Best size angle grinder

[Cadillac fan]

Looking to buy an angle grinder and I have noticed the different sizes, 100mm 125mm 150mm etc. and was wondering what you guys would recommend as the best size grinder to buy. What wattage would you guys recommend as well?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

4.5" for most DIY.

The Makita 5" is larger and has a ton of power. But not as big as the 7/9" variety.

I use 4.5" and a couple 6" Metabos. (Also have a bunch of Makita, Milwaukee, B&D, DeWalt)

I highly recommend Metabo. Lots of power, almost no vibration. (A chinese Milwaukee I had to pick up at Home Depot while on the road is actually really nice too.)

 

[Justanoldguy]

With a forum of thousands of tool guys, Please define " Best" ?

 

[Cadillac fan]

Best for home DIY use. I would do things like cut metal bars and tubing, cut and sand wood, remove rust from metal. I need something usable for a beginner.

 

[wildstyle]

4.5" is the most versatile

 

[Wamsutta]

Depends on what you're grinding. I've always thought it was hard to keep a level surface when grinding heavy steel plate with a 4.5 inch. For me, my preference is 6 inch discs.

 

[Alex in Canada]

I would say 4.5" is most versatile. It can be used for damn near anything. Granted, its not always the best tool for the job, but if I only had one, it would definitely be the 4.5"

 

[Zrexxer]

I have a 9", a 7", and a half a dozen 4-1/2" grinders. All have their place but I use the 4-1/2 inchers 100x more than either of the larger machines. Feel free to convert 4-1/2" into whatever its equivalent is in your godless metric system.

 

[bcradio]

Best for home DIY use. I would do things like cut metal bars and tubing, cut and sand wood, remove rust from metal. I need something usable for a beginner.

Can't say I've done much wood cutting with one, but if you do then be careful.

4.5" would get my vote as well.

 

[Zrexxer]

Can't say I've done much wood cutting with one, but if you do then be careful.

Never used one myself, but these wheels are quite popular with chain-saw carvers and sculptors:

 

[Wizzard]

I use a 10A corded DeWalt 4.5", very versatile size (grinding, cutting, etc).

 

[DonPowers]

I have an old 4", newer 4.5" and new 7". The 4.5 gets the most use.

I also have one of the chain saw cutters. Cuts fast and best used with the guard and auxiliary grip attached. Prefer to use it with a grinder that has a squeeze type switch than one with an on - off slide switch.

 

[zkling]

Not sure what the market is like over there, but for most parts a 4.5" grinder is the most versatile and commonly supported accessory platform.

 

[koondog]

For a DIY I think the 4.5" is the way to go. Not too big and can do a variety of jobs.

 

[Kidder02]

4½ is definitely the go to for size for most diy'ers. Depending on what you want to spend, Bosch, Makita, Dewalt, Milwaukee, all good grinders. Metabo is a great grinder.

 

[neophyte]

Never used one myself, but these wheels are quite popular with chain-saw carvers and sculptors:

Chainsaw wheels like these and the Arbortech from Australia, are usually meant for Smaller 4" or 4.5" grinders. Arbortech makes a nice accessory guard that can be purchased with their cutters, or separately, which can limit the depth of cut for extra safety. These types of material can remove a large amount of flesh, very fast, if something goes wrong.

The guard.

http://www.arbortechusa.com/view/woodworking/industrial-woodcarver/query/product/acc-fg-100

Guard with blade.

http://www.arbortechusa.com/view/woodworking/industrial-woodcarver/query/main/industrial-woodcarver

The less expensive Arbortech blade.

http://www.arbortechusa.com/view/woodworking/pro4-woodcarver/query/main/pro4-woodcarver

I would only recommend using these with a paddle switch type grinder. The switches on most slide toggle switch type grinders can jam if wood chips ricochet into the switch. I've had it happen.

 

[Jere]

I have one 9inch one 7inch and four 4 inch and use the 4 inch grinders the most ( one for each attachment and also to have spares in case one burns up they are the $10 models ). 4 inchers do lack power and don't like large wire cups very much.

If I was going with a single grinder it would be a 7 inch it is the best compromise all around.

 

[Monte]

5"
since you can use 4.5" and 5" discs

 

[Olafur]

Looking to buy an angle grinder and I have noticed the different sizes, 100mm 125mm 150mm etc. and was wondering what you guys would recommend as the best size grinder to buy. What wattage would you guys recommend as well?

Garages, diesel shops, fab-shops, 125mm is the go to workhorse over here. Most shops have a some bigger grinders, usually collecting dust under a workbench except for the 2 days a year when they are pulled out to cut something big and ugly.

 

[Cadillac fan]

Looks like I will be getting a 125mm angle grinder then. The local hardware store usually has a massive tool clearance around the end of April so I will see what they have then.

Thanks for all the input guys!

 

[BK13]

I was gonna say whatever size you can find the most wheels for where you are. 4.5" are far and away the most available here.

I have a 4", a couple of 4.5", and a 5". I like the 5" the best, but then it's a Fein...

I will have a Metabo 4.5" one day...

 

[Justanoldguy]

Looks like I will be getting a 125mm angle grinder then. The local hardware store usually has a massive tool clearance around the end of April so I will see what they have then.

Thanks for all the input guys!

A 125mm is a 5 inch