Im looking at die grinders and ive pretty much narrowed my search to the IR 5102MAX and the Astro 204 ONYX. Ive looked through about every thread here on the topic and it seems like almost every brand has some very mixed opinions aside from dotco and such which are way out of my price range. I have yet to see a bad review about the astro that wasnt just dead on arrival and people seem to favor made in taiwan over china. That and being almost a third the price makes astro where im leaning towards. Opinions on both?
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IR vs Astro die grinders
- Thread starter joman767
- Start date
Stooge
Well-known member
I've been moving my air tools, and especially recently my die grinders from IR and replacing them with Chicago Pneumatics. I think I went through atleast 3 IR die grinders of varying tiers/ price points in about 2yrs of moderate use. I've had my current straight CP die grinder for a yr now and hasn't had any hiccups yet. I also have a 90* CP die grinder and their 2" 90* orbital air sander, and am happy with all of them. I don't have any experience with Astro air tools, but from people on here with them, they sound like a safe bet especially for their price point.
if you are willing to spend up to the price of the IR 5102, I would also look at St Louis Pneumatics for US made grinders as they have some in the mid $100 area.
if you are willing to spend up to the price of the IR 5102, I would also look at St Louis Pneumatics for US made grinders as they have some in the mid $100 area.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
I have an IR at home, and it's worked well enough. At my old job we had some Chicago Pneumatic pencil die grinders, and they were pretty nice as well.
I have a few older astro tools that are okay. Nothing special.
I have a few older astro tools that are okay. Nothing special.
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
The best made air tools come out of Japan, at least that what I have been told a number of times by guys who should know.
stillnostrebor
Well-known member
I've been pounding on an Astro Onyx right angle die grinder for over a year now, and it just comes back for more. I am very happy with it for the bucks spent.
cvairwerks
Well-known member
The dotco’s I had at work were bought in the early 60’s. I passed them on to another guy when I left production in 1994. Saw one of them about 6 months ago out in the area I work now.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
OP, are you using air tool oil?
vanapplebomb
Well-known member
...And greasing gears?
With oil in the motor and grease for the gears, the die grinders should live a long life. Not a lot to go wrong with them, really.
With oil in the motor and grease for the gears, the die grinders should live a long life. Not a lot to go wrong with them, really.
Kc Dickey
Member
I have both IR and Astro air tools, both at work and at home. The IR tools are nice, but I think they can be slightly underpowered. And the Astro tools seem to have more power but I notice more of a vibration, almost like they aren't balanced and wobble when using grinding wheels.
I have started making the switch to Sunex air tools and have few complaints so far. It seems to have plenty of power and less vibration than the others.
I have started making the switch to Sunex air tools and have few complaints so far. It seems to have plenty of power and less vibration than the others.
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
There isn't that big of a difference between the cheap and expensive die grinders when it comes to reliability. The main differences as you go up in price are power, construction, and noise level.
I have those made in Taiwan Mac tools mini die grinders and they work just fine. They are by no means the most powerful or refined die grinders out there, but they haven't died on in 2 years of use. IIRC, Astro has their own rebranded version of those.
I have those made in Taiwan Mac tools mini die grinders and they work just fine. They are by no means the most powerful or refined die grinders out there, but they haven't died on in 2 years of use. IIRC, Astro has their own rebranded version of those.
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Dotco and Dynabrade are very nice tools but a lot of money. I would suggest Astro Onyx over IR's cheapy stuff. The Astro has good power choices and is real quiet and smooth.
rustbucket5
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2015
- Messages
- 252
i have the onyx ones, i really like them. but i havent used the snot out of them so i dont know long term reliability
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Sioux 1954HP. The die grinder all other die grinders are measured against.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
I have lots of IR, and astro air tools. IR straight die grinders/drill/impacts and Astro straight die grinders/drills.
The lowest line of IR (edge?) is underwhelming; seems like poor value for money. I'll always stand behind my IR impacts though. Tough and reliable, easy to get serviced/parts if need be. My IR die grinder has done well over the last few years, it was $55? My astro die grinders run and track smoothly: I have a 1/2hp I use with a cutoff wheel (safety 3rd) and a pencil die grinder in 1/8 for precision carbide burr stuff.
With the quality of the 1/2hp astro, I would likely buy another astro product to replace the IR if it died tomorrow. I have a 1/2hp CP which I feel isn't better than the 1/2 priced astro. It's is like 15% smaller than the astro though, and a bit lighter as a result. The collet on that CP is bulky though. I see the IR diegrinder as no more refined or special, and it costs more. My astro advertises Japanese bearings, the IR are made....? I may be biased, but something about "made in japan" makes me feel as though it's unlikely to be of poor quality. I'm 29, it's probably relative based on age.
I feel like a shill talking about astro, they've been very good to me. Stuff seems well made, I certainly use the hell out of it at work. It's not the cheapest, but it is plenty within the budget of most anyone. But yet it's made well, and it works as described, and they have a forum presence here which is gotta be worth something. In general there's an air of "giving a ****" about the product which is surprising given the low cost of most of their stuff. 1 exception, the mini grease gun for air tools. Every one I've ever used ***** *** and is a pain to use, the astro was no exception, so it went back to amazon for my $7 refund.
The lowest line of IR (edge?) is underwhelming; seems like poor value for money. I'll always stand behind my IR impacts though. Tough and reliable, easy to get serviced/parts if need be. My IR die grinder has done well over the last few years, it was $55? My astro die grinders run and track smoothly: I have a 1/2hp I use with a cutoff wheel (safety 3rd) and a pencil die grinder in 1/8 for precision carbide burr stuff.
With the quality of the 1/2hp astro, I would likely buy another astro product to replace the IR if it died tomorrow. I have a 1/2hp CP which I feel isn't better than the 1/2 priced astro. It's is like 15% smaller than the astro though, and a bit lighter as a result. The collet on that CP is bulky though. I see the IR diegrinder as no more refined or special, and it costs more. My astro advertises Japanese bearings, the IR are made....? I may be biased, but something about "made in japan" makes me feel as though it's unlikely to be of poor quality. I'm 29, it's probably relative based on age.
I feel like a shill talking about astro, they've been very good to me. Stuff seems well made, I certainly use the hell out of it at work. It's not the cheapest, but it is plenty within the budget of most anyone. But yet it's made well, and it works as described, and they have a forum presence here which is gotta be worth something. In general there's an air of "giving a ****" about the product which is surprising given the low cost of most of their stuff. 1 exception, the mini grease gun for air tools. Every one I've ever used ***** *** and is a pain to use, the astro was no exception, so it went back to amazon for my $7 refund.
Last edited:
wga
Member
I have an inline IR and (2) CP right angle. Use the CP's frequently, no issues for 15 years or so of use. IR no issues either. Regarding Astro, great product too, I have their sanders, and no problems. Astro always has a great display of products at SEMA, with a knowledgeable crew.
rcjoy
Well-known member
Neither IR nor Astro.
Try the Chicago Pneumatic CP3000-325R straight die grinder, and the CP3030-325R right angle die grinder for general use. A little pricey, though, but wait for a 25% discount at Zoro.com.
The nice thing about this right angle model is it is gearless, so no gear to lube. Of course you still need air tool oil.
Both are amazingly quiet and smooth.
Try the Chicago Pneumatic CP3000-325R straight die grinder, and the CP3030-325R right angle die grinder for general use. A little pricey, though, but wait for a 25% discount at Zoro.com.
The nice thing about this right angle model is it is gearless, so no gear to lube. Of course you still need air tool oil.
Both are amazingly quiet and smooth.
cvairwerks
Well-known member
For Dotco stuff, watch evilbay for the older, grey bodied or unpainted units.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/DOTCO-10L1...049477&hash=item262e294aa4:g:NpMAAOSwJ5Bd8DB0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/DOTCO-10L2...771274?hash=item444e33750a:g:oyQAAOSwHnpd7uid
https://www.ebay.com/itm/DOTCO-10L1...049477&hash=item262e294aa4:g:NpMAAOSwJ5Bd8DB0
https://www.ebay.com/itm/DOTCO-10L2...771274?hash=item444e33750a:g:oyQAAOSwHnpd7uid