Another angle grinder thread

[alan camby]

Who makes the best angle grinder.....just kidding

I have always had a bunch of cheaper (mainly Hitachi) 4-1/2" angle grinders and was going to buy a new quality grinder (probably Fein) just for metal cutting cut-off wheels.
Using a 4-1/2" angle grinder with a wire wheel can be a handful but I feel that I have always had good control over a cut-off wheel on this size grinder. So, I was thinking of going slightly larger and getting a 5" grinder or possibly a 6".
Obviously there are times a larger grinder will not fit in a area and some times I will need a worn down 4-1/2" wheel.

What do you guy think of 5" and 6" grinders? Are you able to have good control over it, or is 6" just getting to big? Not trying to brag but I can cut a almost perfectly straight line in metal and want to maintain control if I go larger. I think a 5" should be fine but for some reason the 6" has me worried about control. Really like some advice from someone who uses compact size 5 and 6" grinder.

I would like to get a compact size unit and prefer a lock on slide switch style.
Really getting tired of bogging down my 6 amp Hitachi grinder so want some more power.

 

[alan camby]

I am considering one of these.

5"
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PX0VUMY/?tag=atomicindus08-20


6"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FEIN-WSG-15...186?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf0b4df12

 

[Kirbot]

Big grinders work fantastic with wire brushes.
I have a big old 7" Skil that I use 4.5" knotted brushes on.

It's too unwieldy to use with cutting or grinding wheels unless I have a good reason to though.
A 5" or 6" might be a good compromise. Power wise the 7" does certainly make the 4.5" feel like a toy.

 

[madcrisis]

I have a 6" metabo that is the only thing I put cut off wheels on. They last SO much longer than the 4.5" and eat through metai. For wire wheels and grinding I prefer the 4.5". There is a significant difference but it is no where near unwiedly. If you know how to use a grinder youll be fine. I think the difference comes in at the 7-9" versions that dont look like a bigger version of the 4.5"

I have no experience with fein grinders so I cannot comment on your choices. If your open to other choices I cannot reccomend a made in germany metabo enough! The best grinder ive ever used. (sidenote I do not have that much experience with other brands of that size but ive used a few and the metabo outshines them all)

 

[tarbellb]

Alan, I actually have two of the grinders your talking about. Both the 6amp Hitachi which I think we have both chimed in on saying its a great little grinder and the 5" Fein that was on sale last year (through Rockler?).

IMO, I dont think the German made Fein is all that great. I have 4 on steady rotation and while it is a nicer grinder then my Hitachi, I wouldnt pay the full price for it.

Going from a 4.5" grinder to the 5" is hardly noticeable personally, but everything is going to have a bigger body then the Hitachi.

If I were you I would buy the higher amp 5" or 6" Metabo.

 

[anurag1990]

For college project, I used Bosch 4-1/2 " angle grinder alot. Performed really good. Also while I was in construction field, the only grinders I saw were majority Bosch, both small and big 7" versions, and rarely some Hitachi.
When I personally used smaller Bosch, I liked the fact the switch was a Thumb position. I did check Dewalt one, it was slightly expensive, had on-off switch at tail end, I didnt think thats a suitable position for me.

I think some part of performance lies in good quality cutting discs and grinding wheels too. Hitachi and Bosch discs are good.

 

[alan camby]

I have a 6" metabo that is the only thing I put cut off wheels on. They last SO much longer than the 4.5" and eat through metai. For wire wheels and grinding I prefer the 4.5". There is a significant difference but it is no where near unwiedly. If you know how to use a grinder youll be fine. I think the difference comes in at the 7-9" versions that dont look like a bigger version of the 4.5"

I have no experience with fein grinders so I cannot comment on your choices. If your open to other choices I cannot reccomend a made in germany metabo enough! The best grinder ive ever used. (sidenote I do not have that much experience with other brands of that size but ive used a few and the metabo outshines them all)

I m not apposed to a Metabo. I can't find a 6" for less than the low $200 range. What model # do you have?

Metabo seems to have good feedback on this forum and the Amazon reviews. I guess everything gets a bad review from time to time but Metabo seems to be a difficult company to get customer service from, Judging from the few bad reviews on Amazon. Some claim on there that the motors don't last as long as a Dewalt or other cheap China built grinder. Other reviews indicate that they are not as good as they used to be. You know, back in the good old days.

I can't find many reviews on Fein. I really would like to find something other than a Chinese made grinder if I buy the more expensive 6" class grinders.

 

[alan camby]

The Fein came in today Feinly. It looks like a Fein grinder.

I like the 13ft cord and the power switch feels very nice. I feel no backlash in the gearbox, which is not the case for the Hitachi grinders. Really like the simplicity of the design.

The box has at least 3 references to made in Germany. The tool also has a made in Germany sticker. In the 6" grinder class you are going to pay over $100 for any of the name brands. Figured The price was right on with the other name brands that are made in China. The Metabo might be a better grinder but it is also more expensive.
Here is where he came from.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ICNQ0S8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The Grinder I louder than I expected. Much more so than the Hitachi's. It is more of a electrical sound than all the mechanical sounds of the Hitachi's.

The 9.5" long wrench is kind of silly. I think it will have to much leverage. It will be good if a wheel gets stuck. Wish they would have drilled a lanyard hole, that is easy to fix though.

Overall I am very happy with it. Only time will tell. I will try to post back after I get a few months of use out of it.

https://scontent-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11130257_664739080324687_286623466765346778_n.jpg?oh=eba3f21d2326e3da4afff5ffb3391254&oe=559B8DBA

https://scontent-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11079351_664739103658018_1675514578835660924_n.jpg?oh=f5191826d70f565c64203190c73fcbc7&oe=55A8D1B3

https://scontent-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/11102651_664739190324676_8737323672522150152_n.jpg?oh=31056613c8a21b90a6e3b78a2035d2aa&oe=55A78AC8

 

[tarbellb]

Huh, thats a different body then the Fein I have? Looks less ergo but smaller.... which might be more ergo:] My Fein has noticeable noise, but mine seems like gears?

Lastly, why are you still using a wrench to put your wheels on?

Hand tighten man, so much quicker. (never had wheel loosen issue).

 

[Monte]

Good choice

 

[alan camby]

Huh, thats a different body then the Fein I have? Looks less ergo but smaller.... which might be more ergo:] My Fein has noticeable noise, but mine seems like gears?

Lastly, why are you still using a wrench to put your wheels on?

Hand tighten man, so much quicker. (never had wheel loosen issue).

Does your Fein have the touch pads that keep it running?

I only use the spanner wrench to snug them and most of the time I remove the wheel with a pair of gloves on.

I have found in time that I am not a fan of the 5/8-11 threaded wheels. I prefer wheels with the 7/8" hole that utilize the flanges. I always installed the 5/8-11 wheels by hand due to a lack of wrench spanner holes. Never had a wrench thin enough to grab the hex on the top of the wheel. I have had to grab the wheel in a vise more than once to get a threaded wheel off.

I do think the spanner that came with this Fein is borderline comical. It measures right at 9.5" long and is .175" thick. I have never needed more than the shorter Hitachi wrench, seen in picture with lanyard hole, to remove a wheel. Of course my other grinders are 4.5". So maybe the longer Fein wrench will come in handy some day with a 6" grinder.

 

[alan camby]

Anyone know how long the cord is on a Metabo?
I really like the 13ft cord on the Fein. When working at my welding table I will no longer need a extension cord.

If this Fein works out I might get a new 4.5" grinder later in the year and will consider Metabo and Fein. I know the cord could be changed out but was just wondering if the Metabo has the extra long cord.

I don't remember ever seeing a factory long cord on the popular box store brands.

 

[tarbellb]

I only use the spanner wrench to snug them and most of the time I remove the wheel with a pair of gloves on.

Think about that Alan, if you can loosen the wheel by hand after it can only get tighter (by virtue of the spinning forces), then why would you still use a spanner to tighten?

And no, I think I have the older German made models that they clearance'd out before moving to the touchpad design.

Nice long cords for sure.

 

[neophyte]

Anyone know how long the cord is on a Metabo?
I really like the 13ft cord on the Fein. When working at my welding table I will no longer need a extension cord.

If this Fein works out I might get a new 4.5" grinder later in the year and will consider Metabo and Fein. I know the cord could be changed out but was just wondering if the Metabo has the extra long cord.

I don't remember ever seeing a factory long cord on the popular box store brands.

I'm not sure about the cord length on the grinders. Some other Metabo cords are 9' .

 

[rlitman]

And no, I think I have the older German made models that they clearance'd out before moving to the touchpad design

Fein didn't switch. They make both, just like other companies make paddle, top and side switch grinders.

 

[alan camby]

Fein didn't switch. They make both, just like other companies make paddle, top and side switch grinders.

I only asked because he said his looked different. Those touch pad, think they call it tip start, definitely looks different.

I wonder how the tip Start would work with gloves?

I am a slide switch guy myself.

 

[wniemann]

He was probably referring to this style. Side switch, non tip start, clearanced out model from CPO.

I love mine, have mostly 5" ones and one 4 1/2". I need to get a 6" for the cut-off wheel though. Right or wrong (ok, really wrong, I know), I took the guard off a 5" and run 6" wheels on it.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk90q

 

[MagnumForce]

6 inch metabo... thank me later

 

[Monte]

Anyone know how long the cord is on a Metabo?
I really like the 13ft cord on the Fein. When working at my welding table I will no longer need a extension cord.

If this Fein works out I might get a new 4.5" grinder later in the year and will consider Metabo and Fein. I know the cord could be changed out but was just wondering if the Metabo has the extra long cord.

I don't remember ever seeing a factory long cord on the popular box store brands.

in Germany the Metabo grinders come with a 4 meter cord (or close to 4 mtr. ...3.90 mtr....)

And no, I think I have the older German made models that they clearance'd out before moving to the touchpad design.

Nice long cords for sure.

ALL Fein angle grinders, old or new, were always and are still made in Germany.






Re: Fein angle grinders:

this is the old style from the 2000´s:

in 2005 they released the grinders with "Tip Start" buttons:

in 2008 they went back to a switch because the customers didn´t accept the Tip Start:

in the end of 2013 they came out with their newest grinders:

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N2zR3a02KPI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

He was probably referring to this style. Side switch, non tip start, clearanced out model from CPO.

I love mine, have mostly 5" ones and one 4 1/2". I need to get a 6" for the cut-off wheel though. Right or wrong (ok, really wrong, I know), I took the guard off a 5" and run 6" wheels on it.

nice collection !!!

 

[alan camby]

Monte,
Who is the biggest grinder player in the German market?
Fein, or Metabo?
Or does Bosch make them look like small companies?

What is your favorite and or what do you see as the best quality?

On GJ, as you know, Metabo always gets the most recomendations.

 

[alan camby]

Are all the Bosch sold in the German market made in Germany?
I looked at a slim series Bosch and it was made In China for our market.

 

[Monte]

Monte,
Who is the biggest grinder player in the German market?
Fein, or Metabo?
Or does Bosch make them look like small companies?

What is your favorite and or what do you see as the best quality?

On GJ, as you know, Metabo always gets the most recomendations.

I don´t know, but i guess Bosch. They are - by far - the largest manufacturer of power tools in europe (19.000 employees worldwide). Fein has 900...
So i would guess that they also supply many grinders since they also are a OEM for other professional tool suppliers like Wurth, BTI and Berner and also make a large amount of different grinders ranging from about €70.- to €315.- whereas Fein for example solely manufactures grinders in a certain quality for a higher price hence they never will reach the volume of manufacturers like Bosch, Metabo or Makita e.g.

My favourite grinders are currently from Fein and Metabo. I own one of the current Fein models, but none of the newest Metabos though, but they do look nice, have improved features (slimmer housing, more power, improved "quick" spindle nut and toolless adjustabe guard) compared to the older models and are on my wish list

Quality ? I don´t know if there is much difference between the manufacturers at a certain price level since they are equipped similar (epoxy coated field, name brand switches, dust protected rotor etc.). However Bosch used (uses ?) "plain bearings" in some angle grinders as the bearing on top in the angle grinder head, whereas usually you´ll find needle roller bearings. This and a annoying (imho) on/off switch would make me choose Metabo or Fein over Bosch. Bosch and Metabos (as well as others) lower gearcase bearing plate is made out of plastic. Fein is all metal.

 

[Monte]

Are all the Bosch sold in the German market made in Germany?
I looked at a slim series Bosch and it was made In China for our market.

no, the slim models are china, they have russian made ones and the more expensive ones are german made.

 

[alan camby]

Monte,
Thanks.
I always enjoy your posts.


I cut some metal tonight with the new Fein. It was 1/2"x3" flat bar. I would usually use my Rage Evolution dry saw but thought I would give the new grinder a workout.
Pushed really hard to see how the motor handles the load. Seemed to have more than enough power.
After a 20 seconds or so, I was almost through the piece and I felt very hot.
Looked down and my shirt was on fire

good thing I had two shirts on.

https://scontent-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/17607_665646896900572_7302409336508542880_n.jpg?oh=0846b13c9dbde2999e1e38555681e7a1&oe=55ABC8DD

 

[tarbellb]

Yup, those are them. Almost got as many, 4.

They are bigger then my little Hitachi but I have gotten used to them.

He was probably referring to this style. Side switch, non tip start, clearanced out model from CPO.

 

[MaineGuide]

I bought one of the new Metabo's (W9-115 Quick) a few weeks ago for some rocker panel work. I like it a lot, hoping to add a 6" version some time this summer. I really prefer the slide switch type, but the new paddle design is pretty nice.

 

[alan camby]

I bought one of the new Metabo's (W9-115 Quick) a few weeks ago for some rocker panel work. I like it a lot, hoping to add a 6" version some time this summer. I really prefer the slide switch type, but the new paddle design is pretty nice.

what do you think of the quick feature?
That is some kind of special nut I think?

Does it come with a conventional spanner wrench nut too?

 

[rlitman]

what do you think of the quick feature?
That is some kind of special nut I think?

Does it come with a conventional spanner wrench nut too?

No wrench. It is finger tight only (knurled on the outside). Yeah, it's kind of a special nut. The inner ring with the two fingers fit into slots in the arbor and adds a little friction to the nut to keep it from spinning easily.
I'm happy with mine.

edit: pictures of nut added.

 

[Farmall450]

To me that beefy wrench is a sign of their quality across the board.
Overkill?
Sure. Better than a flimsy China one?
Damn straight.

I like my 5" Fein a lot. I like to say it's a mighty "fine" grinder

Soft start takes a bit of getting used to.

 

[neophyte]

Monte,
Thanks.
I always enjoy your posts.


I cut some metal tonight with the new Fein. It was 1/2"x3" flat bar. I would usually use my Rage Evolution dry saw but thought I would give the new grinder a workout.
Pushed really hard to see how the motor handles the load. Seemed to have more than enough power.
After a 20 seconds or so, I was almost through the piece and I felt very hot.
Looked down and my shirt was on fire

good thing I had two shirts on.

https://scontent-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/17607_665646896900572_7302409336508542880_n.jpg?oh=0846b13c9dbde2999e1e38555681e7a1&oe=55ABC8DD

Was the outer shirt cotton or synthetic?

 

[alan camby]

Was the outer shirt cotton or synthetic?

I wondered the same thing the other day. I looked at the tag quickly, while wearing the shirt, and the writing was about worn off so gave up quick.

I just looked again and it is 90% cotton and 10% polyester. Bass pro shop long sleeve made in Mexico.

Yes I realize that 100% cotton would be a better choice.

 

[neophyte]

I wondered the same thing the other day. I looked at the tag quickly, while wearing the shirt, and the writing was about worn off so gave up quick.

I just looked again and it is 90% cotton and 10% polyester. Bass pro shop long sleeve made in Mexico.

Yes I realize that 100% cotton would be a better choice.

Or Smartwool, Unfortunately the cost is really high.

 

[Strouty]

I loved my 5" Fein grinders, but I made the mistake of ordering the quick-in. Had I realized that they were also available in the regular 5/8" style, I would have bought those and still been happy. I put all four of the ones I bought in a local auction, I figure someone will pay too much for them. That quick release (quick-in), in my opinion, *****. It took me two or three times as long to switch the discs, then there was the fact that the lever could snap down on your finger. Also you could not use the regular thread on attachments. Live and learn, I think you got great grinder Alan and you will be happy for years.

 

[rlitman]

Yeah, the Fein quick-in kinda *****. I'm happy with the ones I got, but only because they hang next to a few other more normal grinders, so my options are open.
I still like the fact that it's toolless, but Metabo's answer with the nut I posted above is MUCH better. With the Metabo, you still have a threaded arbor, and can put on any threaded attachments (like brushes).

 

[Strouty]

I don't know if I have ever used the tool for a grinder.

 

[rlitman]

For me, I can never get a standard nut off with my fingers once I've done more than a few second's worth of grinding. It tightens itself too much.
I keep the spanner in reach, though a gentle coaxing with channellocks would probably work too. Just enough to break it loose.

I do NOT use the wrench to put the nut onto grinding wheels. That makes it way too tight, though I will use a wrench to tighten the nut onto steel centered wheels (like diamond wheels), because I find they slip otherwise. FWIW, I have not had slippage issues with my toolless grinders.

 

[Monte]

I cut some metal tonight with the new Fein. It was 1/2"x3" flat bar.

years ago i bought a leather welding jacket. Best idea ever
No more damaged sweaters or shirts