4-1/2" Angle Grinders

[MrJason]

I wanted to get peoples opinion on brands - especially those of you who have owned several brands, or if you do a lot of metal fab.

What do you guys think?

I've been welding for more than 15 years, and two brand have never let me down in that time frame.

Metabo
Makita

My oldest Metabo is 16 years old, and I got it from my dad. It was my first grinder. Still have it, and the only parts I've had to replace were cords and brushes. Granted, I've got a few newer models now, but I've never been sidelined on a job due to that grinder.

Makita's are great too, I have them at the shop. The new brood of "fabricators" (i.e. young people) love them because they've heard of them. (In my opinion.)

Don't waste your time or money with HF, Clarke, Porter Cable or other items. You can buy **** tools a million times with minimal investment each time- or you can spend the best money upfront (that you would've spent on **** tools anyway) and get the best you can the first time.

Jason

 

[sberry]

It'll probably raise a few eyebrows but I've had good luck with a Black and Decker I bought some time back.Like this one. It gets pounded pretty hard.

I have heard it all, used most of them and that BD is a star. Its about as good as any and super reliable and the cord and brushes last forever. As for being in metal working for 4 years,,,,, got one of those on the bench where use is hi and daily that's older than 4. I bought a couple on sale to rat hole in case they stop making it.

 

[rice rocket]

Oh I forgot to mention, there's a Ridgid out there that's a Metabo rebrand.

Go over to Home Depot and look for a Made in Germany grinder, it's Metabo-made.

 

[Ign]

Oh I forgot to mention, there's a Ridgid out there that's a Metabo rebrand.

Go over to Home Depot and look for a Made in Germany grinder, it's Metabo-made.

I don't think that's been the case since '07. Then they brought out a TTI-esque Ridgid - - looks more like a Milwaukee but not exactly. I've got that one, too, and I do like it. Bigger than the Metabo, but good ergonomics and still retains the nice, quality, flexible, long cord.

 

[Fender1325]

I returned the Dewalt today. I'm going to get a Metabo for sure. I dont want to mess with numb/sore arms again, granted I'm sure a little is part of the territory.

Some of the metabos have some kind of vibration reducing tech in addition to the padded grip - I think the smallest one to have this feature is 5" and likely over 10 amps. I'll still probably get it for that feature alone though.

 

[Ign]

bull.

I love mine.

Sorry, but Metabo's Quick spindle nut is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Walk into any weld shop and they don't use spanners, you just snug the accessory by hand and then you can break it by hand. I do it all the time, never had a flap wheel, grinding wheel or cutting wheel come loose during use.

The Quick adds expense and complexity with a keyed spindle and two-piece nut kinda like a ScotSeal. The nut is stiff, so you can't just break it and spin it off rapidly nor can you install and spin it down with one flick until it hits the wheel. Furthermore the special nut is larger in both diameter and height so it noticeably gets in the way (I've noticed) if trying to flush cut with a standard, flat cutting disc.

I can't be the only one here who just snugs down by hand and breaks them by hand. With a gloved hand you can get 4.5" stuff plenty tight.

Use what you like but the Quick feature is a waste of time and money for me.

 

[Fender1325]

I'll be damned if I can find a Metabo available state side that has the auto balance feature AND a switch on top - not the paddle below.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I love my Metalbo 4 1/2"

 

[Monte]

If you have problems with vibrations try a Metabo with "Autobalancer" feature:

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ogfx9IOyLMo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

especially useful if you use wire wheels a lot:
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3RR-lhiXigE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

I use a Metabo 40 hours a week. They are very reliable, but I would prefer a smaller grip.

The new ones have a much smaller grip:

 

[SwampCat]

Found me a AWESOME Metabo Quick on C/L. 80$ worth of grinder heaven. Can put 4" 4.5" 6" stuff on it. Made in germany. Its a WE14-150 Quick. C/L is your friend.

 

[Ign]

Ahh, CL, then you see geniuses like this selling a "I swear it's new never used but it's not boxed" Metabo 4.5" for $100. He started out at $130 each and had 2 of them. Apparently someone was dense enough to buy one. HTH do you wind up with TWO "new" grinders but no box? And even at $100, no thanks. I'll pay retail and have a receipt from a real retailer
http://farmington.craigslist.org/tls/4834524515.html

Ironically here's the WP8-115 at a great price ($115) thru Global with free shipping. I've never really seen Global be competitive on much of anything or offer free shipping.
http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/t...mpaignId=T9F&gclid=CLrBpL_st8MCFciEfgodBbEAFQ

 

[Fender1325]

I bought the Metabo WA11-125 on amazon. Oddly the same model code on CPO's website shows a paddle trigger, where amazons shoes a switch on top (which I want). We'll see if amazon is right.

It has the auto-balancing feature to reduce vibration so I hope I love it. I better for 200 clams!

 

[MagnumForce]

Metabo or go home, the only thing that holds up in an industrial environment.

 

[LG63]

Also keep in mind that the better quality of the grinding wheel you use the less vibration.
Some of the stamped accessories to mound the wheels on the Dewalt are ****. I got to where I was using the grinding wheels that had the mandrel built in and there was a bunch less vibration

Bob

Agree, I would try a good quality 1/8" thick disc before giving up on the Dewalt. The thinner the disc, the smoother they run.

 

[Fender1325]

Too late. Dewalt is gone.

 

[Fender1325]

I did use good quality dewalt disks though.

 

[LG63]

I did use good quality dewalt disks though.

Maybe they've changed, I didn't find Dewalt discs that great. Try a Norton Bluefire on your new Metabo, with that autobalancer it should be smooth as silk.

 

[Fender1325]

Im actually anxious to try a brand other than Dewalt or Diablo. The grinder I didnt have any trouble with (dewalt that came with it), the cut off wheel so-so not really impressed (again dewalt) and then the flap discs, Dewalt was OK, but Diablos wear out in like an hour and they're 8 bucks a piece. I'll never buy diablo stuff again. Garbage as far as I'm concerned. But as far as I know, dewalt (lowes) and diablo (home depot) are your only choices unless of course buying online

 

[LG63]

The Zoro 25% off sales are a good opportunity to sample various consumables. Try Zoro G4521282 for a 5" disc

 

[Ign]

Im actually anxious to try a brand other than Dewalt or Diablo. The grinder I didnt have any trouble with (dewalt that came with it), the cut off wheel so-so not really impressed (again dewalt) and then the flap discs, Dewalt was OK, but Diablos wear out in like an hour and they're 8 bucks a piece. I'll never buy diablo stuff again. Garbage as far as I'm concerned. But as far as I know, dewalt (lowes) and diablo (home depot) are your only choices unless of course buying online

Don't you have a LWS for Sait? Anyplace big enough to attract Lowes and HD will have a LWS.

 

[Fender1325]

Never seen or heard of LWS. I'm in North Carolina.

 

[Rogue1987]

I think by LWS he means local welding shop. That one took me a while to figure out.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Fender1325]

Haha here I was googling LWS.

I have actually yet to look into one. I suppose its about time right? I've only bought sheet metal twice so far but at both HD and Lowes theyre always like sheet metal? what? Let me call somebody. And then its a wild goose hunt for some limited selection.

 

[Ign]

You sure have. It's any listing in the Yellow Pages under welding suppliers

 

[Ign]

Buying any steel at a box store is like buying motor oil at the grocery store.

Once again, yellow pages for steel suppliers

 

[Ainsley]

Metabo corded and cordless for me at work

 

[speed bump]

If its just a 5-7a grinder then whatever they all seem about the same unless you use it all day every day. The bigger it gets the more you need to get selective. I have an older 12a US made Makita that does pretty awesome and have used several Metabos that well.

 

[Fender1325]

Buying any steel at a box store is like buying motor oil at the grocery store.

Once again, yellow pages for steel suppliers

Im coming to realize that.

Do steel supply companies get mad though with guys who just want to buy a couple of small sheets for projects? I'm still learning welding myself at home, and have built a box out of 18 gauge and a box out of 22 gauge. I only needed maybe 5-6 small sheets (maybe 8 inch by 1 foot?). Eventually I'll get larger ones.

 

[Ign]

Im coming to realize that.

Do steel supply companies get mad though with guys who just want to buy a couple of small sheets for projects? I'm still learning welding myself at home, and have built a box out of 18 gauge and a box out of 22 gauge. I only needed maybe 5-6 small sheets (maybe 8 inch by 1 foot?). Eventually I'll get larger ones.

It varies widely. A good yard will sell you a foot or a full stick (20 or 24'). Likewise a sq foot or a full sheet. There may be a cut charge, particularly for sheet. Don't be afraid to stop in and ask to rummage through their drops, maybe you call and pay a cut charge for 2' square when they had a piece 25x28" that would have worked just fine for your needs.

edit: for pieces approx 8"x12" look for an actual sheetmetal/HVAC shop. Stuff like that we threw in the scrap, too small to store.

 

[Engine]

Im coming to realize that.

Do steel supply companies get mad though with guys who just want to buy a couple of small sheets for projects? I'm still learning welding myself at home, and have built a box out of 18 gauge and a box out of 22 gauge. I only needed maybe 5-6 small sheets (maybe 8 inch by 1 foot?). Eventually I'll get larger ones.

They don't get mad; they either sell small quantities or they don't. I have one supplier near me that won't deal unless you buy full-size pieces. I don't use large amounts so I don't buy from them. There are others that will cut up what you need. Other places like fab shops and welding shops will sometimes sell quantities like you want. For practice welding, consider checking out metal recycle places. Sometimes they get nearly new pieces of steel and sell it for a lot less than retail.

 

[LG63]

Im coming to realize that.

Do steel supply companies get mad though with guys who just want to buy a couple of small sheets for projects? I'm still learning welding myself at home, and have built a box out of 18 gauge and a box out of 22 gauge. I only needed maybe 5-6 small sheets (maybe 8 inch by 1 foot?). Eventually I'll get larger ones.

For light gauge sheet I would try a sheet metal fabricator or possibly an HVAC shop. Also laser or waterjet cutters if any in your area.

 

[Fender1325]

Well guys the metabo came in. Luckily it does have the switch on top. I used it for only a minute bc I had no time, but I could tell off the bat the vibration was less than my dewalt. Anxious to put it to work and I'll update here.

 

[old_biker]

I own around half a dozen 4 1/2 inch grinders, but my go to grinder is a 7" vintage grinder I cant bog it down I can use the standard disc to even cut 1/4" plate & it wont bog, I love it, however it is seriously dangerous, & heavy so will give you a work out, but for removing metal it cant be beat

 

[Fender1325]

Ok checking in. Im really happy with the metabo. It operates smooth and does its job with ease. I really like the quick disconnect feature, although I found it a little difficult removing the cutoff wheel sometimes since thats so thin to grab on. In that scenario I might prefer the wrench but I got the hang of it and thats a small "issue" (not really an issue). I got some arm fatigue using the flap disc with one hand holding it. The metabo weighs more than the dewalt, but this one has a stronger motor. It still gave me less physical problems and running this thing two handed is where it really shines.

I hope to enjoy this grinder for years to come.

 

[maico]

Sorry, but Metabo's Quick spindle nut is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Walk into any weld shop and they don't use spanners, you just snug the accessory by hand and then you can break it by hand. I do it all the time, never had a flap wheel, grinding wheel or cutting wheel come loose during use.

The Quick adds expense and complexity with a keyed spindle and two-piece nut kinda like a ScotSeal. The nut is stiff, so you can't just break it and spin it off rapidly nor can you install and spin it down with one flick until it hits the wheel.

I can't be the only one here who just snugs down by hand and breaks them by hand. With a gloved hand you can get 4.5" stuff plenty tight.

Have you engaged the spindle with the machine running down like this... ?

 

[dutchgray]

Sorry, but Metabo's Quick spindle nut is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Walk into any weld shop and they don't use spanners, you just snug the accessory by hand and then you can break it by hand. I do it all the time, never had a flap wheel, grinding wheel or cutting wheel come loose during use.

The Quick adds expense and complexity with a keyed spindle and two-piece nut kinda like a ScotSeal. The nut is stiff, so you can't just break it and spin it off rapidly nor can you install and spin it down with one flick until it hits the wheel. Furthermore the special nut is larger in both diameter and height so it noticeably gets in the way (I've noticed) if trying to flush cut with a standard, flat cutting disc.

I can't be the only one here who just snugs down by hand and breaks them by hand. With a gloved hand you can get 4.5" stuff plenty tight.

Use what you like but the Quick feature is a waste of time and money for me.

Its what I do, sometimes I find they tighten up and I need to dig the spanner out, or when I have used almost all of a cutting disc and there isn't much left to get a hold of.