I could see a safety wrench trying to make a point that the slide switch defeats the braking purpose. But it would still be nice if switch lovers could have the best of both worlds. So what if it'll lock on!? It has to be turned off at some point and at that point it would be nice if a brake would come into play stopping the disc.
BTW I dislike paddles too.
I have a "yellow" corded grinder that has a trigger type switch that you can use intermittently. It'll shut off when you release the trigger, OR you can pull the trigger and then bush a button to lock the trigger in the on position which is nice from time to time.
Does the Milwaukee slide switch work in a similar way? As in, do you have to slide the switch then push a locking pin for Lock-on mode? Or is it a true detent switch and it's either on and locked or off, no other option?
Have you used the regular Fuel grinders? They spin and "ratchet" down MUCH sooner then a corded grinder. I really see no advantage to the braking feature but to satisfy some written guideline that has no bearing on safety in reality.
One of my welder friends relies on spin-down to blend welds, repeatedly feathering the (well-designed paddle, ideally) switch. This would be impossible w the braking grinder --- but, truly, not practical w the standard Fuel grinders because of how quickly they spin down and how little inertia they seem to carry.
Anyway, the slide switches come on as soon as you slide up. Then lock on by rocking the switch down. You can not rock the switch to lock and still use it, but it's kinda awkward.
I have no problem with paddles but these new Fuel paddles are literally designed bass-ackwards. edit: also:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5164284
I also have no problem with reverse paddles but the Fuel switch is 1) too short 2) poorly positioned within the length/balance of the tool and 3) much too sensitive
