4 inch grinder setup

[Josey Wales]

What's the most versatile set up so I'm not changing wheels every time I want to work? What do you leave on yours? I have three grinders right now. Thanks

 

[Thumper68]

I keep 4 or 5 set up all the time 4.5 inch.

Grinding wheel
Cup brush
Cut off wheel
and 1 or 2 with different flap disks one course(60 grit) and one fine(120 grit)

I keep a grinding wheel or a cup brush on the 7 inch and usually a flap disk on the air powered.

It isn't odd for me to have 7 or 8 grinders set up. I just bought 4 more from the Amazon porter cable deal.

 

[Ign]

If I could only have 3, it's unquestionably grinding wheel, cutting wheel and rubber backing pad w sanding disc - the latter works just as well as a flapper but won't put you in the poor house.

 

[tarbellb]

If I could only have 3, it's unquestionably grinding wheel, cutting wheel and rubber backing pad w sanding disc - the latter works just as well as a flapper but won't put you in the poor house.

Can you give some links to where you sourced the rubber backing pad and disc?

My setup:

Cutting disc .045"

Flap (several but would choose 80 grit)

Wire cup 2"



Wire cup would be on my most powerful or vari speed model.

 

[LXCam]

Cut off, cup course wire wheel, 80 grit flapper. But moving one to the rest of the collection. 120 grit flap, grinding wheel, belt sander adapter, cup fine wire wheel.

 

[Ign]

I hate to say it 'cause I hate DeWalt but they make a great rubber backing pad. It's thick & flexible. But I've only shopped 4.5", not 4".

Try DW4945

Anyone using flappers first, you're a chump for spending $$. I WILL say, I would add a flapper wheel-dedicated grinder AFTER this but a backing pad and 70 cent discs makes way more sense FIRST.

 

[Know Wosad]

Can you give some links to where you sourced the rubber backing pad and disc?

Backing pads and stuff..most everything. I get here
http://www.roarksupply.com/
METAL is the code. 10% off
Free ship over ?? $100 I believe

 

[astroracer]

I have 6 grinders scattered all over the shop. Some have grinding wheels, some have flap discs and one has a cutoff disc in it. I get my grinders at Harbor Freight for 10 or 11 dollars. Have never burned one up.
If you want to check out good prices for flap discs and grinding supplies go here:
http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com/
Mark

 

[fourjeepin]

If I could only have 3, it's unquestionably grinding wheel, cutting wheel and rubber backing pad w sanding disc - the latter works just as well as a flapper but won't put you in the poor house.

I've felt the same way for years and wondered if I was missing something since so many people swear by the flap wheels.

 

[astroracer]

I've felt the same way for years and wondered if I was missing something since so many people swear by the flap wheels.

How often do you have to change the sanding disc? I used them for years and was changing it out for a new one almost every time I used it. If it didn't rip or shred, all of the grit got worn off the working edge and then it would rip or shred.
I have been using the same flap disc on one of my grinders for over two years. Never have to change a disc and I can bet it has cost me less over that time then a pile of sanding discs. Not to mention the time spent changing out the discs.
if you go to the link I posted you will find flap discs for about 3 bucks. Watch the site as they have a lot of special sales also.
Mark

 

[Ign]

How often do you have to change the sanding disc? I used them for years and was changing it out for a new one almost every time I used it. If it didn't rip or shred, all of the grit got worn off the working edge and then it would rip or shred.
I have been using the same flap disc on one of my grinders for over two years. Never have to change a disc and I can bet it has cost me less over that time then a pile of sanding discs. Not to mention the time spent changing out the discs.
if you go to the link I posted you will find flap discs for about 3 bucks. Watch the site as they have a lot of special sales also.
Mark

Oh wow put on a new flapper wheel and you'll see how dull a "2 year old" flapper is......holy **** that used to mean something else but 2 years old is highly illegal AND gross

Anyway $3 ea is EXACTLY my point. They don't last long and that's expensive

An 80 grit ZA sanding disc at the precious Lehigh is .66 and - at the most - a couple will outperform a flapper. Plus they don't develop a HEAVY corner radius like flappers after a few seconds of use

http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.co...sin-fiber-disc-80-grit-vsm-91600-rf-4-1-2z-80

Are you honestly certain you were using ZA previously? 'Cause AO has no business being around metal

 

[Josey Wales]

Thanks for the ideas and links, seems pretty simple. If I don't want to change wheels, I just need more grinders. lol. I'll check that Porter Cable deal but I'm sure it's too late.

 

[Ign]

The Amazon deal was better but the PC's can be had for $30ish all day long. TSC regularly carries them $25-30, esp during the holidays. And MSC's been pushing them at 3 for $99. You can probably find it in a sale flyer right now at mscdirect.com

 

[PT Doc]

Anyone using flappers first, you're a chump for spending $$. I WILL say, I would add a flapper wheel-dedicated grinder AFTER this but a backing pad and 70 cent discs makes way more sense FIRST.

If you are using ceramic flap discs, I don't think you would be disappointed.

 

[PT Doc]

Home Depot had 2 ridgid 4.5 grinders in a box for $70 or 80. The last one I bought that was ridgid was made by Metabo and has been great. Don't know who makes the current line but with the lifetime service agreement, if you register the tools, they will replace or repair.

Had a 14 year old detachable top ridgid vac. The impeller sheared off and they sent the part and I rebuilt it. Can't beat their warranty coverage. Others will ***** since they didn't register the tool and can't understand why they can't get the LSA coverage.

 

[PT Doc]

Or use these with a pad.

http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.co...ded-120-grit-ceramic-vsm-149132-rf45cp-120vsm

For $0.86 they will last much longer the zirc to justify the 0.20 price up charge.

 

[Ign]

Home Depot had 2 ridgid 4.5 grinders in a box for $70 or 80. The last one I bought that was ridgid was made by Metabo and has been great. Don't know who makes the current line but with the lifetime service agreement, if you register the tools, they will replace or repair.

Had a 14 year old detachable top ridgid vac. The impeller sheared off and they sent the part and I rebuilt it. Can't beat their warranty coverage. Others will ***** since they didn't register the tool and can't understand why they can't get the LSA coverage.

How long ago was this? TTBOMK (and IME) the "orange" Metabos stopped circa 2007. They then went to a TTI design, which by all rights is a nice grinder too but it's larger, blockier and more awkward than the old square body Metabos. I own both.

I recently found the Metabo version at local pawn & jumped on it. The cords on these are the best grinder cords you'll find both in quality & length.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5915580&postcount=48

 

[Finky198]

6x 4.5"/5" grinders 5 electric and 1 air

1 Grinding wheel
2x Cut off wheels (1 air / 1 electric) the air can fit in much tighter areas...
1 3" Wire Cup
1 4.5 Wire wheel
And an 80 grit flap disc or turbo backer with whatever grade needed

Then 2x 7" grinders one with a grinding wheel other with a turbo backer and sandpaper of what ever grit necessary...

one question is anyone using the something of this nature. I have used the burr shaped version with success, I've even seen them small enough for die grinders but have yet to try this style... any OPs
http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com/bonded-abrasives-4-3-x-2-x-5-8-11-flaring-cup-wheel-type-11-norton-66243510512-nor66243510512

 

[Ign]

Metabo Ridgid vs TTI Ridgid. Note the TTI is considerably larger and has full-length paddle switch, just to name a few differences. I like 'em both, but the TTI version is very difficult to use with one hand due to size, length and weight.