Foredom- Can I use it for....

[tarbellb]

I do a lot of steel fabrication, mostly MIG welding tube frames.

Im looking for a good tool to grind out welds in tight spaces. I do not have a large enough compressor to run a die grinder.

So, whats the best option?:

1) a electric 1"/1.5"/2" die grinder (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004RHIT/?tag=atomicindus08-20)

2) Foredom or Dumore flex shaft grinder (http://www.foredom.net/tx-txr.aspx)

3) ?

There seems to be pretty good deals for a Foredom or Dumore flex shaft grinder, but not sure if they are strong enough for hogging out 1/4" welds and such? Any experience doing something like this with the
1/6hp or 1/4hp models?

Thanks

 

[bsg]

The Foredom would not last grinding welds.......the Foredom is to light duty for what you need.
I use mine for deburring machined parts.
These are more like Dental tools than heavy grinders.

I'm sure any of the electric die grinders will work with the right carbide burr, the more HP the better.

Kevin

 

[ttpete]

That DeWalt you show is rather large. I have one, and most of the time it has a 3" cut off wheel on it. With a carbide bur, it'll probably do anything you need to do. You'll likely never stall it.

 

[metalhead140]

I love my Makita electric die grinder for that kind of work, looks similar to the dewalt pictured. I too bought it because my compressor wasn't up to the task of running an air die grinder.

 

[tarbellb]

Thanks for the replies, this reaffirms my suspicions that the shaft grinders arent up to the task of heavy grinding.

I checked the amps of a 2" electric die grinder to the flex shaft grinders.
3-6 amps typically vs <1 amp.


Looks like I will just invest in a die grinder. I was just thinking they looked rather large for what I want?

Any suggestions on who makes a quality unit?