One of my winter projects is to replace the floors boards in my old Barracuda project car. I believe the tool I need to remove the old floor is a right angle grinder. I do not own one not have I ever used one. I am looking for recommendations on what might do the job. I do not have an air compressor so I am looking at an electrically powered tool. I assume these things will also cut, as well as, grind?
Angle Grinder Recommendation
- Thread starter Vic1964
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johno
Well-known member
I had a bosch for years worked well.
1969
Well-known member
A grinder will work, get a thin metal cutting blade and have at it. You can also use a jig saw with metal cutting blades, plasma machine and other tools. You actually need to get an air compressor to work with sheet metal and body work.
Kirbot
Well-known member
My brother's dewalt is pretty nice, but...
To be honest, my $20 one from HarborFreight has yet to let me down.
And I've really put it to the test with a big wire wheel on it.
To be honest, my $20 one from HarborFreight has yet to let me down.
And I've really put it to the test with a big wire wheel on it.
R-132 Fan
Well-known member
I have had good luck with my 4 1/2" Milwaukee grinder. I really like the way it has a paddle switch rather then a thumb switch. I have tendonitus in both thumbs and using a hand held grinder with the thumb switch get painful pretty quickly. The Milwaukee is easy to work with and has plenty of power for grinding.
GarageEnvy
Well-known member
I have Makita and it's been great despite quite a bit of abuse. The trigger switch would be nicer though. My father has several HF ones but I don't care for them. He did buy a little nicer one at HF that says "magnesium" on the side. It seems like a pretty decent unit.
VegasBruce
Well-known member
I used a HF grinder for years, then replaced it with a new HF. That one blew up right away. I replaced them with 3 Milwaukee's they are much nicer than the HF grinders.
Here is my last HF grinder.
When I did the floorboards on my K5, I used the angle grinder and Sawzall for the removal.
OK the important question, what year Barracuda? I have a '66 I'm working on.
Here is my last HF grinder.
When I did the floorboards on my K5, I used the angle grinder and Sawzall for the removal.
OK the important question, what year Barracuda? I have a '66 I'm working on.
oldgoaly
Well-known member
I have one USA made Bosch, one China made Bosch, china is half the grinder the USA one is. I had a horrible freight one for just surface prep discs, easy stuff, it damn near burned down my work shop, no more hf junk!
Zebu Fellenz
Well-known member
I have two Metabo 4 1/2" grinders, they are by far my favorite ones to use. I also have a DeWalt and a Hitachi, the DeWalt is almost always used with a knotted wire wheel and has held up pretty well for the past year I've had it, it does have more gear noise now than it did when it was new but it has seen some pretty heavy use. The Hitachi has a cup wheel on it and gets the least use but I've never had any issues with it.
I also bought a 4 1/2" Milwaukee with the paddle switch but it was unbalanced when I tried to use it and had pretty bad gear whine. I expected better from an almost $100 tool so I returned it and spent the few extra buck for the Metabo. To be fair though I do have a 9" Milwaukee angle grinder and it has never let me down on the heavy work.
IMO the Metabo is worth getting just for the quick change feature if you only plan on having one or two grinders.
Erik
I also bought a 4 1/2" Milwaukee with the paddle switch but it was unbalanced when I tried to use it and had pretty bad gear whine. I expected better from an almost $100 tool so I returned it and spent the few extra buck for the Metabo. To be fair though I do have a 9" Milwaukee angle grinder and it has never let me down on the heavy work.
IMO the Metabo is worth getting just for the quick change feature if you only plan on having one or two grinders.
Erik
asp
Well-known member
go to heleta.com to get good deals on abbrasives. Cheaper than anywhere else and they work well.
Umm.. the HF's are OK, you don't pay much so you don't expect much. No flaming, I've owned several, put them through thier paces and ****-canned several after they burned out. The problem I find with the HF chicom models is that the body is bulky, has a click switch and it's a little hard to hold onto the klunky body.
I would visit the HF, Lowes, Home Depot and Sears. It's best to hold them in your hands and see which ones feel comfortable. When this thing fires up it gets spinning awfully fast and you'll want one you can get a good grip on. I have two (one HF) and my other one is the Black & Decker model. It has a nice handle at the base of the motor that feels proper to me.
Oh... get yourself some mechanics gloves AND a full face shield AND wear them when using this thing!
I would visit the HF, Lowes, Home Depot and Sears. It's best to hold them in your hands and see which ones feel comfortable. When this thing fires up it gets spinning awfully fast and you'll want one you can get a good grip on. I have two (one HF) and my other one is the Black & Decker model. It has a nice handle at the base of the motor that feels proper to me.
Oh... get yourself some mechanics gloves AND a full face shield AND wear them when using this thing!
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asp
Well-known member
I have that exact black and decker. It's put up to quite a bit of abuse for a Wally World tool. The wires cracked going into the body of it so I shortened the cord, put it back together and it should be good for another 2+ yrs.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Ditto, had mine about 5 years & ended up with a 2nd one for free because I bought some other Dewalt tool a while later.
gmwelder86
Well-known member
I have dewalt, makita, Milwaukee, and HF. Hf you get alot of vibrations and not much power. Makita and Milwaukee are about the same with it comes down to it I think the makita is a nicer tool. Dewalt is a nice grinder for the price, although I like the guard on the Milwaukee the best as it is the easest to move while using the tool, I think the Dewalt is the best all around grinder.
Vinko
Well-known member
I've got the Metabo and love it. (I've got one that I just repaired, and an old, heavy as hell Souix pneumatic). Guy who works for me who is 10 times better than me has the Makita. But he likes to use the Metabo. I've got the 4.5, but Monte might be right about 5". Either way, the tool is so damn nice, and for extended periods of time, really helps with operator fatigue.
v7guy
Well-known member
I have a dewalt 4.5 and it's seemed to do the job.
i've done a few exhaust jobs where I was removing the tubing and some general grinding and cutting. It's noisy.
I also have a 7" Makita that is still going strong after grinding 300sq ft of concrete. It really got the job done and you have to be respectful.
i've done a few exhaust jobs where I was removing the tubing and some general grinding and cutting. It's noisy.
I also have a 7" Makita that is still going strong after grinding 300sq ft of concrete. It really got the job done and you have to be respectful.
78Bird
Well-known member
#1 Plan on upgrading to a good compressor, that opens up the user of a lot of nice tools for auto work...
BUT
I have a 10A Dewalt that's been soldiering on for many years. Paddle switch so it's comfortable to use in multiple poitions, plenty of grunt, still going strong.
Get some quality cutting blades and it'll go through sheet metal like butter.
BUT
I have a 10A Dewalt that's been soldiering on for many years. Paddle switch so it's comfortable to use in multiple poitions, plenty of grunt, still going strong.
Get some quality cutting blades and it'll go through sheet metal like butter.
Add to the Mix: I've got a 5 year old Craftsman Professional, the thing is a beast. I regularly cut 1/4 steel with no problems.
My advice: Get TWO. One monster for cutting heavier stuff like 1/4 steel and another smaller lightweight one for finer jobs.
Cutting sheet metal and detail cutting with the big heavy grinder is difficult.
My advice: Get TWO. One monster for cutting heavier stuff like 1/4 steel and another smaller lightweight one for finer jobs.
Cutting sheet metal and detail cutting with the big heavy grinder is difficult.
kc-steve
Well-known member
I didn't see anyone mention the fact that you will be "stuck" with a particular type of, and more expensive style of attachments if you purchase some of the recommended grinders.
To me THAT is VERY IMPORTANT!
For example, the DeWalts, Metabos, and Makitas require an attachment that has a screw built into the attachment and that makes them more expensive to replace. I've gone through flap disk attachments like regular sandpaper and cost at least $4 each for decent quality. The others (DeWalt attachments) would be more expensive I'm sure.
On the other hand, the Milwaukees, Harbor Freights, and Skils among others only require an attachment with a 7/8" hole to fit on an arbor with a separate screw to tighten. Logically, those attachments are much cheaper to replace.
But once you buy one brand then you are stuck with that type because surely you will want to only have one type of attachment around.
Personally, I like Milwaukee, HF and SKil and have all three. The Bosch has some interesting safety features though. If you've never used a grinder before then safety might be more important. Just my opinion.
Steve
To me THAT is VERY IMPORTANT!
For example, the DeWalts, Metabos, and Makitas require an attachment that has a screw built into the attachment and that makes them more expensive to replace. I've gone through flap disk attachments like regular sandpaper and cost at least $4 each for decent quality. The others (DeWalt attachments) would be more expensive I'm sure.
On the other hand, the Milwaukees, Harbor Freights, and Skils among others only require an attachment with a 7/8" hole to fit on an arbor with a separate screw to tighten. Logically, those attachments are much cheaper to replace.
But once you buy one brand then you are stuck with that type because surely you will want to only have one type of attachment around.
Personally, I like Milwaukee, HF and SKil and have all three. The Bosch has some interesting safety features though. If you've never used a grinder before then safety might be more important. Just my opinion.
Steve
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Zebu Fellenz
Well-known member
Maybe you're right on specific models. But we have a 4 1/2" DeWalt and it uses the same grinding wheels as every other 4 1/2" grinder we have. Sure you could use a threaded wheel on it, but there's no reason you have to.
Erik
woody 73
Well-known member
I have an old sears model and it is what you would call a (pos),sorry for the bad language. That thing eats up brushes and if I don't grease it every other day it would die a horrible death.
MOPARINMYCAR
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2010
- Messages
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One tip I would give you is when you do finnally get the grinder dont get tempted into taking the guard off as you will end up having a accident in no time if like you say have never used one before. And I have a Bosch that has served me very well that gets a good workout every week
Thanks for all the suggestions. Although several different manufacturers were mentioned it seems like most have the 4-1/2" models. I will have to run over to Lowe's to look at a few of them.
It also sounds like a wide variety of blades are available so I will have to check that out too.
And yes I know I need a compressor!
Here's a picture of the car. It is a 1964. I also write a blog about the car which can be viewed at: http://moparmotorhead.blogspot.com/
It also sounds like a wide variety of blades are available so I will have to check that out too.
And yes I know I need a compressor!
Here's a picture of the car. It is a 1964. I also write a blog about the car which can be viewed at: http://moparmotorhead.blogspot.com/
Attachments
kc-steve
Well-known member
Yup, to add to Mopar's tip, don't EVER lay a grinder down with the cutting blade hitting the ground, or drop a cutting blade on the ground and then use it. Those blades will shatter on ya at 10,000 rpm and make some nasty gouges in your skin or eyes in the worst possible scenario. Even in normal use, a cutting blade can get caught between metal pieces and shatter as well. Angle grinders are very scary tools if you don't know how to use them.
Always use eye protection, leather gloves, and a protective body garment over your normal clothes. And watch out for fires.
Steve
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84scrambler
Well-known member
I have been using a 4.5" makita for about 8 years now. It has seen some pretty good use and abuse and has held up well. I ended up buying a spare one a few years ago just in case my original quit on me but finally gave up on the wait a few months ago and opened it up and started using it in parallel (less time spent switching between cutter, wire wheels, and flapper discs). Recently I have noticed the button lock starting to wear out making it harder and harder to hold to remove what ever is attached on there. I would also recommend getting one with a trigger on the bottom, a lot nicer then the slide button on top. I picked up a 2 pack and split with a buddy of mine from Home depot on sale for about $70.
Also be careful using cut off wheels, don't buy the cheap harbor freight one, get dewalt wheels or equivalent because when those let loose they can hurt you really bad. On that note if you will be using a cut off wheel its a good idea to have a full face shield on top of your safety glasses for that very reason. You can google abrasive wheel accidents and take a look at a few pictures that show up to give you an idea of the damage these can deal.
Also be careful using cut off wheels, don't buy the cheap harbor freight one, get dewalt wheels or equivalent because when those let loose they can hurt you really bad. On that note if you will be using a cut off wheel its a good idea to have a full face shield on top of your safety glasses for that very reason. You can google abrasive wheel accidents and take a look at a few pictures that show up to give you an idea of the damage these can deal.
For the people who are concerned about safety when they use a angle grinder i can recommend this Fein grinder with (4) dead man switches, auto stop, EBS (Electric brake system) soft start, constant electronic, toolless adjustable guard, toolless disc exchange etc.
kc-steve
Well-known member
Bosch uses those safety features as well (mentioned in my post above), HOWEVER, I think the shatter problem is caused more often by using poor quality blades, blade abuse, and sometimes just not knowing how to use a grinder properly. In fact, I think many grinders use most of those safety features, but it is no reason to not wear eye protection, leather gloves, and protective body garments.
Steve
Kirbot
Well-known member
Agreed
My brother took the guard off of his, and it scared the **** out of me every time I used it.
VegasBruce
Well-known member
Vinko
Well-known member
Steve,
I haven't found this to be true with either of the Metabo's I've got. Maybe you can be more specific.
If you mean a quick change disc, the Metabos I use don't require them. Quick change discs in general are more expensive than the hook and loop or the standard type. Accessories (locking nut) that come with the grinder are so well made, I don't see ever having to replace them, even with heavy use.
I do like their accessories, however. Their backing pads are really nice. And inexpensive via amazon.
As for costs of abrasives in general, I use 3m mostly, and it's good quality. I think it's cheaper in the long run than sub-standard abrasives. Also makes the job more tolerable.
sberry
Banned
I have used most of the grinders out there, have owned a lot of them. For giggles I bought a couple of the Wallyworld at 30$ a piece. Way above the HF things and I am going to run one to see how long before it blows up, so far so good, very good power and if they all are like this I am about done buying more expensive grinders.
Attachments
Do you have a example ??
The only special system i know is from Fein with their "Quick-In" feature were you can´t attach threaded wire brushes or threaded flap wheels etc.
All other 4.5" and 5" angle grinders i ever saw have a M14 spindle (in Europe etc.) or 5/8" (USA etc.) spindle so any threaded tool or any tool with hole (22.2mm/ 7/8") can be attached.
The only other special system next to Fein i know of is the Bosch SDS-Pro system which is discontinued afaik, there was only one angle grinder available for that system which used cutting/grinding discs which looks like this
This was the matching grinder: http://www-4.toolbox.co.uk/bosch-gws144v2-144v-mini-grinder-100839M.jpg
here a pic where you see how the disc is attached
http://www.newlands.net.nz/cms/comp...ge/product/GWS14.4V_Bosch_C_489bb7101e7b9.jpg
kc-steve
Well-known member
Sorry, I don't have any examples because I don't use them. I first came to this conclusion when I tried to buy a simple cutting wheel with just a hole for an arbor at Home Depot and they had no such thing. All they had on their shelves at my local HD were disks that were threaded for DeWalts.
So if I am mistaken I am sorry, but it seems to me that ANY ATTACHMENT should be pretty much universal AND CHEAPER than something that is specially made for a specific brand. Proprietary products ARE ALWAYS more expensive than the same quality universal product.
The universal type is what I CURRENTLY use for Milwaukee, HF, and Skil angle grinders. And they are made by a large number of quality manufacturers, but I can't say that 3m makes them because I don't use 3m either.
Steve
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Zebu Fellenz
Well-known member
The only threaded attachments I use are the DeWalt knotted wire wheels and they work just fine on all the grinders I have or have had in the past. The DeWalt grinder I have will also use the standard non-threaded griding wheels that can be used on most any other 4 1/2" grinder.
AFAIK there is no difference between the Milwaukee 4 1/2" and the same size grinder from Metabo, DeWalt, or Bosch. I have used all of these grinders and have never noticed anything that was proprietary or wouldn't fit from one to the next.
rjohnson
Well-known member
DeWalt or Milwaukee
Sloper0204
Well-known member
*sigh*
I've used quite a few industrial grinders, from old Black & Decker to Dewalt to Bosch, to Makita, etc from 4.5" up to the biggest B&D Wildcat they used to make. Have used all of them with grinding disks, cutoff wheels, wire wheels, wire cups, custom designed and manufactured refacing tools, mixing sticks, etc.
When a person knows what model to buy (not the ones that Home Despot or Blows sells) they are all compatible and interchangable. We weren't about to stock different grinder disks just because we had a couple of each manufacturer.
Most of the disks that screw onto the mandrel will fit any angle grinder that uses a jam nut to hold the disk on. And most any jam nut will thread onto just about any grinder. When going to purchase a grinder, just look at the mandrel. If its threaded and comes with a jam nut, you can use any disk currently on the market for that size of grinder.
Prime example; the Dewalt I bought 5 years ago came with the jam nut and the wrench to take it on and off (not like you need it if you know what you are doing), but it just sits in the drawer along with the wrenches and mandrels for the die grinders since I'm still burning up the old stock of wheels we bought before the company was sold off.
Edit: To the OP; I much prefer the slimmer body grinders with the toggle switch that you have to hold with your fingers, such as this Dewalt model (clicky). The thumb switch ones that lock on aren't bad if you're used to using angle grinders and are comfortable around them. I rarely use mine with the handle on it, as there is more then enough room for both hands on the body and I can get more control that way. Bigger then a 5" wheel is when it comes time for either the loop handle or side handle, as they can get away from you FAST. Have many a pair of Carhartts with shredded up double knees from those big Wildcats with a cupbrush getting away from me.
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