Help Set up Angle Grinder Tool Kit Box

[oldschoolcraft]

I bought my first angle grinder this week based on recommendations from the forum. A Metabo 8.5 amp 10.5k RPM model.

I'm a hobbyist that enjoys good tools and I found a good deal on one for about 65 bucks out of pocket like new at a local pawn shop. I know at 8.5 amps it a bit underpowered but if I ever get heavy into metal working, I'll buy a second one with more juice and keep them pre-fit with different attachments.

It only came with the one grinding wheel and I know there's a lot of attachments. Cutting disks, flap disk sander, cup wire wheel, etc.

I don't have any metal working projects in mind right now, but I want to put together a nice kit and when I have some free time, practice on some scrap metal and then already have the kit set up in case a real job comes up.

The only thing that's come up in the last year that I could have used an angle grinder for is my aunt's garage door had an aftermarket bolt added as a repair that sticks out and wasn't cut down properly. Sticks out about 3/4" more than it needs to and I didn't want to spend 10 minutes cutting it with a hacksaw so I left it. I'd bet the grinding wheel could get that down in a few seconds. Although it would mess up the threads. Maybe just aggressively using a socket to take off and re-attach the nut would fix up/re-tap the threads on the grinded end.

Also looking for protective equipment to pack in the kit. I don't own a face shield yet but it sounds like I should get one, in addition to regular eye pro, in case a cutting disk breaks. And gloves, I don't have any good "metal working" gloves. Maybe an apron? All stuff most of you probably have already for other things, but none of my existing hobbyist work required heavy duty gloves, apron or faceshield.

 

[sk farmer]

i could not imagine having only one angle grinder. i have about 5 4.5 inch. 2 5 inch and a 7/9 inch grinder. all set up slightly different.

i would start with a wire cup brush, a couple thin cut off wheels (straight are ok but recessed are more handy) and a couple flap wheels. you should be able to source most of that for 20- 30 bucks. eye protection is a must and a shield adds another level of protection. i wouldn't worry about 8.5 amps. any old tool box should work to set up a kit. mine all live in a recycled cabinet under my welding table.

 

[The Cobbler]

flap discs, cut off discs, grinding discs. face shield, goggles. did it come with the spanner wrench to change wheels?

 

[Stephenw]

I recently picked up a Metabo grinder with variable speed.

https://amzn.to/301pHId

I highly recommend the variable speed option. It is super useful for things like wire brushes and rapid strip discs.

You need a full face shield, dust mask, and hearing protection to go with the grinder.

Get some wire brushes, knotted cup and stinger. Also an assortment of flap discs. A rapid strip disk is amazing for removing rust, paint, and mill scale. Standard hard grinding discs should be on hand, but I don't like to use them. Cutoff discs are sometimes handy. I don't like them either and use them as a last resort. I have a steel cutoff disc with a diamond bonded edge that works well.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

flap discs, cut off discs, grinding discs. face shield, goggles. did it come with the spanner wrench to change wheels?

I don't think it needs a spanner wrench, I was able to take the grinding wheel off by pushing a button and turning a nut off by hand.

As far as the other stuff, any recommendations on brands or types? Maybe there's different grit counts or something to consider because I'm a totally noob with this!

 

[Zewnten]

You'll want a wrench/spanner when you stall out the cutting/grinding disk or wire wheel.

 

[tarbellb]

All grinder kits should include:

Assortment of resin fiber disc (40/80/120grit) + the backing pad (HF is a good cheap opt)

Cutting disc- .045" thick flat style, do not bother with anything thicker.

Wire brushes- 2" or 3" cupped + 4.5" wire wheel

Standard stone disc- used rarely but effective for heavy material removal

(Flap disc are a ok alternative to resin fiber disc, just more $)

Protection:
Hoods are recommended, I usually only use with heavy material removal and wire wheels.

Respirator, for obvious reasons. 3M 6200 series is excellent

Leather gloves and/or nylon + nitrile gloves

Using your hands to tighten loosen is common, no need for the tool typically.

Brands to look for:
Pferd, Weiler, United Abrasives, Norton, Diablo, Metabo, Walter, SAIT, 3m, Mirka

Avoid cheap consumables, they not only have shorter life but more prone to failing.

 

[MFolks]

Any good welding supply place should be the best source for supplies.

 

[ZRX61]

Two more grinders

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Two more grinders

Haha yeah! But as a hobbyist I made it this long in my life without ever owning or using one. So let's see how much use this one gets first

I figure since it's not going to a tool I use a crazy amount, having a second one pre-set up with a different disc isn't going to save me much time. But if I wind up getting into more metal work I will definitely consider it!! LOL

 

[driz]

You can get by with one just don’t use the wrench to tighten and change disks. A gloved hand Is fine on and off and so much faster than chasing the wrench. Especially if you have a couple and they’re different brands. Personally I only buy trigger switches anymore. They seem better suited to intermittent work to me, more handy and intuitive than slides for dressing welds and cleaning weld spatter.
I find the best way to ruin gloves is use the leather front with cotton back grinding. No mechanics gloves either . They fray even worse. The hot pieces of flying steel start them fraying then it goes from there. Any kind of leather glove is fine as long as it’s all leather. Shirts, no Turtle Fir allowed for the same reason as the gloves. Long sleeves keep the cuts and burns to a minimum.
Grab at least a few pair of cheap shop safety goggles and a couple pairs of hearing protectors. I have them hanging all over the shop so I can toss them on and off. I use cheap HF headphones with 2” of foam rubber stuffed into the hollow center under the inner liner. Much quieter and they can be worn with the hoop BEHIND your head unlike most of the nice ones. That lets you wear a face shield which is what you really need as it protects your face and neck as long as you keep your head down.
About all you need is a couple 4.5” grinding disks , a pack of 4.5 cut off wheels, a cup brush and a 4.5x1” stainless brush. Flap disks are nice on occasion and just one will last a fair while unless you lean on it constantly. All my disks and cut offs are HF and work fine, always have. I’m not a fan of their wire wheels as they shed needles horribly. Forney is a good mid priced alternative for wire wheels.
That’s about all I have ever used to fab and fix for many years. My 3 grinders and wheels , brushes fit fine on the bottom of a HF rollaround cart with ease. No special considerations needed.



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[Jazz1]

Hearing protection and keep the guard on grinder

 

[nimrag]

I used to keep a bunch of cut off discs in my bag. I discovered metal cut off wheels that are diamond tipped. They last awhile, a lot longer than normal cut off discs. Diablo brand is the one I like the best. It cuts smooth and doesn’t jump around.

Face shield and don’t remove the guard on the grinder. Do a internet search for angle grinder injuries. Don’t use cut off wheels for grinding, the discs will explode.

I wear a light duty miller welding shirt for welding and grinding. It holds up well and offers good protection. Ear protection, mask and leather gloves.

 

[Outlander]

As much as I hate them, a face shield. I keep my reading glasses on and pop the shield on. It is close by so I have zero excuse....

 

[PelicanPines]

I have an angle grinder cart. Includes a vise on top... drawer of required tools to maintain the grinders... supply of assorted discs... a dedicated drawer to everything dremel.

I also have a die grinder cabinet and a polisher bag and bin of sponges etc...

Safety equipment is centrally stored in a separate cart.

 

[cmandp]

Everyone has covered what you need well.

I think the most important part is the face shield. You need to always wear the face shield with safety glasses under it. A dust mask even just the disposable ones are good to wear especially if you are doing a lot of grinding or grinding in an area that doesn't have much ventilation.

 

[BD1]

Definitely a face shield. A basic grinding disc is great for rough grinding, like taking the high spot of a welder off. After that, a flapper disc does a much nicer smoother job. As mentioned, thin cutting wheels are to be used on edge only. Try not to flex OR twist. AND never use as a grinding wheel to take a edge off buy using it flat. Only use the edge !!! They will explode and may cause bodily harm.
As for cutting that bolt off, screw on a nut and cut along nut. When done remove but and ur will clean up the threads.
A variable speed grinder is awesome with wire wheels and brushes. It will increase their life and will help keep wires in place.
A Leather apron is definitely helpful.
I love METABO'S, my first one is a 1979 and still going. It's nice but today's are much more superior . Their 5" one and larger are real metal eating tools. Play safe !


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[matt_i]

Uvex Bionic faceshield tops all others I've worn.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I usually keep at least 5 cutting wheels, 3 or 4 regular grinding disks, 5 flap disks, and a few cup and flat wire brushes on hand. I usually use Dewalt, Norton, Napa or 3M. I never use super cheap consumables. I don't see a need for safety gear, If your afraid of a grinder I guess you could grab a pair of glasses and some gloves. On a side note, I saw several people recommend respirators, why? Why is everyone preaching the necessity of respirators all of a sudden? I have worked with grinders and sanders, worked in body shops, painted cars outside, the only time I've ever used a respirator is in a paint booth. After doing so my whole adult life I'm fine, no lung cancer, no disabilities.

 

[ScottsGT]

I cannot say enough good things about Benchmark Abrasives for flap discs, cutting wheels, etc. They ran a special here on GJ a while back for sample packs. I’m a customer for life after trying their products out.

 

[driz]

I usually keep at least 5 cutting wheels, 3 or 4 regular grinding disks, 5 flap disks, and a few cup and flat wire brushes on hand. I usually use Dewalt, Norton, Napa or 3M. I never use super cheap consumables. I don't see a need for safety gear, If your afraid of a grinder I guess you could grab a pair of glasses and some gloves. On a side note, I saw several people recommend respirators, why? Why is everyone preaching the necessity of respirators all of a sudden? I have worked with grinders and sanders, worked in body shops, painted cars outside, the only time I've ever used a respirator is in a paint booth. After doing so my whole adult life I'm fine, no lung cancer, no disabilities.

I don’t wear one with mine either. Then again I have huge ventilation or am outdoors. The same goes for welding. If I was inside welding long duration id wear one



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[ScottsGT]

I wear a dust mask because of the grinder disc material and metal particle boogers I hate so much. After a long hard days work, nothing like a hot shower and clearing out the sinuses.

 

[Dozerhand]

Well ill show off the angle grinder box I built about 30 years ago. Made out of cedar closet liner and plywood i wanted a box that would hold all the accessorys and could be flat,on its side,or upside down and not let anything out of place. This grinder was my first Milwaukee tool and it made a believer out of me. Its been used and abused in a home,farm and industrial environment and still works. Its old enough it doesn't have a spindle lock. No safety equipment in there but when I grab the box I should have anything I might need.

 

[Onefastgsx]

I've always kept a very large supply af attachments for my grinders on hand. I use them a ton and purchase new discs and wheels almost every time I walk past them in a store.
At any given time I have on hand 3-4 grits of flap wheels, coarse and fine wire cup brushes, wire wheels, straight and offset cutting wheels, 2 different thicknesses of grinding wheels, and 3M sanding discs with backing pads.
I do a ton of metal work, so its important I keep a good selection. What you'll need will depend on upcoming projects, but at the very least I would get a wire cup brush, a couple grinding wheels and cutting wheels, and a flap disc or 2.

 

[driz]

I've always kept a very large supply af attachments for my grinders on hand. I use them a ton and purchase new discs and wheels almost every time I walk past them in a store.

At any given time I have on hand 3-4 grits of flap wheels, coarse and fine wire cup brushes, wire wheels, straight and offset cutting wheels, 2 different thicknesses of grinding wheels, and 3M sanding discs with backing pads.

I do a ton of metal work, so its important I keep a good selection. What you'll need will depend on upcoming projects, but at the very least I would get a wire cup brush, a couple grinding wheels and cutting wheels, and a flap disc or 2.

That beat up red cup Fisk is a [emoji2955]HF cup wheel correct? I credit that particular disk for teaching me to forget the wrenches and just use my gloved hand[emoji2959]. Lots of swearing trying to get a wrench onto that nut once the thin steel casing caves down in like that.


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[seber]

I've tried an awful lot of different brand cutoff wheels over the years. Definitely do not try cheap ones. They go away in seconds. The best I've used are Walter. You can get a pack of twenty pretty cheap if you do some searching. Metabo grinders in my shop never need a wrench. All others will, at least on occasion. Unless your grinder is variable speed, I wouldn't use a wire brush. There are other ways to remove rust with less hazard. For starters you could probably get away with a tool carry box like power tools used to be sold in. Today you have to go to HF and buy one of their Apache cases. I have a dedicated drawer under my bench grinder bench.

 

[Buickspec6231]

Another vote for face shield AND safety glasses. I've had a trip or two to the doctor's office to have a metal flake removed from my eye. I always wore safety glasses, but it wasn't enough and now always use double protection. Hearing protection is also a must. I'm just a hobbyist too. Poop happens and it only takes once.

 

[PelicanPines]

I will add wearing a respirator if you grind galvanized or other metal that off gasses.

 

[Farmall450]

Well ill show off the angle grinder box I built about 30 years ago. Made out of cedar closet liner and plywood i wanted a box that would hold all the accessorys and could be flat,on its side,or upside down and not let anything out of place. This grinder was my first Milwaukee tool and it made a believer out of me. Its been used and abused in a home,farm and industrial environment and still works. Its old enough it doesn't have a spindle lock. No safety equipment in there but when I grab the box I should have anything I might need.

Nicely done.

 

[driz]

Unless your grinder is variable speed, I wouldn't use a wire brush. .

Personal choice but I certainly wouldn’t go that far. I simply don’t see the need and it just drives up the cost while adding more to break.
Same goes with putting them in dedicated boxes. I don’t even keep the ones they come with, too clumsy . My go tos get the cord wrapped around the body and set on the bottom of the cart to just grab as needed. The only real attention they get is some hi pressure air through the innards occasionally.
Just different strokes .......different folks.


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[mcbane]

+1 on the face shield. I had a cutoff disk explode and was only wearing safety glasses. For maximum hygiene, the metal fragments that lodged in my eye were bits of a cast iron sewer pipe. Not pleasant getting them removed.


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[ChevyEFI]

I'm not going to add a ton here.

But I lightly used an orange HF corded 4.5 angle grinder and the original disc lasted me years.

When I had to replace it, I bought some quality wheels that were basically the same thing, but they went through metal at least twice as fast. They also wore down quickly too. So if you don't wanna screw around, do a little research or testing on right abrasive for the job / one size doesn't fit all, even when they're the same size.

Also, other high-rpm jobs might be able to be done with an angle grinder. I posted a while, looking for an adapter for a 3M Ro-loc mandrel, so I could get some bodywork stripped using the nylon bristly wheels. I picked up on a small number of alternate tools, and adapters.