Best 5" variable speed angle grinder under $200?
- Thread starter kenc184
- Start date
What about the Milwaukee fuel 4.5/5 grinder. I love mine. Or not interested in it because it says 4.5/5?
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BarryWells
Well-known member
Of course I don't care if it says 4.5/5, aren't ALL 5" grinders 4.5/5?
Not interested though if it's fixed speed, I want something that will go down to 2000-ish rpm.
Rabid Badger
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I'd go Makita or Metabo.
The Makita GA5042C and Metabo WEV 15-125 HT are more-or-less identical feature-wise. The only difference is the Makita tops out at 11,000 RPM vs 9,600 for the Metabo. That extra speed might come in handy for cutting.
The Makita GA5042C and Metabo WEV 15-125 HT are more-or-less identical feature-wise. The only difference is the Makita tops out at 11,000 RPM vs 9,600 for the Metabo. That extra speed might come in handy for cutting.
Barry Wells and Dartworth:
The Bosch and Metabo WEV15-125 HT are top of my list BUT they do both have a number of negative reviews on amazon.
Rabid: I noticed there was a lower amperage Metabo which went to a higher speed, 9.5amps I think and maybe 10.5 to 11Krpm - I forget exactly.
edit: Metabo WEV10-125 9.5 Amp 2800-10500 rpm Variable Speed
The Bosch and Metabo WEV15-125 HT are top of my list BUT they do both have a number of negative reviews on amazon.
Rabid: I noticed there was a lower amperage Metabo which went to a higher speed, 9.5amps I think and maybe 10.5 to 11Krpm - I forget exactly.
edit: Metabo WEV10-125 9.5 Amp 2800-10500 rpm Variable Speed
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Rabid Badger
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When you look on Metabo's website the "speed under load" for the 9.5A model is 8800 RPM. The bigger ones have enough reserve power to maintain full speed.
BarryWells
Well-known member
Amazon reviews come generally from idiots. Period
They're rare and harder to find but I love the smoothness of my Fein grinder. I have 2 metabo grinders too, but the Fein has always felt smoother, and then after a bad experience with Metabo's warranty process; I no longer buy metabo products.
Wamsutta
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Bosch GWS13-50VS
Rabid Badger
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Fein makes a fantastic grinder but their only variable speed is the WSG 17-70 Inox, which is very scarce and only spins up to 7900 RPM.
I actually ended up ordering a 6 inch guard for mine so I could get back some linear speed at the edge when I'm cutting.
The smoothest grinder I have is my oldest - a 4" Makita I've had for 35 years. I never use it any more but I won't get rid of it since it was a gift from my Dad. Sure wish he was still around, but that's life as they say.
IndyGarage
Well-known member
I currently have about 15 angle grinders in many colors. In my opinion the best are Metabo and Makita - by a wide margin. I have the higher amp Makita 5 inch and it runs very nice and smooth. I have a 5 inch Metabo and for some reason, which I can't pinpoint, it is my favorite.
Sorry but my least favorite name brand angle grinder is Bosch - they make some good tools and possibly some good angle grinders. I have not experienced one of them yet.
Sorry but my least favorite name brand angle grinder is Bosch - they make some good tools and possibly some good angle grinders. I have not experienced one of them yet.
Superbec
Well-known member
I don't really have any trust for amazon reviews .
What is the application? you may find a sever lack of torque at low rpm .
For aggressive grinding I use a high torque polisher machine .
Metabo makes great grinders .. inox line is what you want.
Also I just came upon some amazing ~2kw grinder from bosch .. a monster in compact size.
What is the application? you may find a sever lack of torque at low rpm .
For aggressive grinding I use a high torque polisher machine .
Metabo makes great grinders .. inox line is what you want.
Also I just came upon some amazing ~2kw grinder from bosch .. a monster in compact size.
WittHay
Well-known member
Makita has some new cordless variable speed grinders that go from 3000 to 8500 rpm. My understanding is that if you use the lowest speed for an extended time the grinder will get hot. Or hotter than they normally get when used at full speed.
Just wondering what you would use the variable speeds for and what settings like 5000 for wire brushing and 3000 for flap discs? Kinda used to the broken little bits of the wire brush wheels flying out at mach speed
Just wondering what you would use the variable speeds for and what settings like 5000 for wire brushing and 3000 for flap discs? Kinda used to the broken little bits of the wire brush wheels flying out at mach speed
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thejimmy
Well-known member
Which one do you have?
well, I went for the Bosch and am returning it. Without a load it hunted when set to a speed other than full, under load at other than full speed it was unable to hold anything like a constant speed. The load regulation of the electronics was awful. I was using a 12ga 25ft extension powered from an outlet within 3 feet of my main breaker box so it wasn't excessive resistance in the line. I could stall the grinder with a wire wheel using only modest to firm pressure. Very disappointed, going to buy the Metabo and see how that goes.
Packard V8
Well-known member
The local welding supply shop was running a special deal on Fein, two for $100. I don't really need two more small angle grinders, but that seems to be a steal deal.
jack vines
jack vines
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Jack, HE WANTS VARIABLE SPEED ONLY. Doesn't matter if they give him 10 for $100. My choice is Metabo or Makita. And why is variable speed nice. Because with my variable speed Metabo I can use 3" polishing pads at the lowest speed and use it as a mini polisher.
Dennis, that would be a nice use except I already have a CP low speed 3" polisher, although it is pneumatic.
But you're right I want variable speed, I have a bunch of quite pricey velcro backed strip and clean 5" discs that are impossible to center accurately enough that at the full speed of a 4-1/2" grinder with mounting pad the vibration is intolerable. The one thing I did prove with the Bosch was that at lower speed they are still effective, but the vibration is far far less. Perhaps my Bosch was defective, but with Amazon's return policy I'll let them figure out if it was a defect or just poor speed control electronics.
p.s. How many Satas are you up to?
Dumber than lumber
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I started to read this thread because I have a 5" Fein grinder that I like. . The aforementioned "idiot reviews" lead me to conclude that the 5" tool was worth the extra money, etc.
Kind of weird how it is harder to find supplies for the 5" (vs. the 4.5")
Anyway, I figure if I want the true full performance of my 5" tool
shocking I need to buy the right supplies.
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dnschmidt
Well-known member
Kenc184. Stuck on 13 SATA's although I was tempted to try out a X5500 I resisted the urge and went with LS400 and WS400 Iwata Supernova's instead. SATA lost it's way with the 3000 and the 4000. According to people I trust the 5000 was good and the new X5500 is really good but by the time SATA introduced them the **** had gotten me.
speed bump
Well-known member
I have a variable speed Makita 5 inch. I wouldn't call it the most amazing grinder ever but despite my best efforts it just keeps going. I would buy more of them if I needed another variable speed grinder
Not a 5"...... but if you are looking for something different check out the Hitachi G12VE aka as Metabo HPT (but its really a Hitachi).
Its one of the few Brushless corded grinders out there. Love mine, the ultra thin barrel is really comfortable, lighter, and safeties built-in.
I have a Fein, Metabo VS, M18 Milky, and 3 of these Hitachi, grab the Hitachi first.
Oh, only goes down to 2,800rpm I believe.
Its one of the few Brushless corded grinders out there. Love mine, the ultra thin barrel is really comfortable, lighter, and safeties built-in.
I have a Fein, Metabo VS, M18 Milky, and 3 of these Hitachi, grab the Hitachi first.
Oh, only goes down to 2,800rpm I believe.
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Superbec
Well-known member
sorry for the late response , I have 2 Eibenstock machines , something similar to this in the pic but older, mine are 15 y o.
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Just spent a half hour with the Metabo and it is night and day better than the Bosch. Maybe the Bosch was defective, IDK. First, the Metabo can hold a constant speed loaded or unloaded, the speed regulation is perfect at any setting. Second the switch is so much nicer, very light in comparison to the Bosch, yet more positive in the rock to lock position.
BTW, I used the same extension cord from the same outlet as before.
BTW, I used the same extension cord from the same outlet as before.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
It's the law:
If you want a Sawzall you buy Milwaukee
If you want a Jigsaw you buy Bosch
If you want a grinder you buy Metabo
Some things are just made to be. Accept it.
If you want a Sawzall you buy Milwaukee
If you want a Jigsaw you buy Bosch
If you want a grinder you buy Metabo
Some things are just made to be. Accept it.
slodat
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I just bought the rat tail version of the same Metabo. Excited to put it to the test after work. How's yours working out OP?
Two Door
Well-known member
I've used chainsaw cutting wheels on mine in tight, tricky situations, in which case control is a must.
VS is almost a must for cleaning up welded corners [or a hand file, but whos still analog:]
Wire wheels and numerous specialty cups/wheels.
Once you have it, you start finding reasons to use it. Then start wondering how you got along without.
WittHay
Well-known member
Thanks for the answers regarding variable speed grinder uses. The local tool store has specials on Makita cordless vs grinders and the industrial places all carry Walter vs corded grinders which I believe are based on Metabo.
Currently use Makita corded and Milwaukee cordless
Currently use Makita corded and Milwaukee cordless
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Once you use a quality variable speed grinder you will not want to use anything else, even for general use like flap wheels. I bought another VS Metabo recently when Amazon had a price drop. You usually do not need the high speed as the Metabo has high power at lower speeds- and this gives you more control. For sanding and scotchbrite pads it's a necessity
slodat
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Model number?