Advice on die grinders for a diesel tech?

[twincam00]

I'm looking to get a pair of high quality die grinders for my job at Peterbilt. I need an angle and straight one. I would like to get good quality ones from Sioux, IR, Snappy, Matco, etc. I don't know what models to look at or what hp i need, they range from 0.3 to 1.0hp. Whats a typical hp that a diesel tech would use? Any help is appreciated

 

[jjjrmx5]

For building armored vehicles they issued either IR metal bodied IR's, Blue points or plastic bodied Made in Japan IR's.

I use my metal bodied IR's daily with no problem.

Straight:Model 307A -std. Carbide burrs and cut-off wheels.
90 degree Angle: Model 301-heavy duty. Roloc disc w/ scotchbrite pads or sanding discs .

I need a third straight die grinder soon and Grainger has the IR's for $90 to which I am happy to pay.

NAPA had the CP's on sale last quarter for a real good price but that ended April 1.

If you wnat USA you got Snap-On a just a few others.

Most went overseas back in at least 2006 if not earlier.

I still have a brand new clam shell set of Mac air die grinders (stright and 90 degree) I bought off the truck new for $75 for both on their long gone twice a year special. IR's just with a Mac casing but i like to have lot's of backups for those tools.
What can i say.
LOLZ.

 

[CWP1616L]

I have a Sioux 1954HP. It's a very powerful die grinder. It'll twist your wrist when you squeeze the trigger from all the torque. The new number is SDG7S25F. I don't know why they went and changed all the part numbers, but when Snap-on bought Sioux, they changed all the part numbers.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Not sure if the deal is still available but Matco was selling a set of their .5hp die grinders, one straight and one angle for $189.

TheGrooveking

 

[jteck75]

If you don't mind shelling out a little extra,get a Dotco,I have two at work and they beat anything I've ever used hands down.

 

[CWP1616L]

I was going to recommend a Dotco, but I figured it was a waste of time since people get so sticker shock from those things.

 

[oldtools]

http://www.intlairtool.com/products/dotco-right-angle-grinder-12l2718-36-18-000-rpm-1-4-collet.html

http://www.intlairtool.com/products/dotco-12l2542-01-inline-grinder-12-000-rpm-1-4-collet.html

Both are USA made. Bought a used one for $25. They have alot of torque.

 

[Simz144]

I work on car but I kind the same

I got 4 CP one (cp 872)for 70$each , not the best, but a that price, I pre-mount them so I never lose time to change adapteur. best move I've done for air tool!

 

[jjjrmx5]

If you don't mind shelling out a little extra,get a Dotco,I have two at work and they beat anything I've ever used hands down.

Dotco and DynaBrade.

Yep.

We're all just flush with cash just like the Billion $ companies with industrial tool accounts.

And we all own our own bucket trucks, Jerr-Dan roll backs and 6 car haulers as well of course.

Well, at least I do.
/sarcasm

Dotco and DynaBrade FTW.
They are AWESOME if you are spending big $$$ company coin. BTDT.


Not in most budgets outside of mfg or heavy industry sadly.

 

[joedodge]

Been a diesel tech 7 years got a composite mountain angle and air nesco they've been great and affordable no issues

 

[cryan]

Whats a typical hp that a diesel tech would use? Any help is appreciated

I'm presuming your in a factory full of Peterbilt technicians? My number 1 advice for any apprentice/student is: Ask the guys your working with what they consider the appropriate tool for the job.
A diesel tech will have no more need for a certain type of die grinder than any other tech. A Peterbilt tech might have due to specific features of that machinery. I have worked on diesel engines from 5hp through to 100,000hp but I have never worked on a Peterbilt truck (unfortunately! I love those big American trucks!!) So my opinion as a diesel engineer is pretty much useless for your application but I have always liked Chicago Pneumatic and Ingersol Rand air tools.

 

[devoncoolman]

honestly if your not grinding holes in metal all day everyday. you won't really need anything over .5hp the 1hp grinders are awesome but they are typicaly large and cumbersome and also will hurt your wrist.

 

[sdguy55]

1) Get a rubber gripped one. Huge mistake that i made was getting one that i wasnt. After grinding on something for a little while your hands get COLD

2) I would say a 1/4 hp right angle one is just fine, you could really go with anything on the right angle one as long as its decent quality. But the straight one is where i would spend the money. Get at least a 1/2 hp one that spins very fast, makes it easier to use carbide bits. And if you wanna save a little money get an adapter to change your straight die grinder into a cut off wheel.

 

[j.c.whitney]

PM inbound.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

If you are in a shop with tool truck support, then I'd recommend the SO PT series air tools -- I have a couple of that series (die grinder / cut-off wheel) and they have significantly more power than anything else I have ever used.