Jswain
Well-known member
I think the grinders are known to be if not the worst then very close to the worst on battery run time
angle grinder
- Thread starter billconner
- Start date
Dunno.
I built a whole exhaust for a truck a month ago, roughly 20hrs of work with 3 batteries. Lots of cutting and grinding the aluminum coating and some rust (used old 4" tubing for part of it.)
Probably 5-6 hours of grinder use altogether.
Possible other flavors work better, I'm satisfied with that though. Actually bought 2 more so I don't need to change wheels as often. 1 for grinder wheel, 1 for cut off, and 1 for flap disc.
Jswain
Well-known member
3 batteries rotated out steadily or 3 battery charges?
some guy on youtube has a tear down video of several brands in 4 1/2. as expected the HF is junk cheap components. seems like the milwaukee wasnt bad. chinese mitabo is ****. german metabo had the best qaulity components in it. and not long ago they were on sale for $99 which is a steal for what your getting. i picked one up
scooby074
Well-known member
4 spread across 5(?) tools. 2- 5ah xc5 and im not sure what the other 2 are. Maybe 4ah? Just the standard ones that come in sets.
Horses for courses. Heavy grinding for a long time and Ill pull out my Makita 9005 orGA9031 9". The cordless gets 99% of fab work done. 1-XC5 lasts long enough for the second to get charged. Ive worked in heavy fab shops and while there is still a place for corded, cordless is taking over, especially things like deburring cut pieces
scooby074
Well-known member
I dont think a lot of posters on here understand just how much power is in a modern name brand battery like Milwaulkees or Makita or DW. Or theyre compairing them to the old NiCads or off brands like Harbor Freight.
I’ve owned multiple corded models and they’ve all been just fine for my limited use. I had a Japanese hitachi that I could not kill I did just buy a Makita cordless because I used one on site that someone else has and for construction they’re just so much better. Modern worksites are heavy on cordless tools. I do have around six batteries but they last a long time for what I use it for. I do have a Japanese manual rebar cutter/ bender for smaller jobs. Big jobs I order it all prebent and cut
Cordless for the win in my book
Cordless for the win in my book
Shop-hound
Well-known member
I find myself reaching for my cordless/brushless 20V max Dewalt grinder the most for quick jobs and cleanup as it’s easier to fire up, walk across the shop without dragging a cord etc. But my corded Makita variable speed comes out for any serious fab as it’s got more power and though batteries have come a long way, I still burn through all 4 of my 5 ah batteries on the cordless critter by lunch if it’s a heavy cutting and prep for a job. - this is steel fabrication (I believe the varied responses may have to do with the heaviness of use/application)
If you’re doing stone work and have a decent compressor you could look at an air powered grinder. This way you can water cool the cut at the blade (run hose, pump etc) and not have to worry about GFCI, electrocution etc.
If you’re doing stone work and have a decent compressor you could look at an air powered grinder. This way you can water cool the cut at the blade (run hose, pump etc) and not have to worry about GFCI, electrocution etc.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
With respect to how many M18 batteries do I have the answer at last count was at least 50.
rlitman
Well-known member
My smallest die grinders have no paddle safety, but I wouldn't count those, even though they scare the **** out of me sometimes.
Anyway, I've more than once picked up a paddle and had it turn on. The safety toggles on some are less springy and less catchy, so just a gentle touch can engage them. But the super springy safeties are also super annoying, so it's a tradeoff.
My IR turbine grinder has a paddle, like most pneumatic grinders, but it also spins down WAY faster than anything electric I own. Its paddle is also machined steel with a machined steel flipper, so the safety operates as smooth as a Swiss watch. Every other corded grinder I own will finish doing it's damage long before it spins down.
As for a dead man's switch, I've got a "tip start" Fein with the four touch pads. You must press one front and one rear pad for it to start, so it cannot be started by just picking it up, and once started you just hold any pad in to keep it running. It's a perfect dead man's switch design, but I feel that the motor and wheel's momentum eat up any safety benefit you'd get out of it. At least your grip isn't restricted to holding a paddle down and you can grip it in any way you want, because one pad is always within reach.
Prospecter
Well-known member
I've had HF Drillmaster, Hercules, Hitachi (Metabo now), and Bosch. 2-3 of each. All corded. I consider myself a pretty casual user. Burned out or broke the Drill Master and all but 1 Hercules. The Hitachi and Bosch run much more smoothly and no issues. I assume probably about the same for others. I've been buying whatever is inexpensive and refurbished at CPO. Cost is pretty much the same as Hercules at HF if you get the free shipping for spending more than $100. Never a problem for me. I do keep 4-5 on hand with various cutting and grinding wheels, flap wheels, and wire brushes.
Dakotadadv8
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 30, 2021
- Messages
- 1,482
OP Makita angle grinder 7.5 amps, 4- 1/2 inch at Home Depot for $89. Great tool buy quality blades combined with this tool wondered how you got along without it. Completed many projects over the last 20 years.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
I'd get a Makita grinder. Not too expensive, but tough.
I've used a lot of the HF grinders. They're gutless, vibrate a ton, and don't last long at all.
I personally have a Bosch and a DeWalt. The DeWalt is a 5" corded brushless variable speed unit (yes, corded and brushless). It's absolutely ridiculously powerful, but way overkill and costs over $200. The power switches on the Bosch grinders are infuriating, and will drive you mad.
I really like my buddy's Makita grinders. They've been abused and still keep on working. Good ergonomics, and good switch.
I've used a lot of the HF grinders. They're gutless, vibrate a ton, and don't last long at all.
I personally have a Bosch and a DeWalt. The DeWalt is a 5" corded brushless variable speed unit (yes, corded and brushless). It's absolutely ridiculously powerful, but way overkill and costs over $200. The power switches on the Bosch grinders are infuriating, and will drive you mad.
I really like my buddy's Makita grinders. They've been abused and still keep on working. Good ergonomics, and good switch.
redragoon
Well-known member
I have 3 grinders setup for different uses.
$60 Metabo that I keep with my mechanics tools and for taking as this is the only one with a case.
$40 Porter Cable rat tail with a flap wheel. I like the trigger on this for more careful work.
$10 on sale HF. This is the garbage I use to cut rusty metal for forging. Also will be used if I ever need to cut stone/brick.
Eventually I'll get an M18 just to have a cordless one, but these meet all my current needs.
$60 Metabo that I keep with my mechanics tools and for taking as this is the only one with a case.
$40 Porter Cable rat tail with a flap wheel. I like the trigger on this for more careful work.
$10 on sale HF. This is the garbage I use to cut rusty metal for forging. Also will be used if I ever need to cut stone/brick.
Eventually I'll get an M18 just to have a cordless one, but these meet all my current needs.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Just a point of order. Metabo HPT (Hikoki in the rest of the world) DOES NOT EQUAL Metabo especially with respect to grinders. One is a cheap Lowes brand and the other a top of the line industrial grinder.
Anyone actually reading the text these days?
Dude is waffling on HF or likely the next cheapest grinder available (or chewing through it with his teeth)
Does not care about battery run times or top of the line grinders
Jswain
Well-known member
Anyone actually reading the text these days?
Dude is waffling on HF or likely the next cheapest grinder available (or chewing through it with his teeth)
Does not care about battery run times or top of the line grinders
Pretty typical for here.
OP posts he needs something for a few small jobs, doesn't need a lifelong tool.
GJ reads "OP is going to be a career welder, I should suggest the most expensive angle grinder known to man, only to be somewhat decent if he spends even more hundreds of dollars on expensive batteries, once he gets the grinder and complains about battery runtime I'll **** him in for a hypertherm & 80gallon compressor...I'm sure he'll need those too" LOL
marak
Well-known member
Metabo (made in Germany) is not on the same playing field as Hitachi HPT (POS). Metabo makes fantastic grinders, at a price, and they are a pleasure to use. Don't think that Hitachi is even remotely the same quality as Metabo.
I also like my Makita, Bosch, and 6 or so Harbor Freight. Out of 15 or so grinders, I prefer the Metabo 1st, then Makita. The HF at $15 ea means you can buy one for each type of abrasive, which is very handy.
P.S. You do NOT need to be a pro to need something bigger than a 4.5". This comment makes no sense. The Black & Decker Wild Cat is a nice beast and I have used it many times every year for 20+ years. My Makita 6-in variable speed is also used a ton. I am no professional, but not a typical DIY either.
OP
billconner
Well-known member
Thanks but I'm probably guilty of thread drift as well. The folks who wear out HF grinders but their others keep going - wear out in days, weeks, months...? And cutting block - do you really want to expose an expensive corded tool to that much fine dust or sacrifice a cheapy?Anyone actually reading the text these days?
Dude is waffling on HF or likely the next cheapest grinder available (or chewing through it with his teeth)
Does not care about battery run times or top of the line grinders
OP
billconner
Well-known member
Let's face it - we all love to spend other people's money.
That's good to know but as a casual user I literally didn't care then and don't care now.
I'm probably a little bit like the OP. A decent grinder that doesn't irritate me to use is fine thanks.
And no it's not a POS.
marak
Well-known member
I am glad that you have had good luck with your Hitachi HPT products. Maybe I got a dud, who knows. I have had 2 batteries fail on an Hitachi HPT within 9 months of very very mild use. I have not had a HF (corded) fail since I bought my first one over 20 years ago. I'm not a brand name snob. That ranks as a POS in my book, price being a consideration.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
Apples and oranges, man. Hitachi is trying to take advantage of the name and reputation Metabo built making the industry standard of grinders for years and slapping the name on the cheap grinders you buy at the box store. It kinda reeks of slimy sales tactics, almost a bait and switch.
While HPT stuff isn't bottom of the barrel, it certainly is NOT the same as the German made Metabo stuff they so desperately want you to think it is.
While it may not be a POS to you, it certainly feels like one when you're used to using industrial grade grinders. At least DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee and other box store brands are not trying to misrepresent what they are.
My Hitachabo is corded. It's not really fair to compare a battery product to a corded product.
I never heard of Metabo when I bought it. I just needed a grinder. I'm not aware of any misrepresentation.
I actually thought Metabo was generic. It was just a grinder in a box on a shelf with a case at a price I was willing to pay.
It's really not that complicated.
Yankeefarmer
Well-known member
I haven’t worn one out yet. One of mine the casting broke where the side handle is attached, and the bearings sound rough, causing a little vibration. It still gets the job done, but it’s likely on borrowed time. This is the first one I bought. The only other problem I have had is that cord failure I mentioned in my earlier post, which I fixed by shortening the cord. Based on my experience, you can probably get the jobs you want to do, done with one. Try one, you’re only risking $15-$20.
OP
billconner
Well-known member
That was my conclusion. But HF near me sold out of the $30 one I wanted, and sold out both cement mixers they received this morning. Striking out.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Valid points but carpel tunnel is forever and the vibration of the cheapest HF grinders and cheap *** accessories (Warrior) are legendarily bad.
rlitman
Well-known member
I wonder how much of that vibration is the grinder, and how much are the cheap abrasives.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
The fact you thought it was generic is why the Metabo I.P. is so valuable. Pass me the Kleenex?
Jswain
Well-known member
Most of it. If the grinder vibrates return it. No problem running my cheapies all day with decent abrasives and no vibrations
dr_clyde
Well-known member
OP has plenty of answers to make a decision. Deep dives into minutiae make threads interesting. OP may not need or want anything more than a HF grinder, but other people read these threads and may get some information out of it.
Forums aren't strictly for answering questions. It's a discussion about ideas and concepts as well, and it being a public board makes it so when you're responding to a thread, you are responding to more than the OP, you're responding to all future readers who may have an interest in the post topic.
the price difference is a dead give away. but also the good ones say germany on the housing.
OP
billconner
Well-known member
And who would of thought this simple question would get nearly 80 posts in a day and a half.
NWOhioChevyGuy
Well-known member
I have bought two from HF, one is still going strong. The other died after 3rd or 4th use.
It is a crapshoot on them.
It is a crapshoot on them.
engineer2
Well-known member
For homeowner use, a corded mid-priced model, maybe $70-$99 will work. All the big companies make them in that price range.
For $130 (on sale) will get you a Makita GA5010Z that should last a lifetime.
IMHO trigger or paddle switches are easier to control than a slide switch.
Find one that is comfortable in your hands. Some of the cheap ones have fat barrels that get uncomfortable.
This being GJ, I'm surprised no one recommended the Snap On CTGR8855K1 or a NEMO AG-22V-6LI-50-V2
For $130 (on sale) will get you a Makita GA5010Z that should last a lifetime.
IMHO trigger or paddle switches are easier to control than a slide switch.
Find one that is comfortable in your hands. Some of the cheap ones have fat barrels that get uncomfortable.
This being GJ, I'm surprised no one recommended the Snap On CTGR8855K1 or a NEMO AG-22V-6LI-50-V2
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