4.5" grinder purchase help

[Treeman]

As the title suggests, I am looking for advice on a 4.5" grinder purchase. This will be for light shop use at my work (farm) and will probably be used less than a dozen times a year. Light welding work, touch up my bush hog blades while attached?????(jack stands and just light touch up!).

I have a big old B&D grinder for heavy work. Unlike others here, I think I would prefer a more nimble/smaller/lighter grinder for this selection (small hands) to manuever better (wrong?).

Questions:

1.) Paddle vs. slide switch?

2.) Amps? I'm thinking 7.5 to no more than 10. Will the lesser models below be noticeably weaker?

3.) Anything else? Quality of these brands?

Here's 3 I am considering out of Graingers (will shop for better prices):

Makita 7.5A smallest/lightest http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/ww...ry=9557PB&op=search&Ntt=9557PB&N=0&sst=subset

Bosch 8A Made in Germany? http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/1PKV7?Pid=search

Dewalt 10A Switch in middle (vs. others) a problem? Clunkier? http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/5TB85?Pid=search

 

[arkangel06]

Get a switch what ever you do having the paddle where you have to keep constant presseur is a real pain in the ***!

Even a trigger is a PITA.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

On a 4 1/2" grinder, you don't need to worry too much about hand placement as these are "finese" grinders instead of "get-r-done" big boy 7" and 9" grinders. On the larger ones, the further you can get away from the head, the better control you have.

I do prefer a paddle switch just in case something goes bad wrong. you only need to let go and the grinder stops. With a slide switch, you need to turn it off. I would also check at your local Airgas or other welding supply company and check out a Metabo grinder.

 

[all4sho]

i have four of the dewalt (10amps) i love them, it is the best all around grinder to me. all mine come from Lowes for around $90 each

 

[MattT]

I've got the Makita model you linked. Very nice, compact, light duty grinder. Powerful it ain't.

I've sharpened finish mower and bushhog blades on the tractor using jackstands. It's best to lock the blades with a couple clamps. Also bear in mind you'll be up under there in a shower of sparks and dried grass is flammable

 

[Bo Heck]

Metabo, nuff said. I dont really have a preference for paddle vs switch, but it IS safer if you let go of the grinder for it to shut itself off. I would get one closer to the 10 amp range, you will notice a big difference. Metabo rates theirs in Watts, just divide the watts by 110 and you have your amps. So you want a 1100W grinder. Quick change as well. Made in Germany.

I have one, it's awesome. I've used Harbor Freight, Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt, they don't compare.

 

[Merkava_4]

1.) Paddle vs. slide switch?

I hate paddle switches!!

Get the Bosch 1375A.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

I hate paddle switches!!

Get the Bosch 1375A.

Must be too complicated for you.......

 

[t100]

Metabo

yep, paddle switches ****!!!

 

[kartracer55]

I have the lower end DeWalt from Home Depot that is excellent and runs circles around similarly priced Makitas. You can get it for about 60$ from the Home depot and it doesn't have an annoying paddle switch either. I doubt the Bosch is made in Germany, a lot of the ones I have played with in stores are from China.

My grinder is a 7 Amp and it is definitely adequate for most work.

 

[unashamedlaborer]

Metabo, nuff said. I dont really have a preference for paddle vs switch, but it IS safer if you let go of the grinder for it to shut itself off. I would get one closer to the 10 amp range, you will notice a big difference. Metabo rates theirs in Watts, just divide the watts by 110 and you have your amps. So you want a 1100W grinder. Quick change as well. Made in Germany.

I have one, it's awesome. I've used Harbor Freight, Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt, they don't compare.

There is nothing that will live up to a metabo.
I worked for a concrete cutting company for years and we would go through 4.5" grinders like underwear until we got a hold of some metabo grinders. I have one that has been PUNISHED for years and I think it will likely outlive me. paddle switches are a hassle, especially if your trying to do something one handed and on an angle. (like sharpening your brush hog blades).
it will probably cost you a little more but you will be happy to not have to buy another one.

 

[Indy_500]

I got a 4.5 craftsman angle grinder. it's pretty nice. it's about ehhhhh maybe 10 years old? idk my grandpa gave it to me. i like it.

 

[spartyon8]

I, personally, think a Metabo would be spending more money than needed. Granted they are the cats meow but for light duty use, too much money. Check out reconditionedsales.com and get 1 or 2 refurbs. They are basically new from these guys. I have yet to have a problem. I purchased 2 4 1/2" angle grinders for my welding cart. They are perfect for light use.

 

[ZRX61]

I have 2 of the Dewalts with the paddles, ya better have a good grip on em when ya hit the paddle....Had one jump out of my hand a couple of weeks back.... doh!

 

[e-tek]

I bought a Makita about 10 years ago and it's STILL going strong! It's also my fave becuase it's smaller, lighter and bullet proof.

 

[garfunkle24]

I think this one would be fine for your needs:

Makita 5997 - $39.99

If you want to go a little higher you could get:

Bosch 1375A - $66.88

That one I'm sure would meet your needs more than adequately. One thing I will recommend that I haven't seen mentioned is to use flapper wheels. f you don't use grinders too much, you may be more familiar with running a stone on there.

 

[JayL]

Try one with a variable speed. It's a useful feature.

 

[FNFS2000]

anything but dewalt, for premium, go for metabo.

 

[deathbound]

METABO!!!!! 4.5" with VARIABLE SPEED....pricey, but worth it in the long run.


model# WE14-125VS

 

[garfunkle24]

METABO!!!!! 4.5" with VARIABLE SPEED....pricey, but worth it in the long run.


model# WE14-125VS

I just ordered that model, hope it lives up to the hype!

 

[Sloper0204]

Guess I've held grinders for too much of my life, paddle's don't bother me and I've seen them stop the potential for serious damage.

We had six or seven of the dewalts, a dozen or so black and deckers, and a couple makitas. The dewalts were the only grinders we never had to do any work to as far as maintenance went. I think we only had 6 grinders without paddle switches.

For the big boys we had some old black and decker Wildcat's from the late 70's early 80's that spent their life running refacing tools.

 

[Monte]

Metabo or Bosch or Flex

www.metabo-anglegrinders.com

www.flexnorthamerica.com

 

[Treeman]

Thanks, everyone. Like so many things, there clearly isn't a favorite, nor does there seem to be anything that is a complete piece of junk. Personal experience, "fit", and preference seems the rule. What one person prefers, the other hates.

I was looking to find out if one particular brand or design was to be completely avoided. I think I will try the paddle switch for it's safety aspect. Brand .....I'm going shopping to see what feels good in my hand.

The one shiner (at a cost) "seems" to be the Metabo.

Thanks again.

 

[kartracer55]

Thanks, everyone. Like so many things, there clearly isn't a favorite, nor does there seem to be anything that is a complete piece of junk. Personal experience, "fit", and preference seems the rule. What one person prefers, the other hates.

I was looking to find out if one particular brand or design was to be completely avoided. I think I will try the paddle switch for it's safety aspect. Brand .....I'm going shopping to see what feels good in my hand.

The one shiner (at a cost) "seems" to be the Metabo.

Thanks again.

I think you might regret the Paddle. You will not regret the Metabo, though. I am more than satisfied with the DeWalt, however I love the Metabo I used back in school.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Metabo or Bosch or Flex

www.metabo-anglegrinders.com

www.flexnorthamerica.com

I'm with Monte on this one.

Also, how could anyone prefer a slide switch to a paddle?

 

[AutomatiquE]

Metabo or Bosch or Flex

www.metabo-anglegrinders.com

www.flexnorthamerica.com

...or Suhner !

 

[Monte]

... or Fein

 

[cnc-me]

What is the big deal with paddle switches?
My Dewalt has a lock, that makes it just like a slide switch, only better.

 

[Keep]

I like those Makitas, plus keep an eye on Home Depot, I bought a 2 pack there for $59 a few months ago.

I also prefer the switch.

 

[trythis]

I have the 8A
I hate thumb switches. The 8A has a lock that is very easy to unlock, so you dont have to hold the paddle, so best of both worlds for me.
Thumb slide switches get clogged with rock and rick dust. They also hurt to push with my worn out thumb tendons. (Dequerveins syndrome more accurately)
Also , paddle is ambidextrous

I have roasted Metabo's, I went through 3 of them in 4 months, so they aren't really any better than the German made Bosch's. They cost a lot more though.

 

[nate379]

I have 3 of the Wal-Mart Black and Deckers units and they work great for $30 each.

I have a $150 C Man Pro and a $200 Milwaukee and the Wal-Mart units work just as well.

If you are wondering why so many, I keep different wheels on each instead of changing it out 45 times a day. One has a cutoff, one a grinding, one a flap disc, another wire wheel and the last is just a spare.

 

[Treeman]

Well, I think I'm going to get the Makita listed in my first post only because it feels better in my small hands (ergonomics). It's light and manueverable.

I tried the Bosch in an industrial store (Fasteners) and was disappointed. It seemed to be "loose" (gears/bearings) and there was a perceptible vibration in the body that I didn't notice in other brands.....even a Harbor Freight Chicago brand felt better. Maybe the Bosch I tried was a fluke.

FYI, I have an old Black and Decker 7" beast that still runs fine.

Thanks everyone.

 

[porschedude996TT]

I have mixed thoughts on the paddle switches. I have used both and currently have a paddle Craftsman. Nice solid piece that I have owned for over ten years. I don't like the way that if you set the grinder down on something that it can start on its own. I also like the idea that if I have to drop the grinder, it will most likely turn itself off becasue it has a spring loaded switch. I like the idea that you can have two hands on the grinder to turn it on.

I do like the idea that the slide switch is small, out of the way and is less likely turned on accedently. I also don't like the slide switch because you only have one hand on the grinder when you turn it on. Also if I have to drop it does not turn itself off.

Pro's and Con's to everything...

 

[blaze_125]

I have 3 of the Wal-Mart Black and Deckers units and they work great for $30 each.

+ 1
I've had my 30$ Jobmate grinder for a few years and it does exacly what I need it to do when I need it to do it.

 

[SM Racing]

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/metalwo...mall-angle-trigger-grip-grinders-d28115n.aspx


I have several Dewalts and this is my favorite. Love the trigger and handle. Much better for long hours of use. 13amps won't bog down.