I'll definitely be a repeat customer if I can.

If it's your thing, he's got a wide knowledge of various remaining items made in the USA, including hose, couplers, regulators, oilers, etc. from manufacturers well-known and not-so-well-known.

A big thanks to everyone who helped out in my other thread with the grinding problem on cast-iron. This new Dotco kicks *** Totally increases production time and rips through the stuff in a way that my Chicago Pneumatic couldn't!