Using a 3" cutoff/multi-material saw with Roloc

[JradM]

Talk me out of trying this.

The RIDGID Sub-Compact cordless 3-inch multi-material saw is cheap. Way cheaper that any cordless angle die grinders. At least for the moment in Canada, it's cheaper than other cordless multi-material saws too.

When I look it up on parts websites, it seems to have an M6 thread on the arbor - which is interesting, because while Roloc disc holders have 1/4" shafts, they are available with M6 threads on the part that screws into the disc holder. Could an enterprising person not just screw an M6 set screw into the saw and connect the two?



The Ridgid's max no-load speed is 19,000 rpm, which is compatible with some Roloc discs. It also has a variable-speed trigger, unlike many other 3" cut-off tools. So presumably you could feather it down to avoid obliterating discs with lower speed limits.

The worse thing I can foresee happening is if the set screw broke off in the tool arbor. But if you used a high-grade fastener, swapped it occasionally and didn't intentionally abuse it... M6 seems plenty strong. If you intentionally used a fastener that didn't bottom out in the tool, that might also reduce the risk of not being about to get a broken one out.

TTC's tests suggest the Ridigid is pretty powerful too. Even if it turns out it can't keep up with a 3" roloc, what about a 2"?

I realize cordless angle die grinders exist. The only reason to try this is the cost. It looks like they start at ~$300 in Canada as bare tools. This Ridgid saw is $139. And then you also have a saw.

 

[Beerhippie]

I'm not sure what you're wanting to do with the Rol-Locs, but if that saw has a brake, expect to spend some time chasing them!

Using Rol-Locs on an air die grinder, it's really hard to stop slowly enough the disks don't unscrew themselves and go shooting across the shop.

I do like the idea of the saw, 'though. It looks to be a safer solution than just using a hand-held angle grinder w/cut off wheel. Keeping the depth of cut at the ideal point makes the wheels last much longer with less potential to blow up.

 

[mark-NJ]

Talk me out of trying this.

Talk you out of buying a tool? I think you may have come to the wrong web forum!

My only reservation is that I'm not a big fan of using a tool in a fashion for which it wasn't intended. In my experience, doing so leads to one of three outcomes:

1.) you damage the tool
2.) you hurt yourself
3.) both 1 & 2

 

[ez-duzit]

Cheapskates often wind up posting photos of their trips to the emergency room following attempts to use tools in "innovative" ways.

 

[bobg03]

Cheapskates often wind up posting photos of their trips to the emergency room following attempts to use tools in "innovative" ways.

Pictures if a "bus" is the mode of transport to the ER.

 

[RPH]

Talk you out of buying a tool? I think you may have come to the wrong web forum!

My only reservation is that I'm not a big fan of using a tool in a fashion for which it wasn't intended. In my experience, doing so leads to one of three outcomes:

1.) you damage the tool
2.) you hurt yourself
3.) both 1 & 2

Not necessarily. If we didn’t try new things we would still be cavemen.
Those who say it’s impossible. Are usually interrupted by those doing it.
Add #4.) it worked.
Not that I endorse the idea but I get his frustration. He thinks he has a solution to his local problem. I wouldn’t hesitate to try it. With proper guards on initial testing. Work my way up in materials until I was satisfied that it worked without hazards.
But that’s me.

 

[JradM]

Thanks for the advice! For context I have a pneumatic angle die grinder. That's what I use most of the time for fabrication projects and it's usually fine for a quick clean up.

I'm restoring an old pickup at the moment though and while the pneumatic tool is handy for getting into tighter areas that I can tackle with an angle grinder and a surface-conditioning disk or flap wheel, my compressor can't keep up with the volume I'm doing. It's annoying to constantly pause once I've run my tank down.

I don't use my compressor that often anymore, so upgrading doesn't seem worthwhile, hence I started wondering if I could find an electric angle die grinder. Corded would have been fine, but there's not many options. Cordless seems ridiculously expensive. It's not a tool I expect to use often beyond this one project.

Searching this forum I saw other people were adapting the Milwaukee M12 polisher/sander for roloc-use. That's what got me wondering what else might work...

 

[techieman33]

It's probably possible, but I think it would be really awkward to hold and use comfortably.

 

[ez-duzit]

The Milwaukee M12 angle die grinder is a terrific tool.

 

[2oolhound]

As we see here die grinders are hogs for air pressure from compressors. How long can you grind on 1 battery?

 

[Wamsutta]

I'm not sure what you're wanting to do with the Rol-Locs, but if that saw has a brake, expect to spend some time chasing them!

Using Rol-Locs on an air die grinder, it's really hard to stop slowly enough the disks don't unscrew themselves and go shooting across the shop.

I do like the idea of the saw, 'though. It looks to be a safer solution than just using a hand-held angle grinder w/cut off wheel. Keeping the depth of cut at the ideal point makes the wheels last much longer with less potential to blow up.

I've never heard of a Roloc cut-off wheel; have you?

 

[danielbuck]

I don't know that I would want to use a roloc disk (usually just plastic threads) in a downward cut tool like that, it may just snap off. Most roloc disks are meant to be used on their face, not their edge.

 

[ChevyEFI]

It has fwd and reverse and is 18v. I will not be talking you out of it.

Who wants to direct me to an M18 or Bosch battery adapter for it?

 

[Wamsutta]

Most roloc disks are meant to be used on their face, not their edge.

I think the OP is assuming that the Roloc discs come in a cut-off wheel version.

 

[goldtang]

Talk you out of buying a tool? I think you may have come to the wrong web forum!

My only reservation is that I'm not a big fan of using a tool in a fashion for which it wasn't intended. In my experience, doing so leads to one of three outcomes:

1.) you damage the tool
2.) you hurt yourself
3.) both

Agree would just like to add one more
4 . ) or some one else