I have been doing some vintage tool box restorations and have been using those rubber paint stripping wheels on my corded drill to strip most of the paint off. then sanding with an dual action sander. My question is would an angle grinder work better for this? How large as far as inches and motor amps would be good? Does an angle grinder leave deep scratches in the metal? What would be a good (grit) for this? This is the only thing I would use it for so it really does not need to be really heavy duty. Do you guys have any brand recommendation’s for a light duty one without spending an arm and a leg? Thanks Jim
angle grinder recommendation
- Thread starter jim
- Start date
ratdoggy
Well-known member
Harbor Freight or swap meet.....
And get some flapper discs in different grits
And get some flapper discs in different grits
astroracer
Well-known member
2nd the HF Grinders! I've been using them for years with no issues. By three or four of them at $12.99 and mount different wheels on each one. I have them strategically located all around in my shop. I think I have 6 or 8 of them...
Go to LeHigh Abrasives for killer prices on cutting discs and flap wheels.
http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com/
Mark
Go to LeHigh Abrasives for killer prices on cutting discs and flap wheels.
http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com/
Mark
quality doesn´t have to be expensive:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICNQ0V0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICNQ0V0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
dirtydogintex
Well-known member
wonder how that compares to the equivalent Makita?
many to most of the local stoned counter folks use Makitas because of their longevity and low purchase prices (when on sale).......
Askme42
Well-known member
2nd the HF Grinders! I've been using them for years with no issues. By three or four of them at $12.99 and mount different wheels on each one. I have them strategically located all around in my shop. I think I have 6 or 8 of them...
Go to LeHigh Abrasives for killer prices on cutting discs and flap wheels.
http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com/
Mark
Every HF grinder have had has burned up anytime I used it for over 5 minutes.
That's when I got a metabo. Not only runs a millions times better my hands don't feel like they are still vibrating 30 minutes after I quit using it.
plain garage
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 9, 2014
- Messages
- 198
I grabbed a metabo when it was on sale, the amount of power puts my makita grinder to shame. If you want power, metabo is the way to go.
Do not get one of the HF ones, so unpleasant to use IMHO. Dewalt, black and decker, milwaukee, etc all make a nice unit for right at or under $60.
As far as scratches and what not with an angle grinder....heavily dependent on what you are using. Coarse grinding wheel? Yes, cutting wheel? even more so. High grit flap wheel, not really. Grinding and polishing is a process of refining scratches.
A wire wheel is helpful on tool boxes to knock off rusted areas, just have to be careful not to catch an edge as they are great at rounding over.
Edit, I'd seriously consider the Fein Monte linked.
As far as scratches and what not with an angle grinder....heavily dependent on what you are using. Coarse grinding wheel? Yes, cutting wheel? even more so. High grit flap wheel, not really. Grinding and polishing is a process of refining scratches.
A wire wheel is helpful on tool boxes to knock off rusted areas, just have to be careful not to catch an edge as they are great at rounding over.
Edit, I'd seriously consider the Fein Monte linked.
Fender1325
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2014
- Messages
- 1,309
OP i would imagine a small media blast setup would strip the paint without harming metal.
Flap discs dont last too long and youd have to work the grits up to get rid of any scratches.
Flap discs dont last too long and youd have to work the grits up to get rid of any scratches.
Avoid the 4", they generally use a smaller spindle. 4.5 and 5" grinders are much easier to find accessories for.
As for price vs performance. Everything under $100 is pretty similar IMO. Once your over the $100 mark you can find good stuff like Metabo, Fein, and Japan made Makitas.
Personally for cheap grinders I like Hitachi, found cheap at www.bigskytool.com
As for price vs performance. Everything under $100 is pretty similar IMO. Once your over the $100 mark you can find good stuff like Metabo, Fein, and Japan made Makitas.
Personally for cheap grinders I like Hitachi, found cheap at www.bigskytool.com
If you use a wire brush you will want a higher amp unit, 7+ amps.
For more detailed work, I really prefer the smaller bodied, lower amp models.
Monte's link to that 5" Fein for $60 is excellent. That will do most everything except large cupped wire brushes.
For more detailed work, I really prefer the smaller bodied, lower amp models.
Monte's link to that 5" Fein for $60 is excellent. That will do most everything except large cupped wire brushes.
The Fein is made in Germany and maybe even better than a similar Makita because the Fein usually cost 144$ so you get a 144$ tool for 60$ and the Makita is a 60$ tool for 60$
It would be crazy to not buy the Fein
You won´t find anything better for 60 bucks !spooler41
Well-known member
My favorite angle grinder is a 4 1/2" DeWalt. the one I use most is my DeWalt, Ive
had it more than 14 years and probably have more than 1000 hrs. of use on it. I still
use it 6 or 7 times a week, I'm sure I've spent way more than the purchase price on
discs ,wire wheels,flapper discs, and sanding discs. The only thing I've had to replace
is the paddle switch which was a $6.00 part. I love this tool!
....................... Jack
had it more than 14 years and probably have more than 1000 hrs. of use on it. I still
use it 6 or 7 times a week, I'm sure I've spent way more than the purchase price on
discs ,wire wheels,flapper discs, and sanding discs. The only thing I've had to replace
is the paddle switch which was a $6.00 part. I love this tool!
....................... Jack
sberry
Banned
My go to these days is from Walmart. Way better than the hf.
Dave455
Well-known member
A few months back I bought a Fein Multimaster on a promotion.
Although I didn't really get it for this purpose, I find it superb for these cleanup / refinish jobs!
The oscillating action seems to work much better, but with less mess, than a grinder that chucks muck everywhere! The Velcro system of holding sanding pads looks dodgy, but in practice it's really quick to change grits! Also, depending on the job, you can start with something as coarse as a TiN coated file (which I've used on plasterwork) and finish off with a felt polishing pad!
Also, on sheet metal that may have a couple dents, you can get the tip into places where even the edge of a grinding pad might struggle!
Having doubted if I'd use one of these machines enough to justify the purchase, I now find it's probably my second most used tool! Although I got the Fein, and would certainly recommend the machine, there are many cheaper models around!
As for angle grinders, Personslly I hate using the things, but if you have to, a decent one makes all the difference! If you can get a Fein for $60 I would!
Although I didn't really get it for this purpose, I find it superb for these cleanup / refinish jobs!
The oscillating action seems to work much better, but with less mess, than a grinder that chucks muck everywhere! The Velcro system of holding sanding pads looks dodgy, but in practice it's really quick to change grits! Also, depending on the job, you can start with something as coarse as a TiN coated file (which I've used on plasterwork) and finish off with a felt polishing pad!
Also, on sheet metal that may have a couple dents, you can get the tip into places where even the edge of a grinding pad might struggle!
Having doubted if I'd use one of these machines enough to justify the purchase, I now find it's probably my second most used tool! Although I got the Fein, and would certainly recommend the machine, there are many cheaper models around!
As for angle grinders, Personslly I hate using the things, but if you have to, a decent one makes all the difference! If you can get a Fein for $60 I would!
alfazer
Well-known member
Another vote for Metabo. I have both 4.5" and a 9". Plenty of power, well built and good cable length. They are 240v but the 110v models are the same build.
the HF orange or redish ones , but NOT the Drill Master black one if you are going to just do occasional cuts or abuse it like your step child, Dewalt is pretty good and balanced, craftman one is no better than HF except more expensive... not too sure about the higher end Matabo, I have the Ridgid ones as well not too bad either. good for moderate user I guess probably...
ez-duzit
Well-known member
Milwaukee!
dewalt378g
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2012
- Messages
- 180
I also vote to metabo and fein, but to answer your initial question (application) I would say no to the grinder and just get a good gel paint stripper. No noise, no dust (important!), no removal of base metal, just wait...wrinkle....and wipe (scrape)...done.
Fender1325
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2014
- Messages
- 1,309
Id vote going to home depot and get your hands on several brands and get the one that feels best in your hands. Ive owned HF, Dewalt, Milwaukee, and Metabo. Metabo is the best but 3x the cost. Stick with a 7 amp 4.5" grinder from any name brand and youll be fine. I dont reccomend diablo angle grinder consumables like flap discs, sanders etc. they wear out too quick. Dewalts are OK but also not the best - theyll get you up and running though.
ez-duzit
Well-known member
One problem with the Bosch angle grinder is a lack of finger clearance between the body and the disc.
Mastermind
Well-known member
I don't want to discourage you from buying a tool, but does your d.a. have a spindle lock? Makes it a sheetmetal friendly grinder with some 80 grit paper. Also good 80 grit on a regular d.a. makes quick work of most any paint/powdercoat.
You can also get 36 or 40 grit paper for a da if you want bare metal in seconds. I usually 80, 150, 320, then 5-600 for a real nice finish.
Also good paper pays for itself. My favorite bang for the buck d.a. paper is the Norton gold.
You can also get 36 or 40 grit paper for a da if you want bare metal in seconds. I usually 80, 150, 320, then 5-600 for a real nice finish.
Also good paper pays for itself. My favorite bang for the buck d.a. paper is the Norton gold.
Grinder really isn't the tool to refinish metal with in my opinion.
Relatively hard to control, somewhat dangerous if you aren't familiar with them (or even if you are), noisy, messy, really a tool for shaping/removing metal or clean up before/after welding.
A good air palm sander like http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVB3OO/?tag=atomicindus08-20 with some 36/40 grit to start is what I would recommend.
Then 80 grit and some good epoxy primer like spi, then whatever grit recommended for the paint you choose. (I just 220'd it, good enough for a tool box)
My local body/paint supplier made me up some single stage red that looks to be a dead match for snap on red when I did my kr660b and cost a little less than anything from his books.
Won't ever paint a tool box again though. I figured a couple of days of laid back working at it and $50 or so and I'd be set. Ho ho ho, not so.
Ended up being 5 or 6 days of hard work and more like $200 in material, tool boxes have a lot more surface area than I would have guessed.
Edit: Had to do some metal straightening and body work so that took up a day or two of the 5 or 6.
But I'm guessing you don't have air?
Have you tried using 36/40 grit on your da?
Otherwise maybe the chemical stripper mentioned earlier, some hassle involved there, but think you would have better luck than taking a grinder to it.
Relatively hard to control, somewhat dangerous if you aren't familiar with them (or even if you are), noisy, messy, really a tool for shaping/removing metal or clean up before/after welding.
A good air palm sander like http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVB3OO/?tag=atomicindus08-20 with some 36/40 grit to start is what I would recommend.
Then 80 grit and some good epoxy primer like spi, then whatever grit recommended for the paint you choose. (I just 220'd it, good enough for a tool box)
My local body/paint supplier made me up some single stage red that looks to be a dead match for snap on red when I did my kr660b and cost a little less than anything from his books.
Won't ever paint a tool box again though. I figured a couple of days of laid back working at it and $50 or so and I'd be set. Ho ho ho, not so.
Ended up being 5 or 6 days of hard work and more like $200 in material, tool boxes have a lot more surface area than I would have guessed.
Edit: Had to do some metal straightening and body work so that took up a day or two of the 5 or 6.
But I'm guessing you don't have air?
Have you tried using 36/40 grit on your da?
Otherwise maybe the chemical stripper mentioned earlier, some hassle involved there, but think you would have better luck than taking a grinder to it.
Last edited:
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Bosch 1375A
finn
Well-known member
I bought a Metabo, but don't find it any better than my Bosch, Makita, or even the Milwaukee.
Bought the HF orange one while on vacation as a one time use tool, but I'm still using it five years later.
My next one, if I ever need one, will be a Bosch or Makita.
Bought the HF orange one while on vacation as a one time use tool, but I'm still using it five years later.
My next one, if I ever need one, will be a Bosch or Makita.
The Fein grinder feels cheap. The finish on the gearcase isn't very nice. Haven't used a Metabo, but they are loved.
The DeWalt DWE402 is a beast of a little 4.5, but the "barrel" (housing around rotor/stator) is kinda thick. Awesome grinder. Probably available at a local welding shop for less than HD or Amazon.
The Makitas are made well, but lack amperage on 4.5" models. 6-7.5 amps, whereas competitors are 10A+. I haven't really bogged mine down, but you do have to try to stop an angle grinder other than a 4 amp HF model.
Make sure you get something with a paddle switch. You don't have to maintain a Hulk grip on it to keep it running, but it is so much safer. A Makita GA5020 is an awesome tool, SJS (spring to disengage the output shaft on the motor when there's too much resistance) to protect the ring gear and pawl, and an electric brake. I'm buying one once I can justify it.
Milwaukee grinders are expensive for what you get. Not impressed.
The DeWalt DWE402 is a beast of a little 4.5, but the "barrel" (housing around rotor/stator) is kinda thick. Awesome grinder. Probably available at a local welding shop for less than HD or Amazon.
The Makitas are made well, but lack amperage on 4.5" models. 6-7.5 amps, whereas competitors are 10A+. I haven't really bogged mine down, but you do have to try to stop an angle grinder other than a 4 amp HF model.
Make sure you get something with a paddle switch. You don't have to maintain a Hulk grip on it to keep it running, but it is so much safer. A Makita GA5020 is an awesome tool, SJS (spring to disengage the output shaft on the motor when there's too much resistance) to protect the ring gear and pawl, and an electric brake. I'm buying one once I can justify it.
Milwaukee grinders are expensive for what you get. Not impressed.
Any idea who makes the current Ridgid grinder?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-8-Amp-4-1-2-in-Angle-Grinder-R1006/205495750
http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-8-Amp-4-1-2-in-Angle-Grinder-R1006/205495750
stihlntime
Well-known member
Metabo all the way! I have abused the heck out of mine and it just keeps on going. I also have a Milwaukee fish tail that does a great job. The third one I have is a mid 80's Craftsman Professional that has been a good tool. The fourth is a Dewalt and its been a little disappointing compared to the Metabo or Milwaukee. I also have my late fil old Makita from the early to mid 80's . You can never have too many. Keep cutting wheel on one,flap disc on one,wire wheel on one,grinding wheel on one, even if they are HF grinders. I hate taking the time switching from one type wheel to another, with a drawer full grab and go.
lakeroadster
Well-known member
Makita grinder. I use mine all the time, bought it in the mid 1990's, replaced the brushes about 5 years ago... it's flawless.
You'll only get deep scratches if you use the wrong grit sanding / stripping discs.
For paint removal I use Norton Non-Woven Depressed Center Rapid Strip Wheels.
For sanding I use Norton 20X Flap Discs.
I'd also recommend a knotted cup wire wheel and some grinding discs if you do any welding.
Attachments
Last edited:
Almost positive that I checked (2015) on them as soon as I found out Metabo made their last gen..... and they were Chinese. 97% sure.
md21722
Well-known member
What about one of those paint stripper wheels like this (first like I saw)
http://www.casa.com/p/3m-9099dcna-l...src=cse.google.FPS-15750&cvo_crid=60816572766
3M and others make them
The smaller ones I have are 2-3" and are rated for over 20,000 RPM (use on a die grinder).
The bigger sizes would turn slower and want more HP.
http://www.casa.com/p/3m-9099dcna-l...src=cse.google.FPS-15750&cvo_crid=60816572766
3M and others make them
The smaller ones I have are 2-3" and are rated for over 20,000 RPM (use on a die grinder).
The bigger sizes would turn slower and want more HP.
77Mini
Well-known member
Buy a Walter. I have one at home and use them at work. Really nice tool and stand up well.
Walter = Metabo
The more expensive German made Metabo, rather than their cheaper Chinese range. The vari-speed models make for a more versatile machine. Here in the UK this was much cheaper than the equivalent Fein or indeed some of the other rice powered vari-speed makes.
I like the quick release on these. Press the red top button as the machine powers down and the disk releases.
The Fein Monte linked is a steal if you don't need these features.
I like the quick release on these. Press the red top button as the machine powers down and the disk releases.
The Fein Monte linked is a steal if you don't need these features.
1badbird
Well-known member
If your only going to use if once or twice a year the HF will be fine, but they viberate alot. If you want one that will last get a metabo, they are powerful and smooth.