Die Grinder

[bacpacker]

I've been looking at Die Grinders for the shop. Locally the 2 brands I keep seeing most are Ingersol Rand and Campbell Hausfield.
To me the IR's seem to be much better made of the 2. Comments or suggestions for other brands gladly accepted.

 

[Daves69]

Florida Pnuematic made in USA. Has good torque

http://www.wttool.com/index/page/pr...uty+Die+Grinder&update_continue_shopping=true

 

[Elroy]

I've been looking at Die Grinders for the shop............
Comments or suggestions for other brands gladly accepted.

If you want a real die grinder, get a Dotco

Retailing at about $500 a pop, they might be a little steep

In that case Elroy would recommend a Chicago Pneumatic

Be advised that IR has several levels of Die Grinder quality available as well. Their "home owner" grade isn't that great but their industrial line is much better. You simply get what you pay for. A Campbell-Hausfield would rate below home owner grade in Elroy's book

 

[Ritter4.0]

I have an Aircat 90*, a used Sioux straight, and a mini Kobalt straight. The Aircat is decent, but the gears are noisy. The Sioux is easily as old or older than me (I'm 20), and works flawlessly.

The Sioux looks just like the Dotcos that have been posted, but red.

The Kobalt is one I bought to play with and try to silence. Its much quieter than both the Aircat and Sioux now, but lacks the torque that the Sioux has. It came with an 1/8" collet, so I've been using 1/8" tools in it. If you want I can pull it apart and show you how I silenced it.

I have under $150 between the 3.

 

[senlow]

If you want a real die grinder, get a Dotco

Damn right. My oldest Dotco has a housing that the ribs are nearly worn off, and you can hardly read the name. It's been worked hard, and still runs great.

 

[bradleykd]

do you want 90 degree or straight?? for 90 degree, you cant beat a dynabrade or dotco.

 

[Skin]

If you want one to clean scale/gaskets you dont need anything expensive. There are also usually 2 styles. Smaller ones for the above mentioned tasks and larger ones for heavy duty grinding/cutting.

 

[rlitman]

My only 90 is dedicated to roloc use.
I keep a 1/8" collet in my smaller straight grinder, and 1/4" in my larger one. They mostly see carbide burrs.

Hate to burst anyone's bubble, but Campbell Hausfield is no better than Harbor Freight. Just more money. (Not that I've had bad luck with HF die grinders mind you, but I'm not paying more than $8 for one).

 

[peterbilr98]

dont know eny thing about dotco but my 1HP snap on works great for half the price

 

[LWaite]

My only 90 is dedicated to roloc use.
I keep a 1/8" collet in my smaller straight grinder, and 1/4" in my larger one. They mostly see carbide burrs.

Hate to burst anyone's bubble, but Campbell Hausfield is no better than Harbor Freight. Just more money. (Not that I've had bad luck with HF die grinders mind you, but I'm not paying more than $8 for one).

 

[DrkMtnDew]

If you can find it or order it, get the IR 3108. If that is a little more than you are looking for or if availability is a problem, any IR will be better than CH IMO.

 

[bacpacker]

Thanks for the input guys. A few brands have been mentioned I'm not familiar with, so a little research is in order.
The Dotco's sound great, but for no more than I will be using it $500 is kinda steep right now. i just need it for light grinding and occasional cutting of thin metal.
The CP Elroy mention looks very similar to an old air drill I have. That thing is 30+ YO and still works great.
Thanks again for the input!

 

[JayL]

This just sold for $87 in ebay ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160674365663?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Looks like there are good die grinder deals to be found in ebay.

 

[Mazdaratti3]

This just sold for $87 in ebay ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160674365663?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Looks like there are good die grinder deals to be found in ebay.

WOW someone got a great deal! Wonder if the seller knew what he had.

 

[diesel research]

Florida Pnuematic made in USA. Has good torque

http://www.wttool.com/index/page/pr...uty+Die+Grinder&update_continue_shopping=true

Watch out before assuming that. It is about as safe to assume as "pittsburgh pro" being made in pennsylvania.

Some florida pneumatic is made in the USA. Most of them are expensive and labeled "universal tool". Even some universal tool is made overseas. For $50 you should not be surprised to find Taiwan or even china...

Florida Pneumatic has been manufacturing, importing and distributing air tools and related accessories for over 40 years. Our U.S. and overseas made product lines have enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for superior quality and performance.

 

[JayL]

You can't seem to trust some manufacturers about COO anymore. I emailed Sioux and asked the the COO of the die grinder below. The reply came in one word JAPAN.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EPB9PA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I ordered and received the grinder. Made in Taiwan.

Well I'm more than 8k miles away and can't return it. Charge to experience.

 

[diesel research]

At that price range it is pretty much guaranteed. Hell even at $100 it is pretty much guaranteed.

 

[JayL]

At that price range it is pretty much guaranteed. Hell even at $100 it is pretty much guaranteed.

You're right price more often than not is a good indicator.

In fairness the Sioux die grinder seems to be above the generic ones I see. Has good power at 0.5 HP rating. Heavier and a bit longer than the IR 308. Time will tell if it will hold out well too.

 

[sberry]

I bought a straight one at HD, Husky, about 30$ and its been super, I believe its the same as the Farmhand at TSC, the same model is sold under a couple labels but it has been great and my shop is busy, it gets used. Those CH things for 19$ do work and can earn their keep but for another 10 or now maybe 20 these are a really durable unit, I for one am not going to spring 500 for one thats for sure. The sander in the pic,, first one last 20 yrs, this one 10 and I put a stock bearing in the head, works again and the right angles are REALLY good, have 3 or 4, never, never so much as had to tighten a screw in one,,, got one or 2 with hundreds of hrs on it,, for 60$.

 

[71flh]

There are always coupons for $7-$10 HF ones. For that money I figure they're worth getting, although my US made $10 swap meet die grinder is my favorite because of the power and great sound...

 

[Daves69]

Watch out before assuming that. It is about as safe to assume as "pittsburgh pro" being made in pennsylvania.

Some florida pneumatic is made in the USA. Most of them are expensive and labeled "universal tool". Even some universal tool is made overseas. For $50 you should not be surprised to find Taiwan or even china...

I think the black composite ones are made in USA