Small angle grinder

[Dragfluid]

Shown in the pic is the grinder that I use for removing the dross (slag in plasma cutting) from a finished piece. It works fine, but I wish that it was a little smaller in diameter so I could get my hand all the way around it. So if you have a moment and you have one similar (corded) pull a tape around the circumference and let me know if it's significantly smaller than 8". And let me know the brand name, if you can.

Now please don't recommend a different way to remove the dross. I've seen them all. The fact of it is, if you have your table set up correctly, the dross is minimal, but there's still some there. Using a wire wheel like this works great and doesn't remove any base material like other methods. See before and after pics for what I'm talking about.
Thanks!

 

[rlitman]

Have you considered an angle die grinder? Also, why are you starting two different identical threads?
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434806

 

[lis2323]

I just measured mine. The best are a little less than 8” circumference.



I realize you said CORDED but my air Nitto Kohki is 7” at the widest and narrows down to 6”.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Maybe take a look at some rat tail style grinders. Much easier to hang onto.

 

[lis2323]

Maybe take a look at some rat tail style grinders. Much easier to hang onto.

Not really. I think the OP wants to do it one handed which would require holding as close as possible to the brush for best control.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[cmandp]

I don't know a specific model off the top of my head but I thought Metabo or Bosch had some slim bodied grinders. So I'd take a look into them.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Not really. I think the OP wants to do it one handed which would require holding as close as possible to the brush for best control.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Ah. Well in that case all I can think of besides air powered die grinders is the Milwaukee M12 right angle die grinder.

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-2485-22-Grinder-Battery-Charger/dp/B07XZN1LDZ

Edit: Never mind, he specifies corded. I've got nothing.

 

[Ign]

I went looking for the same thing for cleaning rust off oil field pipe on my bench. Left hand can roll and hold pipe while right hand operates grinder.

I settled upon a Milwaukee 6130-33 but no love for your requirements - I get 2.850" with a pi tape so x 3.1416 you're nearly at 9". And yeah, I know a wire cup brush on a low-amp Chinese grinder is not a recipe for longevity, but long life was not the goal in this instance

IIRC the DeWalt at HD was just slightly smaller but I refuse to buy DeWalt - personal reasons

edit 12/4/19: due to severe dumbassery the initial numbers here on the Milwaukee were wrong. Shoulda been 2.380" or a circumference just under 7.5" - I remember being in a hurry when I typed this initially and I measured in the shop then later typed from memory in the house. "From memory" = never good

 

[Dragfluid]

Have you considered an angle die grinder? Also, why are you starting two different identical threads?
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434806

I put one over there because I'm sure that not everyone looks in the tool forum.

I've got angled die grinders. I'd rather not have all the noise.
And yes, I'd like a one handed so I can hang onto the work with the other. It would be nice to have a magnetic table, but that's not in the budget right now.

 

[dutchgray]

Metabo HPT (Hitachi) does a corded brushless 4 1/2" grinder with a grip circumference of 7" (you have to go the the European Hikoki website to find it out though) they are not cheap though as they are pretty fancy with variable speed, soft start and anti kickback electronics.

https://www.metabo-hpt.com/us/main-...4-1-2-variable-speed-angle-grinder-Metabo-HPT

 

[lis2323]

Okay. I KNOW you said you weren’t looking for advice on alternate ways for dross removal. I assumed you had minimal dross but judging from the photo you posted it would be WAY easier and quicker with what I would use.

 

[dutchgray]

A tip for dross removal, if you can get hold of an old magnetic vise from a surface grinder, you can use that to clamp the workpiece (ferrous only obviously) leaving both hands free to hold the grinder.

 

[Dragfluid]

LMAO at lis. You may have noticed that it's 18ga?

Actually for the tiny little stubborn bits, I use a small hammer and wood chisel.

Dutch, yes I'd love to have a magnetic table, but not feasible right now. Baby steps.

Thanks for the input guys!

 

[Dragfluid]

BTW, lis, the dross you saw in the pic comes off without effort.

 

[lis2323]

BTW, lis, the dross you saw in the pic comes off without effort.

[emoji106][emoji106]


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[metaldad]

darwin, i went into the crypt. and found what i was looking for. i have a new, in the box, never used bosch made in germany #1821. labeled as a 5'' rat tail. kinda long, 14'' overall, 11'' spindle to trigger. measures 5 15/16 at the trigger/handle. (could be considered 'available')
metabo wef9-125, 7 7/8.
everything else is 8'' or larger.
thanks for the thread, making me look. had a dozen flap wheels stuffed in the bosch box, squirreled away a long time.

 

[tarbellb]

Metabo HPT (Hitachi) does a corded brushless 4 1/2" grinder with a grip circumference of 7" (you have to go the the European Hikoki website to find it out though) they are not cheap though as they are pretty fancy with variable speed, soft start and anti kickback electronics.

https://www.metabo-hpt.com/us/main-...4-1-2-variable-speed-angle-grinder-Metabo-HPT

^^^^ This ^^^^

I own this particular Hitachi (now HPTMetabo?) grinder and its very comfortable.

Brushless, variable speed, smooth. And the barrel does not taper, whole thing is skinny, very easy to operate and handle.

Expensive, but imo as good or better then anything on the market right.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=381564

 

[jayemm]

For small (4 or 4-1/2") grinders check out Makita for small circumference.My Makita GA4030(4") measures 7-1/4" circumference right behind the thumb switch.My thumb touches my middle 2 fingers when gripped with no gloves.There's also a 4-1/2" the same size.Check out Bosch also for slim grinders.

 

[jayemm]

Forgot to mention that in addition to Bosch,there was a Dewalt that was slimmer also.Both were carried by Lowes but this was quite a while back.Don't know if still there.There's always online refurbs (some like new condition) available at good prices also.

 

[BarryWells]

Metabo HPT (Hitachi) does a corded brushless 4 1/2" grinder with a grip circumference of 7" (you have to go the the European Hikoki website to find it out though) they are not cheap though as they are pretty fancy with variable speed, soft start and anti kickback electronics.

https://www.metabo-hpt.com/us/main-...4-1-2-variable-speed-angle-grinder-Metabo-HPT

I have two
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYC6O3P/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[PugetDude]

Bosch 1380 Slim- I love mine, have two of them. I believe it's the smallest diameter 4.5" grinder out there- really easy to use one handed.

Bought one of mine at the local lumberyard; the other on eBay.

 

[tarbellb]

Bosch Slim = 7.5 amps (recalled?)
Hitachi G12VE = 12 amps

Hitachi looks like to be in better swimsuit shape....


new model is $182
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MY5GJRJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Dragfluid]

Looks like the Makita and the Hatachi will be the ones to check into. The rat tails are too long and have triggers. I'd like a slide switch so I can just turn it on and get down to business. Will just have to hope that I don't pass out and have it fall on me and eat my face. Can't even tell you what brand the one that I have in the picture is. Just some cheap assed thing I got at Northern. Have had it for probably 11 years and had about 2 hours time on it during that. Now that I'm into this plasma table, it's going to be an essential tool. So if I try the Makita and it doesn't last, I have no problem with the higher cost Hitachi. I can see how the brushless designs would account for a slimmer figure.

Thanks for all the input guys! I appreciate it. Liked the "cleaning and greasing" thread that was put up, also.

 

[Dragfluid]

After investigating online, then going to the two stores near by (Men and HD) I decided on this Dewalt DWE4011. It was 1/2 pound lighter than the Makita, and at $59 didn't break the bank. Just got done using it and it's balanced great with the cup on it, plenty of power, and the switch is located in a good spot. Another thing I noticed is the switch seemed to be more secure than the Makita in the on position.
So, we'll see how long it lasts.

 

[PugetDude]

Just picked up a nice Bosch 1380 Slim on eBay for $30. This makes three of them- one will get a coarse grinding wheel, one will be dedicated to cutoff duties and the third one will run either a flapper or abrasive disc.
The slim barrel makes them easy to run one-handed.

 

[Ign]

UPDATE! I just received the Flex L7-12 115 and was surprised at the small diameter.

I get 2.215" with my pi tape so that's just a titch under 7" circumference.

It's only 6A and I haven't fired it up yet. It is MIC

FAR LEFT IN PHOTO

 

[Swervyjoe]

Which one is in the middle? That looks the slimmest.