4.5" grinder or 3" in cut off tool.

[Tbonedog]

Harbor Freight has a 4.5" grinder and a 3" cut off tool for sale. Grinder is 11.99 the cutoff is 19.99. I already have one 4.5" grinder. My plan is to have one tool for cutting and the other set up for grinding (flap wheels and such) so I'm not having to switch wheels all the time. My question is should I get the grinder or the cutoff tool for cutting? Thanks guys!


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[tarbellb]

Maybe provide a link to both, I cant remember what the 3" cut off tool looks like.?

 

[Tbonedog]

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[gdocktor3]

I think a grinder spins slower, but has more torque to really grind off that hard rust and other material you want to remove, where a cut-off tool spins at higher rpm's to make nice & neat, easy cuts.

 

[tarbellb]

What are you using it for specifically?

 

[PoorOwner]

The bigger wheel will cut faster usually but smaller tool has more control. To give an example think about dremel vs a larger tool on the small stuff.

 

[crewchief888]

surprised nobody said get em both....

so i will...


get them both

there are some times i wish i had an electric 3" cutoff,
but not enough to go buy one.

 

[Blazinzuk]

If your cutting 1/8 or thinner than the cut off should suffice.

Anything thicker and I would do it with a grinder.

In addition there is a difference depending on the quality and thickness of cut off wheel you use

 

[MrGiggles]

It depends on what you want to use it on. For automotive work, there's very few places that a 4.5" grinder will fit. The 3" is better for getting into tight places and cutting small stock like bolts.

A 4.5" grinder has quite a bit more reach for cutting larger angle, bar, and sheet steel, and is better suited for fabrication.

The 4.5" is more versatile, but for only 20 bucks, it definitely doesn't hurt to have both.

 

[erty67]

I have both and always go for the grinder. The cut off always trips its internal breaker. Its annoying.

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[Tatsuya]

I would keep an eye on Craigslist and eBay for a used grinder that's rated at more than 4.3 amps like that HF one. I recently picked up a 4.5" Dewalt that's 7 amps for less than $30 shipped on eBay. Runs like a champ.

I also have an older, used 4-inch Makita (around 4 amps). After using grinding discs, low-grit flap discs, and cutoff discs with it for steel, I won't be abusing it like that anymore. Cleanup stuff only, not material removal.

 

[zendriver]

If you want to have two 4.5" setting around then go for it. Changing from cutting to grinding take about a minute.

I have the 4.5" (non HF) and the HF 3" cutoff tool, it works great for tight or small quick jobs, but the 4.5" obviously is geared towards heavier cutting. I used the 3" to cut and fabricate a small sheet metal cover, out of an old thick florescent light fixture. Quickly cut through, No way, the ****** one could have done the job better.

Like others stated, why not have both?

 

[Tbonedog]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I have one 4.5 already, so I guess it makes more sense to get the cutoff for more versatility than having the same tool for two different jobs.


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