Die grinders (for welding work)

[crazybrit]

I have a Bosch angle grinder but for other grinding work I'm using a Dremel. The 1/8" shaft isn't ideal as it's easy to bend burrs plus I worry I'll burn out the Dremel.

I'd like to get a Die grinder.

I like the variable speed of the Dremel and I like that I don't have to turn the compressor on.

The compressed air ones I've used before have all been cheap and fairly binary. Even when they're supposed to be variable I've not found the paddle control that effective at controlling speed.

Wondering if I'm better off investing in an electric corded unit like a Metabo which is variable speed (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FDLB9OC/?tag=atomicindus08-20)

Or if there is a decent variable speed compressed air unit available?

Or some other alternative?

 

[liliysdad]

I use a 90 degree die grinder and a roloc more than anything else when welding.

The cheap units from HF work just fine.

 

[crazybrit]

I use a 90 degree die grinder and a roloc more than anything else when welding.

The cheap units from HF work just fine.

I forgot to add, I won't buy HF.

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[liliysdad]

I forgot to add, I won't buy HF.

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OK then...any other Chinese piece will do the job just fine.

 

[crazybrit]

OK then...any other Chinese piece will do the job just fine.

Won't buy Chinese no-name unrepairable tools either.

I might buy a Chicago Pneumatic or Ingersol Rand brand air tool but I still need to do more research as when I last tried an air one I didn't find the variable speed to work effectively at all (compared to electric tools) but I already said this.

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[dr_clyde]

I have an electric Metabo die grinder similar to the one you linked. It is a very nice piece.

If you want inexpensive air grinders, Astro Pneumatic is a great deal at about $80 for the pair of 90° and straight grinders. I have had then for years and they've held up great. They are a million times nicer than the cheap **** from Harbor Freight, and way nicer to use. I also have had good experiences with Chicago Pneumatic and Ingersoll Rand, but at a premium price for not much better performance. I have maybe 6 sets of the Astro grinders, and would buy more tomorrow.

If you want high quality, lifetime air tools, Dotco is where you want to look. Tool and die have used Dotco for decades and they're the highest quality IMO.

 

[anndel]

Astro Pneumatic is what I have for 3 years now. They came as a pair, straight and angle with the plastic body but they held up great despite repeated abuse and drops.

 

[rlitman]

Won't buy Chinese no-name unrepairable tools either...

I've yet to need to repair one of my $8 "unrepairable" die grinders.

 

[crazybrit]

If you want inexpensive air grinders,

What I want is something that has good variable speed control. Basically a Dremel with a 1/4" shaft.

The air ones I've used (paddle control) have not had this. I've seen people add a screw/nut behind the paddle to provide a max stop.

 

[crazybrit]

I've yet to need to repair one of my $8 "unrepairable" die grinders.

Happy for you. I won't buy no-name Chinese brands. My personal choice. You can spend your $$$ on as much of it as you want

 

[MoonRise]

Electric - bigger and heavier but no air hose and compressor needed. Gets hot in use.

Pneumatic - smaller and lighter (usually), no electric cord needed. Need an air hose and compressor (and clean DRY air), usually get c-c-c-cold in use.

Maybe look into a Foredom flex-shaft grinder?

https://www.foredom.net/

 

[dr_clyde]

Metabo makes a flex shaft that is powered off their electric die grinders, not sure if it accepts 1/4" bits or not.

1/4" shank pneumatic grinders without a paddle are rare, but out there.

Here is one from Dotco.

https://dotcotool.com/product/dotco-10r0401-13-precision-grinder-10-04-series/

Edit, that may still be 1/8" shank. It says 1/4" carbide capacity, but that may just be the burr ball diameter.

I'll keep looking.

 

[crazybrit]

Maybe look into a Foredom flex-shaft grinder?

https://www.foredom.net/

Thanks for that. I'll check it out.

 

[dr_clyde]

This is the Metabo flex shaft, it does say 1/4" collet.

https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/acce...-grinders/flexible-shaft-30980-630980420.html

 

[rlitman]

Happy for you. I won't buy no-name Chinese brands. My personal choice. You can spend your $$$ on as much of it as you want

I'm telling you like it is. You can spend your money however you like. I have a Dynabrade sander and an Air Turbine grinder sitting around in need of parts, yet with those sort of specialty tools, I'd still recommend going with those premium brands.

But you're asking about a die grinder. There are very few features you don't get on an $8 grinder. Here's all I can think of:

1) Nice rubber grip. I prefer the aluminum anyway.
2) Quick release collet. Sure, but I own enough grinders that I don't open my collets that often anyway. Plus two-wrench collets are more reliable.
3) Muffler for quieter operation. But grinding is loud, so I'm wearing hearing protection no matter what.

FYI, I have Sioux, CP, Campbell Hausfeld, Astro and Florida Pneumatic grinders in addition to my "no-name Chinese" brands, so I can say with a degree of authority that the differences do not add up to a hill of beans. And aside from replacing an o-ring or two, I have not ever had a "no-name Chinese" pneumatic grinder fail on me yet. Though I've had a handful of issues with top shelf pneumatic tools.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

I feel like a guy would have to be nuts to go in heavy on corded electric die grinders and other corded setups in today's market, especially if he has a compressor that is up to the task. I'm also not enamored by the cordless offering from Milwaukee.

As far as pnuematic die grinders, there are several really nice options. St Louis Pnuematic, Sioux/Snap-On and SP Air all come to mind. I have them all. SP Air are damn nice for the money.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

PS- Use the flow control insert on a pneumatic, not the paddle as the primary max speed control.

ANOTHER PS- St Louis makes a dang nice low speed straight die grinder. Lots of torque.

 

[dr_clyde]

I'm telling you like it is. You can spend your money however you like. I have a Dynabrade sander and an Air Turbine grinder sitting around in need of parts, yet with those sort of specialty tools, I'd still recommend going with those premium brands.

But you're asking about a die grinder. There are very few features you don't get on an $8 grinder. Here's all I can think of:

1) Nice rubber grip. I prefer the aluminum anyway.
2) Quick release collet. Sure, but I own enough grinders that I don't open my collets that often anyway. Plus two-wrench collets are more reliable.
3) Muffler for quieter operation. But grinding is loud, so I'm wearing hearing protection no matter what.

FYI, I have Sioux, CP, Campbell Hausfeld, Astro and Florida Pneumatic grinders in addition to my "no-name Chinese" brands, so I can say with a degree of authority that the differences do not add up to a hill of beans. And aside from replacing an o-ring or two, I have not ever had a "no-name Chinese" pneumatic grinder fail on me yet. Though I've had a handful of issues with top shelf pneumatic tools.

I will say, the leap is considerable between Harbor Freight and most of the rest of the brands you've listed. HF air grinders are LOUD, way louder than all other air tools I've used. And they VIBRATE like crazy.

But, they do work and are cheap.

I would rather pay more and get a grinder that isn't so loud I need ears for just deburring a part, and I don't like my hands going numb from vibration. Astro is the sweet spot for me. Not expensive, but not so cheap I want to throw it away after using it once.

 

[dr_clyde]

I just stick my finger behind the paddle and use it as a stop. I can throttle a die grinder very effectively doing this.

But yes, there are flow controls on them if you want to use them.

I find a larger die grinder typically needs to be running wide open on a double cut burr anyway. The trick is to take very light cuts so it doesn't get away from you.

 

[crazybrit]

This is the Metabo flex shaft, it does say 1/4" collet.

https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/acce...-grinders/flexible-shaft-30980-630980420.html

Yeah I already found it, $170 or so. On top of the tool, probably more than I wanted to spend.

 

[rlitman]

I will say, the leap is considerable between Harbor Freight and most of the rest of the brands you've listed. HF air grinders are LOUD, way louder than all other air tools I've used. And they VIBRATE like crazy.

But, they do work and are cheap.

I would rather pay more and get a grinder that isn't so loud I need ears for just deburring a part, and I don't like my hands going numb from vibration. Astro is the sweet spot for me. Not expensive, but not so cheap I want to throw it away after using it once.

I can't say I've seen a difference in vibration between an HF grinder and any the others I own. I can say that HF abrasives are total ****, and will cause vibration. If you have HF die grinder stones, just do yourself a favor and throw them out. For the most part, I use my 1/4" shaft grinders with carbide burrs, which do not have vibration issues (unless loaded with aluminum in a way that puts them off balance). Solid carbide when possible, or brazed carbide heads on steel shafts otherwise (and carbide Kutzall wood carving bits). Good carbide is where I feel you should spend your money. Put **** abrasives on a top shelf grinder, and you'll still have poor results.

(My 1/8" and 3mm" high speed grinders I use exclusively with solid carbide burrs, as the steel shafts can vibrate dangerously when you get into the 65,000 RPM and up tools).

As for noise, yes, the aluminum tools are louder. Astro and Aircat do make quieter tools, but I still don't see myself using a die grinder without a face shield and hearing protection, so I'm not worrying myself too much over this. I am however very happy with my IR 2235QTiMax impact wrench. That's a tool I enjoy not needing hearing protection with, and I agree that quieter tools are generally more pleasant to work with.

 

[dr_clyde]

This is the only one I have been able to find with the 1/4" collet in a pencil grinder config.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JG25MQV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Don't know if its any good.

 

[MarineScott]

I use a 90 degree die grinder and a roloc more than anything else when welding.

The cheap units from HF work just fine.

I too have used HF, and they work really well, and I mean I use them a lot. I have some Mac Tools die grinders, I wouldn't give a nickel for and I have a Kobalt one which is doing well.

 

[crazybrit]

This is the only one I have been able to find with the 1/4" collet in a pencil grinder config.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JG25MQV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Don't know if its any good.

I found it too but check the reviews. Seems the 1/4" collet is vaporware.

I have a 10" Dynabrade air sander so when I saw they made a air pencil grinder I was optimistic but even theirs is 1/8". http://www.dynabrade.com/pdf/ppg/pd03.13.pdf

I'm not sure why they're all Dremel sized.

 

[crazybrit]

I too have used HF, and they work really well, and I mean I use them a lot. I have some Mac Tools die grinders, I wouldn't give a nickel for and I have a Kobalt one which is doing well.

It's totally a personal thing.

I've bought too many items from HF which I've had to return one or two times before getting a defect free one. I have no clue why they list a parts diagram in the manual with part numbers as if you ever call them the part is either not available (the majority) or is a 3 month wait from China.

I don't have an issue with made in China items. It's a reality. I just have an issue with the disposable culture that HF is part of where it's cheaper to throw something away and buy another. These things take resources to make and we're f-ing up the planet. I feel the same way about smartphones.

I'm ok buying consumables from them. Maybe this is hypocrisy on my part. Wouldn't be the first time ;-)

 

[908Jim]

I have a Sioux die grinder I picked up refurbished on ebay for a song and a dance. They sell for $200+ and are phenomenal.

This guy (No affiliation) has a few listed for $50 NIB. Absolute STEAL.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/PNEUMATIC-...839575&hash=item445bd63ceb:g:8pYAAOSwEp5cVQr9

 

[sberry]

I agree a guy can throttle the air. I got a pile of ****. I don't like tiny ****. I used a couple tiny hf for little bits and they worked way more than I paid for them. I don't back myself in the corner so much anymore, I used it more early on. I got different for different wheel/bits. But the 3 real that do the work a 4 1/2 won't do ,,,, will be in a pic in the morning,, file problem.

 

[GaryM909]

Metabo makes a flex shaft that is powered off their electric die grinders, not sure if it accepts 1/4" bits or not.

1/4" shank pneumatic grinders without a paddle are rare, but out there.


I have owned a Metabo flex shaft for over 5 years. 1/4" Collet .Works great when required.
I use it with an older Makita die grinder with a toggle switch.

I have always preferred pneumatic die grinders that exhaust out the front. The ones that exhaust at the back always seem to mess up my glasses or lenses.

 

[ZRX61]

I've yet to need to repair one of my $8 "unrepairable" die grinders.

Same here, I bought a few from Horrible Fright years ago & they all have different discs on them so I don't have to **** about changing them. Was planning on just throwing them away when they broke. Probably had them 15 years or so now.

 

[liliysdad]

I had to repair one of the cheap HF 90 degree units the other day. It leaked air out of the box....I replaced the orings, lubed it, and its good as new.

 

[Firebrick43]

I have used Astro for years (and they are good)but then my previous employer bought an nice IR. I was supposed at how much more controllable in speed. Then someone really stepped up a got a dotco(not the mini grinders but the standard size one). At first people didn’t like the dotco as they were so quiet people thought the were slow. The controllability was awesome and the torque was insane(for a die grinder).

I Use a die grinder only a few times a month at home so i have an Astro there but if I was welding in a shop for a living, a dotco it would be.

 

[sberry]

I have a variety. Those 3 really do most of it but its hard to get away from the 4 1/2 if it can be done with that I do it. These really have a lot of miles on them and can be found under various brands.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I bought a HF 90° die grinder to try one out. It lasted a few years till the gears wore off.

I replaced it with a set of IR from Sears and haven't looked back. If I were to replace them, it probably be another one from IR or I'd check into Astro.

 

[Brandon_oma#692]

Battery powered an option?

 

[rlitman]

I bought a HF 90° die grinder to try one out. It lasted a few years till the gears wore off.

I replaced it with a set of IR from Sears and haven't looked back. If I were to replace them, it probably be another one from IR or I'd check into Astro.

I have a few HF angle die grinders that I keep Roloc discs in. This is another place where I suggest avoiding HF. Buy real Roloc chucks and discs. It's worth the difference.

As for their angle die grinder, the gearbox has a grease fitting. I can't say I've burned up one of mine yet. I've also not paid more than $10 for one.

 

[Dave455]

O.P. I’ve done a fair bit of this, and I wouldn’t use anything other than an air powered die grinder. On a decent tool you can control the speed fairly easily.

I’ve tried the electric ones, but after air tools they always feel cumbersome and under powered for the bulk.

You certainly don’t have to buy Chinese. Mine are older British made Desoutter for the most part. One advantage with air tools is that they’re generally much longer lasting than their powered equivalents. All mine were bought used and no regrets.

I have an 1/8 Desoutter that really is one tool I couldn’t manage without. I’ve yet to find any others as good. I have two 1/4 inch, one inline and one 90 degree. The 90 degree is probably my most used on general workshop tasks.

If I was buying new I’d probably go Dotco or modern Desoutter if I could afford it. I hear good things about Sioux, but don’t see many this side of the pond.

Ingersoll Rand were Once industry standard. For some while they had a low cost line that was Far Eastern, but I think most of them are Chinese now. I’ve seen one and was very underwhelmed. Even if it worked, the finish was **** and the chuck was full of dinks. They can keep that shite!

I’ve used a Japanese Kuken (not KoKen) and that was a lovely tool, but again the cheapest line are outsourced so be wary. There are undoubtedly many other decent makes out there, but also a load of rebrands.

I would echo previous comments in that the quality of the tools and consumables is more important than the actual grinder. I use Garryson burrs, Norton stones and Cratex points for fine work, 3M Roloc stuff for bigger tasks. The Roloc stuff is great, if you’ve never used them the bristle discs will transform some jobs!

 

[crazybrit]

O.P. I’ve done a fair bit of this, and I wouldn’t use anything other than an air powered die grinder. On a decent tool you can control the speed fairly easily.

Thanks for the reply. Gotta trust the opinions of a fellow Brit ;-)

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[sberry]

The ones I post are not really die grinders I spose although they all can grind a die. I like wire and cut off wheel air and hard disk 4 1/2 electric. Those are hevy duty and the right angle is china, 60$ and a world class tool. Got 3 of them we ran hard a long time and never so much as touch a loose screw on them. Never. The straight I had to tighten the collar, the 7 inch sander had a bearingg in the head go out after quite a bit of work, was a 605 I think maybe and we had it on the shelf, that was 10 years ago, only thing I ever do to it. I have had other stuff,,, some well worn, it was ok until it needed repair and parts expensive, was 2, 300 new in the day and the 60$ is as good or better.

 

[rlitman]

...I would echo previous comments in that the quality of the tools and consumables is more important than the actual grinder. I use Garryson burrs, Norton stones and Cratex points for fine work, 3M Roloc stuff for bigger tasks. The Roloc stuff is great, if you’ve never used them the bristle discs will transform some jobs!

Yes. I keep an angle die grinder permanently with a 2" green bristle disc on the roloc chuck in it. Those are a must have tool for paint and light rust cleanup.

 

[Hammer1963]

Try a 1 HP Snap-on or Sioux. Very powerful and were designed for exactly what you are wanting them for. I have two and they are bullet proof. Add 3 drops of before oil each use and go!