Recommend me a 4.5" angle grinder

[ClappedOutBport]

I really, really like the 7 amp dewalt we have at school. Very quiet and by far the smoothest grinder I've ever used, no typical HF growl. Considerably smoother than the paddle trigger Milwaukee, and I hate the soft start. But for lots of cutting, I'll still take my 7" B&Ds at home over even the 13 amp dewalt. You just can't beat that wheel diameter. Another thing I've notices is that I never blow up the 7" wheels. With the 4.5s running super fast, one pinch and you're blade is gone. The 7"ers on a heavy grinder tend to pull much more slowly when they grab, so you have a lot more time to react.

Edit: I see you got one. Good choice. A lot of power, but not terribly heavy. Definitely get a 5" wheel for just zip work. If you're cutting lots of plate steel, a metal cutting circular saw is the answer as others have said.

 

[1931S/X]

I use grinders and metal cutting circular saw pretty much daily. We don't limit cut off wheels by material thickness it's more of a case of what tool fits to do the job. It's usually a grinder. And for they, you do need a lot of power. In NYC a torch is such a hassle we rarely use them any more.
I would say ive used every brand but my company doesn't buy bottom line stuff. They tried it and it doesn't work out for how we use stuff. My favorite is the real metabo but for the price I cant justify them. So my realistic favorite is the 4.5/5/6 dewalt. There were different switches and I liked one more than the other but I can't remember which it was.

Right now they switched to hilti grinders. they have a real annoying switch and are they are real sensitive and will die down if you over load it. I don't think I've ever broken a cutoff wheel with one but it's annoying.

The metal cutting saws are great. I use that whenever it fits. They used to buy the evolution. They cut great but self destrusct. Everything falls off during cutting over time. Then They were buying morse which we slightly nicer and they would get the 7" and 9" saws. I believe when milwaukee was revamped they came out with one. They started buying them and they are great.
These saws are rated for something like 3/16 but we use them on 1/2" + on a regular basis. 3/4 I've even used it on 1" . Milwaukee is nice it just doesn't bevel. At least the ones we get. Leveling season with one is not as easy as cutting wood anyway but if you think that's necessary consider it. Also, the blades are expensive.

 

[dutchgray]

Not going to suggest a brand, just a feature, I like paddle type, if it gets out of your hands
It powers off, it’s still gonna get you ,,,,but not as much!!

I like a paddle on the higher power 4 1/2 or 5", or any of the rat tail style, but they can get real annoying when you're stood there grinding something all day, which I have done in the past for weeks at a time. Most paddle switches I have you can't lock on.

 

[American Locomotive]

No, not brushless. I did, however, notice they now have a line of brushless on their website. I haven't seen these at the local outfits:

https://www.dewalt.com/products/pow...variable-speed-slide-switch-inox/dwe43240inox

Regarding RPM: I didn't really pay attention to the RPM on that one, but trust me, it will eat metal like crazy.

On a related note, this is the Makita I own. It's a heavy beast. I use it for cutting concrete mostly. Just yesterday I was using it to cut GP Durock. It's really heavy, so I use it mostly for grinding metal and the weight works to my advantage. The speed is even lower at 6,000 RPM.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-...-Side-handle-and-Wheel-Guard-GA7021/100092868

Generally, the larger the wheel, the lower the RPM.

I have the DeWalt 5" 13A Brushless corded grinder. It's a heavy beast, but it does have tons and tons of power.

 

[Stephenw]

I have a variable speed grinder that I bought to do some granite and concrete work.

For metal work type stuff, I've never used the variable speed function.

Do you use the variable speed outside of masonry polishing?

I use the variable speed all the time. I can slow it down for really good control when I just need to remove a small amount.

I also like the rapid strip discs for removing paint and mill scale. They have a really short life at high speed, but last really well when run slow.

 

[e36jon]

I bought this Dewalt due to the dust collection and saw-base accessories:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01618Q1L6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm using it for home remodel tasks so lots of concrete cutting and grinding, and the dust collection has worked great.

 

[KnurledNut]

Check out the Makita 9005B. One heck of a grinder if they still make them like they used to.

 

[Jazz1]

Cheap angle grinders vibrate. I had a 4 1/2" Bosch angle grinder( it died one day),,was so smooth compared to my current Mastercraft 4 1/2"

 

[Ton ton]

We run Milwaukee. They seem to do ok.

 

[Rarified27]

I have a few DWE4011 and they've been solid. Definitely agree with those saying get a few. If for nothing else than not having to constantly change wheels. Being able to move the guard without tools is nice.

For quick stuff, I have a milwaukee M18 Fuel grinder and it's outstanding. It's a little heavy with a 5 or 9ah battery hanging off the back, but I wouldn't give it up.