I diy port, mod or clean up engine parts all the time and have always used air die grinders, so I decided to finally try electric. I'm still figuring out if I like them and plan to try another larger unit since I started with the Makita compact. What do you guys recommend I try next?
Electric 1/4" Die Grinders
- Thread starter BOOT
- Start date
seber
Well-known member
Makita is a very good one. As far as using, as good as they get. I did burn out a couple before I bought a Dumore. If you want something that is as handy as an air grinder, you could go with Foredom.
Yah I've herd good things bout that last type the flex shafts but pricey! Still cheaper than a screw compressor tho.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Ive used a few. Currently have a Metabo and love it.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Foredom is the "gold standard".
cherrybomb
Well-known member
Makita,with the variable speed,versatility unmatched.
I'll prob stick with a lower cost unit as I don't see myself getting a ton of use to pay extra for a variable control or real high end tool. I was thinking the Makita GD0600 paddle switch but now I see Metabo GP400 is also a paddle for about the same price and a bit lighter.
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Ordered the Metabo GP400 from https://bakersgas.com/products/meta...MIp9vusNH98gIVysizCh0TdwjNEAQYASABEgJjz_D_BwE
Used promo code 487GNJW for $25 off
So we'll see
, thx again for the suggestions.
Used promo code 487GNJW for $25 off
So we'll see
, thx again for the suggestions.I suspect that will be a Made in China model...
Reviews say it still seems to function well, but for my money I usually seek out the German made Metabo stuff.
Let us know how it performs, and more importantly, holds up.
Reviews say it still seems to function well, but for my money I usually seek out the German made Metabo stuff.
Let us know how it performs, and more importantly, holds up.
seber
Well-known member
I can't be positive, but my experience is that the olive Metabos are made in Germany and the light green are Hitachi. In case you are wondering, I currently own 14 Metabos and two Hitachis. Another bulk buy. Anyone need a six inch Metabo?
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So is Makita & many others these days it seems. I don't know how much actual use I'll get out of it and that's why I just went with the cheaper option. If I was using the tool daily or long term I'd get a quality made version, also I usually have bad luck when I try and get the top of the line. I still bought the new Makita Compact even tho some say the new model is junk but as I said, don't plan to use it on a professional level. If I come to really like electric grinders after using these, then I'll spring for a Good one.
I'll prob make a video, got some other stuff I wanna try with this one.
rlitman
Well-known member
Foredom has a good name in flex shaft grinders, but I don't think they're any better than Dumore. They're certainly the biggest name in jewelry shops.
I suppose if you need high torque output with a reasonably low RPM, a flex shaft gives you the option of having a compact handpiece that direct drive electric die grinders don't afford. I couldn't imagine using a direct drive electric die grinder. They're just so clunky compared to air. And my air die grinders aren't so much much bigger than my Foredom handpiece that I haven't used it in decades.
But when I'm able to get away with a 1/8" or smaller burr, I'll always reach for my Air Turbine Tools pencil first. It's WAY more dexterous than a Foredom without the need for a flex shaft, and is actually capable of removing metal by mass faster than most of my other tools. The only catch with high speed turbines is that you need to cover exposed skin, because microscopic metal particles moving at almost Mach 1 leaving the burr can directly embed themselves into your skin for a nasty surprise. But they seem to be stopped by my TIG welding gloves (which are so thin I can still sort change in my pockets by feel with them on) and a shirt sleeve. I do always wear a full face shield when using any of the above tools.
"two variable speed controls in series and it didn't seem to work"
Nope, it won't; those are just very basic SCR controllers, the first one in series would "chop up" the incoming AC voltage, second one would likely NEVER trigger; it'd be cheaper to just not plug the tool in; same result... Steve
BTW, I have one of the ancient (about 50 years old) Craftsman electric die grinders somewhere, haven't used it in decades. too heavy/awkward for much precision - my REAL 5 horse 80 gallon DevAir keeps up with the 3 cheapo air grinders OK. IIRC, the electric was a LOT quieter tho
Nope, it won't; those are just very basic SCR controllers, the first one in series would "chop up" the incoming AC voltage, second one would likely NEVER trigger; it'd be cheaper to just not plug the tool in; same result... Steve
BTW, I have one of the ancient (about 50 years old) Craftsman electric die grinders somewhere, haven't used it in decades. too heavy/awkward for much precision - my REAL 5 horse 80 gallon DevAir keeps up with the 3 cheapo air grinders OK. IIRC, the electric was a LOT quieter tho
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APEowner
Well-known member
The only electric I've used that I like was a Foredom flexible shaft. The others have all felt bulky compaired to an air powered grinder.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
I think variable speed is mandatory. Therefore that tips the scales toward Makita. Metabo is great but I don't know if they have a competitive variable speed model. I know Makita does as I have one.
cherrybomb
Well-known member
Like I said before,get the Makita with the variable speed,the versatility will be unmatched.Buying a less expensive,and then adding all those speed reducing gizmos is a waste.The safety is important as you dial in a sweet spot in the rpm.It happens all the time on this forum,buying cheap you get no features.Then you up grade.Jeez.Buy once,cry once.Sorry about my rant.With Quality and Performance it might cost a slight bit more.Just my .02 cents.
"two variable speed controls in series and it didn't seem to work"
Nope, it won't; those are just very basic SCR controllers, the first one in series would "chop up" the incoming AC voltage, second one would likely NEVER trigger; it'd be cheaper to just not plug the tool in; same result... Steve
BTW, I have one of the ancient (about 50 years old) Craftsman electric die grinders somewhere, haven't used it in decades. too heavy/awkward for much precision - my REAL 5 horse 80 gallon DevAir keeps up with the 3 cheapo air grinders OK. IIRC, the electric was a LOT quieter tho
Yah I covered how the 2nd did nothing in the video, it was a cheap test.
Using the spd controller with multiple different tools or the two electric grinders that I now own will be good enough for me. I'm still not fond of electric but the ones I bought will have their uses. Came across a quieter air compressor type I'm prob gonna buy before winter.