Looking to find a good 4.5 or 5 angle grinder. Needs to be able to handle long times of cutting and work in a very dusty environment. I’ve been looking at the Milwaukee 6117-33D, but I only think I need all the features. I’m just looking for a nice long lasting tool. Does anyone have much experience with Milwaukee’s brushless grinders and there run times.
Looking for a Good Angle Grinder
- Thread starter hudd1256
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Shanewinters156
Member
I can't speak for the new brushless ones but I've been using the older (6146 I think ) 11amp one . Pretty hard for 6 years or so and it's never given me trouble . I use to burn up the b&d and Craftsman grinder pretty quick . IMHO Milwaukee one of the top for corded power tools . Dunno yet about their cordless stuff.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I prefer the Bosch grinder with the left side thumb switch.
I have a couple of their -fuel brushless grinders. They're amazing. I fabricate on a daily basis and I use my fuel grinders for an hour or more a day for going on 2 years now.
If you do go cordless, save yourself the trouble and only buy the fuel brushless. The older ones runtime is soooo bad its not worth it. The brushless one has great runtime. About 45min to an hour of work on a single 9.0 battery. I recommend using the 9.0s for this
If you do go cordless, save yourself the trouble and only buy the fuel brushless. The older ones runtime is soooo bad its not worth it. The brushless one has great runtime. About 45min to an hour of work on a single 9.0 battery. I recommend using the 9.0s for this
finn
Well-known member
I have a HF, Skill long tail, Makita, Milwaukee, Metabo Bosch, and an older 7” Craftsman.
My favorite was an older Skill that I dropped and can no longer get parts for.
The 7” Craftsman has so much torque that it scares me a little, so it’s rarely used.
The HF is a rough running piece of ****, and the long tail Skill, that I bought in a pinch, is clumsy.
Of the rest, I prefer the Makita or Bosch.
The Metabo is overrated, and the Milwaukee is Meh, compared to the Bosch or Makita.
My favorite was an older Skill that I dropped and can no longer get parts for.
The 7” Craftsman has so much torque that it scares me a little, so it’s rarely used.
The HF is a rough running piece of ****, and the long tail Skill, that I bought in a pinch, is clumsy.
Of the rest, I prefer the Makita or Bosch.
The Metabo is overrated, and the Milwaukee is Meh, compared to the Bosch or Makita.
Eric29
Well-known member
I have a Metabo. I use it for hours and it never heats up or loses power.
mickeyone
Well-known member
Have Makita,Dewalt,Milwaukee,Bosch{stolen} and large 6inch Hilti The 4 inch grinders are all about the same,I just keep differnt wheels and brushes on them for convience.The main difference is type of on off control.
I would think you might want a couple of grinders? I don't have a ton of experience grinding/cutting, but know that I use a lot of different attachments for my grinder. Cutting and grinding I would want high rpm and a lot of torque, but when using knotted cup brushes or wheels gets a little hairy at times, and I have often thought I wouldn't want a grinder with much more power then my cheap little PC has.
I honestly think it would come down to ergonomics and button type/placement. If you need it to be really mobile, then go cordless. If not, then you will save a bunch by going corded.
I honestly think it would come down to ergonomics and button type/placement. If you need it to be really mobile, then go cordless. If not, then you will save a bunch by going corded.
seber
Well-known member
I have Metabo slow start and regular, Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita, and have burned up Dewalt and porter Cable. These are all corded. The Porter Cable was used when I got it so I can't comment too much on that. The Dewalt was junk. The Milwaukee has a weak switch. The Makita is just weak. The Metabos are fantastic. I can run them for hours and never worry about them getting hot.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
I have a Hitachi G12VE, it's a corded, brushless, adjustable speed model. I like how it's a smaller diameter than traditional models so it's easier for me to wrap my hand around. The only thing I'm 'eehhh' on is the wheel guard is kind of chintzy how it mounts, they could have done a lot better job.
I was looking for a Milwaukee but just came across a super deal with the Hitachi I couldn't pass it up and I've been very pleased with it's performance.
I was looking for a Milwaukee but just came across a super deal with the Hitachi I couldn't pass it up and I've been very pleased with it's performance.
I am looking for something with ergonomics that’s why the grinder I had listed has a lock on thumb switch that’s what I prefer. I would love to have the fuel grinder and that is the only cordless grinder I would buy, my dad has two newer none brushless cordless grinders an they both ****, in my opinion. But I won’t buy a brushless unless it’s a bre tool I’m trying to keep on a budget of under $100.
Also I have no need for a second grinder, I work at an implement dealer and have always used die grinders and DA sanders an they have always worked for me. Unfortunately I have been assigned the task of doing some 40 recalls on combines that requires some cutting and drilling. My die grinders fit but they are a pain so the last one I did I used a friends 4” Mikita with a cut off wheel in it made the job so mush faster.
Also I have no need for a second grinder, I work at an implement dealer and have always used die grinders and DA sanders an they have always worked for me. Unfortunately I have been assigned the task of doing some 40 recalls on combines that requires some cutting and drilling. My die grinders fit but they are a pain so the last one I did I used a friends 4” Mikita with a cut off wheel in it made the job so mush faster.
What kind of dust ?
I bought HF angle grinder for $10 last week for one specific purpose and that was to cut concrete block with a carbide diamond masonry blade. I didn't want to use one of my good grinders to live in all that dust like I have before. When it dies, I'll buy another.
I bought HF angle grinder for $10 last week for one specific purpose and that was to cut concrete block with a carbide diamond masonry blade. I didn't want to use one of my good grinders to live in all that dust like I have before. When it dies, I'll buy another.
It’s not that I’m trying to get a cheap one at a cheap price I want a good one at a good price and that will last me a long time. An to answer your question bean and crop dust. Not as harmful as concrete dust but after examining my shops last two angle grinders (Cman, HF). I’m all but certain that’s what killed the Cman. An they were both cheap and would both shake your teeth out.
Bretny
Well-known member
Get more of a rat tail grinder(smaller tail handle) and you dont need the variable speed.
I got this one a few months ago and am happy with it. Its also half the price of the one you listed.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...for_pickup_3129958-_-product_desc__W925048009
I got this one a few months ago and am happy with it. Its also half the price of the one you listed.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...for_pickup_3129958-_-product_desc__W925048009
Look up the fuel on Ebay, that'll be the best price unless you find some crazy promo somewhere else. I bought mine so I could have a grinder to use away from an outlet, or for tiny jobs, but it's so good that I use it as my primary grinder. I haven't used a corded grinder in like 6 months. It's great. So convenient to just grab it and go to work. You def will not be disappointed with the fuel.
I'm getting the new 7"/9" grinder soon too, can't wait to try that beast out
That’s what I hear but do you use it with the 9.0 amp hour battery or the 5.0. An I like that rat tail grinder from Home Depot and well with in budget. I did look at the hitachi brushless 4.5 and I would like to try that but I can’t find a cheap one on eBay. I found a good deal on a refurbished Bosch that has a good resemblance to the Milwaukee 6117-33. I think the Bosch is a GWS13-50.
oldwino
ALLIANCE MEMBER
times 2 on the old Skil grinders...have one of the grey colored ones with the paddle switch. of my four grinders this is the one I would miss if it ever took a dump
I tend to use mine with a 9.0, it gives it a little more power and makes it so that I dont even have to think about runtime. With two 9.0s I can grind for 8 hours straight with very little downtime.
It's still plenty powerful with a 5.0 and solid runtime, about 20 minutes or so, more if doing light stuff. With a couple 5.0s you can go for a while.
It's a fantastic tool, very comfortable to use.
I have a Bosch Slim, a DeWalt, a 5" Fein (low speed model for stainless steel) and a Makita 4". I love the Fein, it's far and away the smoothest, and the Makita has been good in light usage. Probably used the DeWalt the most, and it's been acceptable. I dunno if it's just my individual unit, or the model in general, but mine almost caused me to give up on Bosch tools all together.
If I get another, it'll be Metabo if corded, or Milwaukee Fuel if cordless
If I get another, it'll be Metabo if corded, or Milwaukee Fuel if cordless
I have two of these $10 HF contraptions. The first one has been used to repoint brick, cut stone and concrete and cut loads of steel. I'm trying to kill it just for the satisfaction of throwing it in the garbage can but IT WON'T DIE.
AngryBeaver
Well-known member
I have a ton of grinders working in a fab shop..
couple 4.5 older dewilts. work ok... not the smoothest but they keep choochin'
a Bosch 7" that is very smooth. heavy as heck for running long periods.
two Milwaukee 5" corded. very good grinders. not as smooth as the bosch, but plenty of power. these were my go to for heavy work until I got a metabo.
the metabo 5" is FREAKING awesome. so very smooth, tons of power. actually a joy to use.
I also have two M18 fuel grinders. they are awesome for cordless and will run about 45 minutes on a 9.0. they have a removable screen over the air inlet to help with debris and dust. I mainly use these on my service truck when power is not available.
I love that metabo.... they are pricey, but well worth it.
couple 4.5 older dewilts. work ok... not the smoothest but they keep choochin'
a Bosch 7" that is very smooth. heavy as heck for running long periods.
two Milwaukee 5" corded. very good grinders. not as smooth as the bosch, but plenty of power. these were my go to for heavy work until I got a metabo.
the metabo 5" is FREAKING awesome. so very smooth, tons of power. actually a joy to use.
I also have two M18 fuel grinders. they are awesome for cordless and will run about 45 minutes on a 9.0. they have a removable screen over the air inlet to help with debris and dust. I mainly use these on my service truck when power is not available.
I love that metabo.... they are pricey, but well worth it.
I can't kill one of the $10 grinders. I've used one of them HARD. Still going. If it died the next time I picked it up it wouldn't owe me anything but I suspect it'll keep going for a long time.
I like Makita grinders, but you will most likely have good luck with any brand in the 4 1/2”-5” sizes.
I replaced my 7” Milwaukee last week with a Makita. The cheap “push on” connectors for the field windings overheat over time and melt the plastic housing. This problem is probably not restricted to Milwaukee and is possibly only a problem on higher (13-15) amp tools.
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I replaced my 7” Milwaukee last week with a Makita. The cheap “push on” connectors for the field windings overheat over time and melt the plastic housing. This problem is probably not restricted to Milwaukee and is possibly only a problem on higher (13-15) amp tools.
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ez-duzit
Well-known member
The early Milwaukee is the best of those I've used.
I have two makita grinders and one craftsman industrial, I used to have the craftsman and two harbor freight grinders they both died and I replaced them with the makita ones, I like them a lot. I have a newer one and a old one i like the older one even better yet.
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Ive ran a newer Milwaukee 4.5" grinder, several actually in a production environment recently= they ****.
Loud, unbalanced (was running high quality abrasives), ergonomics arent great, ended up burning up 1 of 2 in a week.
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Grinder break down goes like this:
Less the $20- HF all day, cant complain at that price
Under a $100- Makita, maybe Bosch
Over $100- Metabo (German made ones only) are built to last OR if comfort and finesse are important the Corded Brushless Hitachi G12VE is really nice to work with.
Home Depot actually has a really nice looking Bosch German made Variable Speed grinder on the shelves for $129..... but its non-lock paddle only.
Link to my review / maintenance of a few grinders I run.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=381564
Loud, unbalanced (was running high quality abrasives), ergonomics arent great, ended up burning up 1 of 2 in a week.
-----
Grinder break down goes like this:
Less the $20- HF all day, cant complain at that price
Under a $100- Makita, maybe Bosch
Over $100- Metabo (German made ones only) are built to last OR if comfort and finesse are important the Corded Brushless Hitachi G12VE is really nice to work with.
Home Depot actually has a really nice looking Bosch German made Variable Speed grinder on the shelves for $129..... but its non-lock paddle only.
Link to my review / maintenance of a few grinders I run.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=381564
Bretny
Well-known member
I killed one in less than one flap disc.. they also have next to no power.
PurpleZj
Well-known member
I have a HF model with the paddle switch that I have abused for years and it still begs for more. I’m planning on picking up a second one so I don’t have to waste time switching back and forth from cutting disc to flap wheel all the time
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WittHay
Well-known member
I think it depends where you are cutting on the combine. Ground level, close to the shop get a corded grinder with a small barrel like the Hitachi brushless. Out in the yard, climbing up on the machine get a Milwaukee Fuel. i use a 6.0 battery, better balance than a 9.0 for out of position or one handed cutting.
Regarding crop dust, we usually blow off the machine and even hose them down a bit before using a cutting torch or grinder. Grinder sparks are not as bad as welding sparks, but fires still start.
For more grinding rather than cutting, I like the 5" corded rat tails. Never have owned a full featured Metabo/Walter type small grinder. Just relied on the cheaper Makita
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matt_i
Well-known member
I have used the corded 4-1/2" Milwaukee for many projects metal + stone + concrete + wire brushing, have a load of stuff that can be put on the end of it.
I have the Metabo 6" which so far is exclusively thin cutoff disks and it shines in that role.
I have the Metabo 6" which so far is exclusively thin cutoff disks and it shines in that role.
I ended up buying a Bosch 13amp 5”. I wanted the Milwaukee fuel but felted I would need a 9.0ah battery to run it efficiently. For the money the Bosch has some nice features and should have enough power to run over the work I gotta do. Thanks guys
13A oughta be enough power for a grinder like that.
Glad to see a few others have made out alright with the HF grinder too. I've cut about 15 block with it so far and is holding up ok. I do need to take the air hose and blow out the dust.
I don’t know if it’s German or not it’s the GWS13-50VP. I would like to think it is. My “made in the USA” Snap on drill has a nice small sticker that says China on the side of the house ing and battery. So now I really don’t care about COO anymore.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
And you probably got one with a paddle switch, right?
I did wich I know isn’t what I wanted, I wanted a lock on switch. It says the paddle locks so I’ll have to try it out.