Dotco Die Grinder Questions

[Vinko]

I'm trying to decide between the 10-25 series and the 12-25 series. The particular model I'm interested in both share 0.9 HP and 23,000 HP, but the former has an aluminum housing and the later has a "composite" housing. The alum. housing is a little less weight (I think the the grinder weights about 0.5 KG total).

Anyway, is there any reason to go with alum. other than weight?

Also, why would you pick a rear exhaust over a front exhaust model? On the Dotco, you've got to pick one. On the IR Cyclone models, you can "flip" it around, from what I understand.


The best prices I've found, so far, are Industrial Supply Store followed by Abrasivestore.com. I like the former though, because there's more info. on whom you're buying from, rather than abrasivestore.com which is just an "anonymous" store front w/PO Box contact info.


edit: one other question: what's the logic behind a a line-up of models where the only difference in specs is RPM speed, and the RPM speed only differs by 2000? So, 20,000 - 18,000 or 10,000 and 8,000, etc? What applications make a difference where you'd choose one over the other?

 

[Vinko]

Ended up ordering the Dotco w/composite housing. It's actually a tougher housing than the aluminum from what I understand. Went rear exhaust. It's a little "colder" and blows on the operators hand -- you get a little oil or dust up your sleeve, but with carbide burr on cast-iron and front exhaust didn't want to take the risk (albeit small), of blow back onto the operators face. Not that you shouldn't wear a face shield. I got the 12-25 .9 hp. Will let y'all know how it turns out.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

The housings turn cold when they are operated, the composite housing will insulate better. As you noted, the rear exhaust keeps from blowing the grinding or cutting debris everywhere. I have two older Dotco units. One is a 90° head grinder, about 1/3 hp or so and is very handy, while the other is a straight grinder, .9 hp and has lots of power. It is a front exhaust. I bought both of them "used", they were actually unused however. These are older models, aluminum housing.

Charles

 

[Vinko]

I bought from Industrial Supply House on the web. In addition to a reasonable price (I think the best price I found), what was more important is the guy was a fount of information. He spent a lot of time educating me on a lot of aspects of what I was doing with my compressor set up. I'll definitely be a repeat customer if I can.

If it's your thing, he's got a wide knowledge of various remaining items made in the USA, including hose, couplers, regulators, oilers, etc. from manufacturers well-known and not-so-well-known.

 

[Vinko]

A big thanks to everyone who helped out in my other thread with the grinding problem on cast-iron. This new Dotco kicks *** Totally increases production time and rips through the stuff in a way that my Chicago Pneumatic couldn't!