Electric Die Grinder, which one?

[BikerDad]

So, I'm going to be getting an electric 1/4" die grinder, and would like some suggestions. The primary use will be metal work and weld cleanup.

Variable speed or not? What length of nose? I'm looking at some of the major tool makers, DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, and Hitachi. Fein or Metabo are outside possibilities. Corded, outside possibility of going cordless.

Also, I'd appreciate being pointed at good source that can edjoomikayte me on die grinder bits/burrs.

BTW, I'm going to be paying for this with my winnings from Strike It Rich. Woohoooo!!

 

[Sh40674]

just a quick search... makita and dewalt are some of the cheaper ones, and have the best reviews. looking like the makita around 100 for the smaller model (i found 2 on a quick search) and the dewalt around 130 or 140... you could order from Lowe's with a coupon and get 15 off that price though. the dewalt had a little better reviews. my vote would go to dewalt just on some quick research, appears a good bang for the buck. this reminds me... i need to get a new one....

 

[Sh40674]

i should ask what amp you are looking for.. my search was most everything in the 3-6 amp range

 

[evintho]

I have a Makita GE0600 that I inherited from my dad 20 years ago. He had it for 20 years prior to that. I've ported several heads with it and use it all the time during metal fab. Still grinds like a champ! As far as burrs, just get a set off of Ebay. They may not be tip top quality but will probably last for most of your lifetime. I bought a set 20 years ago with 4" shanks so I could reach into the ports. I think the set of 6 was about $40. If grinding aluminum, you need a single flute burr for that. Otherwise, it'll clog up the regular burrs.

 

[6PTsocket]

I have an old GEO 600 and it has been OK but it had a few bugs. The nose piece tended to fall off. It accepts 1/4 and 1/8 collets, which is nice but there was another problem. The collets have a recessed area on the sides that is right behind the flats on the shaft for the tightening wrench. The flats on the shaft are so paper thin that the thin, shallow throat,stampped, supplied wrench caved in the flats, trapping the collet. I did not over tighten it. I found this when I tried to change collets. After I forced the collet out and used the back of a drill bit to reform the shaft, I have been sure to use a "real" open end wrench that is thicker and the jaws are deep enough so the end is not digging into the flats. I also had an initial bearing failure right after I bought it but was fixed under warranty. This was a long time ago and it has been fine since then.

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[dr_clyde]

I have a Metabo GE 950 G PLUS. I love it. I use it for all kinds of stuff, primarily stainless steel finishing. It is the lower speed, higher torque version.

 

[DerekV]

Metabo GE710. They make both regular and compact sizes. Variable speed. Slide switch lock-on. 6.4 amps. Made in Germany.

That's the ticket!

 

[Ign]

As much as I hate Dewalt we used to use them at my previous employer and they had a paddle switch. I found that way better than a slide switch. I had a Milwaukee corded but never cared for it, although it was an older model.

Now I just use my cordless M28, but it's huge, esp with an M28 battery on it. Otherwise this is one area where air is still king, at least in terms of size of the tool (if you disregard the size and expense of a quality 60 to 80 gal compressor LOL)

 

[dr_clyde]

As much as I hate Dewalt we used to use them at my previous employer and they had a paddle switch. I found that way better than a slide switch. I had a Milwaukee corded but never cared for it, although it was an older model.

Now I just use my cordless M28, but it's huge, esp with an M28 battery on it. Otherwise this is one area where air is still king, at least in terms of size of the tool (if you disregard the size and expense of a quality 60 to 80 gal compressor LOL)

Air is all well and good until you need to run it in an environment without air. Field service for example. I also have yet to find an air die grinder with
adjustable variable speed, not just a throttle or trigger. Also, the torque at low RPM are unmatched with an electric unit. Plus they are SO much quieter.

I have many air die grinders, and for doing 10,000 RPM+ work with a small burr, they work great. If you need to run polishers, sanding drums, or burninshing attachments, the electrics are way better. Air is too fast.

 

[engineer2]

Also look at Foredom.

 

[48548]

Also look at Foredom.

That is what I was thinking... I got a free one, nice.

 

[jloehlein]

I have the DeWalt die grinder. It is good, but I do sometimes wish I had something with variable speed. I use it mainly to hog out/clean up holes any other small metal work. 95% of the time, I use a round nose, 1/4" diameter, single cut rotary burr that I got from McMaster for under $20. Especially without variable speed, the single cut burr gives me more control and a better finish than the double cut ones.

 

[6PTsocket]

I have the DeWalt die grinder. It is good, but I do sometimes wish I had something with variable speed. I use it mainly to hog out/clean up holes any other small metal work. 95% of the time, I use a round nose, 1/4" diameter, single cut rotary burr that I got from McMaster for under $20. Especially without variable speed, the single cut burr gives me more control and a better finish than the double cut ones.

My Makita is single speed but I plug it into my router speed control when I want to slow it down. It is the heavy duty one from MLCS but I bought it a long time ago. I have no idea what they sell now.

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[dnschmidt]

The equation is simple: GRINDER = METABO

 

[rsanter]

I have two dewalt die grinders used for porting and general fab work.
I have used the hell out of them for years with no troubles

Bob

 

[bcradio]

I have two dewalt die grinders used for porting and general fab work.
I have used the hell out of them for years with no troubles

Bob

I also have the DeWalt die grinder and it has performed well for me. Variable speed would be a nice addition though.

 

[redmondjp]

You can buy a variable-speed footpedal control that will work with any power tool utilizing an AC universal motor (one that has brushes). So you would just lock the trigger in the 'on' position and use the foot control for speed. They also make units with a rotary dial if you prefer that.

 

[Monte]

 

[tarbellb]

I was in the same boat, I do mostly detailed metal work/fab. I found that air and non-variable speed grinders did not give me the control I was looking for. Again, mostly cleaning up welds, rounding corners, enlarging holes, etc...

Definitely go with variable speed, otherwise you will find yourself fighting the grinder nearly every time.

I like a smaller body, plus I dont need to run 2"+ diameter bits, so I ended up buying a used Matebo off Ebay- GE710 plus model. Its excellent, solid feel, plenty of power, soft start. <$100 (granted I was looking for a few months).

Personally, I would do it again, used Metabo, or a new Makita.

Metabo 710+


post posting: ha, Monte linked a vid to this exact model review. Now I know I did OK.

 

[87quest]

I have a single speed makita. It's nice but agree on wanting a way to vary the speed.

quest

 

[metaldad]

i have a pair for sale in the classified section

 

[Sh40674]

^^^^ i was just gonna link that

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=340050

 

[BikerDad]

Well, I've narrowed it down to the Metabo GE710 Plus and the Makita GD800C or GD801C. 'Tis kinda a toss up between the purported Metabo build quality and the Makita's superior speed range.

 

[Z2V]

Metabo gets my vote

 

[tarbellb]

Of the Makitas, Id go with the GD800C. Its made in Japan vs the USA 801C.

Still, the Metabo trumps both.

 

[Monte]

-Metabo has a spindle lock which is very convenient since you only need one wrench.

-In lowest speed settings these tools are almost useless because the torque is down close to zero. For low speeds i would choose a low speed grinder like the Metabo GE 950 for example. Carbide burrs and especially mounted points need high speeds to operate optimal.

 

[dr_clyde]

It's worth noting that I use my lower speed metabo for much more than with burrs. In fact, I rarely use burrs with it. Mostly sanding drums, deburring wheels, scotchbrite finishing pads and metal finishing tools for stainless.

That said, it does work fine with a burr. Not as optimal as a regular high speed spindle, but still very adequately.

 

[skruft]

I had two old Craftsman with variable speed that failed in very light use. I have an old Milwaukee that is single speed and runs fine. I agree that a reliable variable speed would be best.

 

[Git]

Another vote for the Foredom

With the foot control, you can really do some precise work and it comes in very handy for other things - like woodworking, polishing, etc

Take a look at all the bits and burs you can use with it

http://www.foredom.net/accessories.aspx

 

[BikerDad]

So, I went with the Metabo, just ordered one from Acme, 10% off, got it for $225. Which, IIRC, is in the top 2 of what I've ever spent for a single handheld power tool.

Now I've got to get me some burrs and such for it.... seems like a fine topic for another thread.

I'll try to remember to post some pics of the beastie when it gets here....