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Recommend electric die grinder?

Bennylava

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Apr 17, 2012
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896
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Cleburne, TX
Can anyone recommend me a quality electric die grinder? One that isn't too awful expensive. The bang for the buck model, I guess. Not a dremel. Something a bit bigger than that, but still handheld.
 
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6PTsocket

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Mar 12, 2014
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I have an older Makita. I don't know if there is a current version. It was available with 1/4 and 1/8 collets so it took both 1/4" burrs and Dremel accessories It is twice the size of a Dremel with a lot more power. It works with 3" cut off wheels with no problem and no proper guard either. I remember seeing a Chinese knock off that looked identical. Do NOT buy one of those cheap Harbor Freight or no name tools. They are no bargain.

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strength_and_power

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Apr 26, 2015
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I've had the older Makita and am
Currently using a Dewalt. Both have done me well. Under $200 if I remember correctly
 

brawls43

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Aug 29, 2012
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133
Location
Minneapolis
I have a Bosch 1210, its a 1/4" collet. Its worked well, I think I got it refurbished for a little over $100 a few years ago. Looks like the newer model is $185, even refurb CPO. It works well, but its bigger then I was expecting. More of a two handed tool, then a dremel, which is one handed.
 
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Bennylava

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Cleburne, TX
Sounds like most of these are no longer current. Except for maybe the dewalt. Do you happen to know if the dewalt is still sold at Home Depot? I've got a home depot in my town so I could get one there.
 
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Bennylava

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Cleburne, TX
Do yall think they are roughly as powerful as their air driven counterparts?

(Again we're only talking in terms of handhelds. In the 1/8" and 1/4" collet sizes.)
 
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Buckgnarly

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Oct 8, 2010
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VT
My Milwaukee electric is waay more powerful than my air driven, even my two Snap On 1hps!
 

Bobcat753

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Feb 24, 2014
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Location
New Hampshire
I have the Makita paddle switch one, very powerful and works awesome. I dropped it with a 3" cutting wheel in it and bent the inner shaft though. Just ordered a replacement today as this thread reminded me of that problem. Don't take that as a major flaw with them though. I was being careless and caught the cord walking past the table it was on.
 

6PTsocket

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Mar 12, 2014
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My makita is not variable speed but I have plug in speed controller if I have to slow it down for something like a wire wheel.

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jjkrjh

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May 3, 2008
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610
Location
Ohio
I have an older Makita die grinder. It works well with carbide cutters, but anything larger and it vibrates bad enough that the chrome end by the collet unscrews. Tried another one and it does the same thing. A cut off wheel could never be used in it and not enough power.
 

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BlackLS2

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Mar 12, 2016
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143
Milwaukee 5192 (5194 w paddle) is beyond awesome. 5196 (5223 straight) is Godzilla. The Makita's are great, but the Milwaukee's are downright mean.
 

brianh

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Apr 6, 2010
Messages
1,299
Location
grahamsville NY
I have a few of the harbor freight long shaft for about 7 years they get used almost every day to the point I have worn the brushes out and replaced the power cords, when I got them they were 28.00 have not seen that sale in years but at 50 I would still buy it.
http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-die-grinder-with-long-shaft-44141.html

Now before I get flamed for harbor freight, if you have not used one don't bash just out of the harbor freight is **** reaction.

I also have some of the older makita 600 2 amp die grinders those are nice for light work
 
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6PTsocket

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Mar 12, 2014
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I did have a vibration issue with my Makita that developed after I first got it. I sent it in for repair and I have used 3" cut off wheels and 2" wire brushes and burrs and stones and Dremel accessories, with the 1/8" collet. I have not had any more problems. I recently had a brake rotor that resisted rust busters, a sledge hammer, and heat. Using this tool and 3" cut off wheels I cut up an SUV brake rotor. It most definitely can handle 3" cut off wheels. That nose piece can come loose on occassion. A dab of Goop should solve that. I have no illusions that it is the best choice but I have been beating on mine for years and it still runs. As far as HF goes, there are defininitely some gems amongst the junk. I have the 44" tool cabinet pair and am very satisfied. The reviews are very good. The Earthquake impact wrenches work well, at a great price. On the other hand, I have had to return clunkers, too.


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Monte

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Dec 23, 2008
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Germany
This one is very good:

27271844fn.jpg
 

RoyArms

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Mar 22, 2011
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I have the milwaukee m18 battery die grinder. Only offered in Europe and australia. Had it shipped over and swapped the metric collet with a bosch collet for 1/4".

Compatible with all m18 batteries and is a beast. Comes in very handy working where no outlets are available.

I have emailed milwaukee about bringing this grinder to the usa but they replied they have no plans to offer it. It is the milwaukee HD 18 SG for anyone interested and I don't have the info for the bosch collet handy but it is for their cordless die grinder. I wanted the milwaukee because I already have a very large investment in their batteries and tools.

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seber

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May 31, 2016
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Location
Deep East Tx.
I have an older Makita. It works well. I also have a Dumore that was scrapped at my workplace. It makes the Makita seem like a toy.
 

dnschmidt

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Oct 3, 2014
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7,291
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Monte strikes again. Any good brand electric die grinder will make you forget that air powered versions exist. I have Milwaukee, Makita and Metabo and they're all great. I'm sure Monte's Fine is great as well. Once you use electric the air powered ones are weak sauce.
 

ttpete

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Mar 8, 2011
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Location
Dearborn, MI
Monte strikes again. Any good brand electric die grinder will make you forget that air powered versions exist. I have Milwaukee, Makita and Metabo and they're all great. I'm sure Monte's Fine is great as well. Once you use electric the air powered ones are weak sauce.

They both have their place. Air grinders can be more compact, and they can run a lot faster. My Aro runs at 85,000 rpm, and it can remove a lot of material in a hurry.
 
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Bennylava

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Apr 17, 2012
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896
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Cleburne, TX
Dang, they're more expensive than I thought they'd be. I was thinking a decent one (say dewalt brand) would be something like $40-$50. The decent ones start at $100.
 

Tatsuya

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Jun 21, 2010
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375
Location
Seattle, WA
Bumping this because after today I'm more like needing one as opposed to wanting one.

Can anyone comment on this compact Metabo?

Metabo GE710 Compact 13000 to 34000 Rpm 6.4-Amp Die Grinder Compact Variable Speed, 710-watt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FDLB9OC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I prefer the cheaper Makita/Dewalt price of $100-120 but variable speed is important to me.

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Tatsuya

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Jun 21, 2010
Messages
375
Location
Seattle, WA
Also considering an 18V cordless Makita, but once again it's an option without variable speed at around $155.

I would use an electric die grinder mostly with burrs. I use 1/4" shank wire wheels frequently with a drill. But I appreciate versatility and being able to use tiny cutoff discs or what have you should the need arise in the future.

So I'm stuck between the awesomeness of being cordless with a bunch of Makita batteries already, or corded with Metabo quality and variable speed. What would you guys do?

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MO-Iron

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Dec 17, 2008
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155
Location
SW Missouri
I have the Metabo GEP710 Plus and only use the air grinders if space is a problem. The Metabo is 13" long and 3.6 lbs. I have not used the compact, but if it's anything like the plus,it would be a great machine. Metabo power tools are a little expensive, but I like the quality and durability.
 

Tatsuya

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Jun 21, 2010
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375
Location
Seattle, WA
Decided to go with the cordless Makita. Thing is badass. Quieter than I expected. Plenty of power. Goes through battery juice quickly but that was expected.

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dr_clyde

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Jan 7, 2009
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Location
Holland, MI
I have the low RPM and high torque Metabo. I forget the model. Variable speed, tons of power, I absolutely love it.

It was a tad expensive, like $300. But I felt it was worth it.
 

Ironhorse74

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Nov 10, 2014
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998
Location
The Pacific North Wet
A few years ago I was grinding blisters out of my sailboat hull. I bought a Harbor Freight die grinder because I normally use an air grinder in my shop. I will be damned if that thing isn't still grinding away. Takes a licking and still keeps ticking.
 
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