illmatyk
Well-known member
http://micronesia.craigslist.org/for/4113682561.html
Anybody have any experience with this angle grinder? Is it any good?
Anybody have any experience with this angle grinder? Is it any good?
Angle grinder by Makita
- Thread starter illmatyk
- Start date
Last edited:
1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
They sell them out here, they are a budget range for Makita. I have never used one but for home use they should be ok, I believe they are made in China.
neophyte
Well-known member
My understanding is Maktec is a lower cost tool line manufactured by Makita. I'm not certain but most if not all the tools are likely manufactured in China. Some of the tools from the Maktec brand look like older some of the Makita models that used to be manufactured in Japan.
The main objection I would have to that grinder on craigslist is that it uses 4" wheels. Ibelieve the arbor may also be a smaller 3/8" or 1/2" size, though I couldn't find the specs. Most small angle grinders nowadays usually use 4-1/2" wheels or 5" wheels. The larger wheels have a longer working life, so they'll likely prove less costly. Finding accessories a smaller arbor may also prove more problematic.
Makita still manufactures a 4" grinder under their own brand. If you want that size at worst it would likely be manufactured to the same specs as the Maktec, and it's possible it may even use better components. I'm not sure what the tool situation in Guam is. Home Depot does have a store in Tamuning. I'm not sure whether the information is correct but Home Depot did list a few Makita branded angle grinders available at similar prices to the one you linked to on Craigslist.
The first is the 4" Makita the price I got on the website is $54.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-4-in-6-Amp-Angle-Grinder-GA4030/203231751#specifications
The second is a 4-1/2" version of the same grinder but with a larger 5/8" arbor and larger blade guard so you can use 4-1/2" wheels. this grinder came up at $53.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-4-1-2-in-Angle-Grinder-GA4530/202517731#specifications
The last is a different 4-1/2" Makita grinder. It also has a larger 5/8" arbor. The grinder also has a paddle switch is should be far safer. This grinder is more expensive at $79, but the exra cost would likely be worth it.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-4-1-2-in-Paddle-Switch-Angle-Grinder-9557PB/100594819#.UnH_GCjj9TC
Home Depot listed a "ship to home free" option on their website.
The other thing I don't like about the Maktec grinder is the exposed brush replacement screws in the sides tend to make them unfomfortable to hold.
The main objection I would have to that grinder on craigslist is that it uses 4" wheels. Ibelieve the arbor may also be a smaller 3/8" or 1/2" size, though I couldn't find the specs. Most small angle grinders nowadays usually use 4-1/2" wheels or 5" wheels. The larger wheels have a longer working life, so they'll likely prove less costly. Finding accessories a smaller arbor may also prove more problematic.
Makita still manufactures a 4" grinder under their own brand. If you want that size at worst it would likely be manufactured to the same specs as the Maktec, and it's possible it may even use better components. I'm not sure what the tool situation in Guam is. Home Depot does have a store in Tamuning. I'm not sure whether the information is correct but Home Depot did list a few Makita branded angle grinders available at similar prices to the one you linked to on Craigslist.
The first is the 4" Makita the price I got on the website is $54.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-4-in-6-Amp-Angle-Grinder-GA4030/203231751#specifications
The second is a 4-1/2" version of the same grinder but with a larger 5/8" arbor and larger blade guard so you can use 4-1/2" wheels. this grinder came up at $53.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-4-1-2-in-Angle-Grinder-GA4530/202517731#specifications
The last is a different 4-1/2" Makita grinder. It also has a larger 5/8" arbor. The grinder also has a paddle switch is should be far safer. This grinder is more expensive at $79, but the exra cost would likely be worth it.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-4-1-2-in-Paddle-Switch-Angle-Grinder-9557PB/100594819#.UnH_GCjj9TC
Home Depot listed a "ship to home free" option on their website.
The other thing I don't like about the Maktec grinder is the exposed brush replacement screws in the sides tend to make them unfomfortable to hold.
Last edited:
sberry
Banned
You don't want a 4 inch,,, a 4 1/2 uses a different hub.
Yes, we have a Home Depot here. I purchased a 4" Makita from them a few weeks ago. I was browsing CL and came across the Maktec but for me the price was too much considering I could go HD and get one for about same price and have brand options.
Thanks for all the input and replies!
Mustang1167
Well-known member
I have the makita that NEO posted for $79 and it has worked hard. I never knew makita made a budget brand but for $60 asking price I would rather buy a new one with a warranty incase it's a dud. Also like others said I like having a 4 1/2.
neophyte
Well-known member
Unfortunately in some areas the prices asked for items on Craigslist are as much or more than the cost of buying the item new from an authorized retailer.
toomanytoyzz
Well-known member
I'd pass. I have a 4" Makita I bought brand new about 15 years ago and it's a great little grinder, but I'd spend the $$ for a Dewalt or Bosch. Metabo's a re really nice, but are spendy. Make sure you get a 4 1/2" grinder. They are far better in the *** department.
Stay with 4.5" and 5/8-11 threads IIRC 
Accessories are much easier and more often cheaper to find.
Thats true. I bought a 4" a few weeks ago and went back to HD to look for flap discs and nothing for 4"!! Ended up finding some at another hardware store that I don't really like going to( customer service ***** ).
I am planning to add a 4.5" to my tool collection in the near future though.
I guess I have never really looked all that hard. I have a 4" Makita and I don't recall media being that hard to find. Of course, I probably have not bought anything but cutoff and grinding wheels in 4"... Must get the more exotic stuff in 4.5" for my DeWalt.
OP . . . you missed the great deal (where possible . . . YMMV) of recent slick deal at Tractor Supply for $19.99 DeWalt 4 1/2" grinder. When those sold quickly, people tried Home Depot to get price matching . . . some people had luck, including me, so that was screaming deal on 4 1/2" grinder recently.
Everyday price at Home Depot for DeWalt 4 1/2" grinder is $59 so your call if you want Makita for the brand name.
Everyday price at Home Depot for DeWalt 4 1/2" grinder is $59 so your call if you want Makita for the brand name.
The HD here in Guam has 4" grinding discs and cut off wheels but not flap discs. I had to go to another hardware store to get flapdiscs and I really don't like that store too well due to a bad past experience with them regarding customer service...
There isn't a Tractor Supply here so I wouldn't have known about it.