I don't think I've ever heard that opinion before. I've been using that exact model (or it's predecessor) professionally for 25 years. In fact, I can't stand anything other than the paddle switch. 90% of the time I'm using it one handed. I'm genuinely curious how you're using it to develop that opinion.
which angle grinder for welding?
- Thread starter BTL-A4
- Start date
IndyGarage
Well-known member
To each his own. Perhaps you have one that was prior to them adding the flip safety switch to the paddle, which changes your grip completely.
I thought it would be good too - that's why I bought it. It was not. I will stand by my opinion. Remove the safety and it's probably much better.
whateg01
Well-known member
I've never found the little flip thing to be a problem at all. Maybe you just can't, or won't, adapt to a different design.
IndyGarage
Well-known member
You are correct about that...
KwikFab
Well-known member
Overthinking it by a longshot.
You only weld maybe once a month - you will forget what you like/dislike about your new angle grinder each time you pick it up to use.
Bought 2 of these when they were on sale for roughly $20 each, so far so good:
www.menards.com
Performax® 9-Amp Corded 4-1/2" Trigger Switch Angle Grinder
This Performax® angle grinder is a great addition to your Performax® collection. The angle grinder includes a toolless adjustable wheel guard change which gives the user the ability to adjust to any situation while out on the job, the 3-position side handle can be adapted for use in variable...
www.menards.com
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
I would give that one a shot. With it’s 3 position side handle, price, and switch, I would likely use it for weld grinding. I have various brand models and lengths because of getting into close quarters. Each one has it’s plusses and minuses. I don’t even know the brand of some of my grinders, and don’t care. I use the best working blade/wheel/brush on each one according to it’s physical size to get into places I need to access. I was modifying a traditional wrought iron style handrail yesterday on the welding table and had 4 grinders in use.Bought 2 of these when they were on sale for roughly $20 each, so far so good:
Performax® 9-Amp Corded 4-1/2" Trigger Switch Angle Grinder
This Performax® angle grinder is a great addition to your Performax® collection. The angle grinder includes a toolless adjustable wheel guard change which gives the user the ability to adjust to any situation while out on the job, the 3-position side handle can be adapted for use in variable...
I used two yard sale short rails I bought for $5 to make one longer one and had to cut all the welds about 80% to allow the rail to be racked about 3 degrees to match the steps. There were a lot of weird corners to get into and spots of paint to grind or brush away.
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I have a couple of the exact same model, and have never had an issue. I don't run side handles on any of my grinders, and often use them one handed. Never run into any issue with them, let alone dangerous, deadly ones....
damn, 9A, looks like a solid deal for 20$Bought 2 of these when they were on sale for roughly $20 each, so far so good:
Performax® 9-Amp Corded 4-1/2" Trigger Switch Angle Grinder
This Performax® angle grinder is a great addition to your Performax® collection. The angle grinder includes a toolless adjustable wheel guard change which gives the user the ability to adjust to any situation while out on the job, the 3-position side handle can be adapted for use in variable...
niget2002
Well-known member
I've never given grinders much thought. I bought a cheap porter cable years ago and it still works. I added a battery powered Dewalt last year because it was on sale and I have Dewalt stuff already.
I'd like to get one or two more corded ones.
I'd like to get one or two more corded ones.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
If I was to buy a new grinder today it would be either a Bosch or Metabo 5 or 6 inch with the slide switch on the left side.
From the sounds of it, whether you spend $20 or $520, you going to get an angle grinder to grind down welds.
Maybe you will like the switch, maybe not.
Regardless of brand or price, it might last 6 months or 20 years.
Maybe you will like the switch, maybe not.
Regardless of brand or price, it might last 6 months or 20 years.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
Angle grinders are cheap and disposable. Get whichever one feels comfortable and safe in your hands.
Personally, I like German Metabo, DeWalt and Makita. Fein makes an excellent grinder, as well as the old Hitachi.
In my personal collection I have 3 or 4 of the Dewalt DWE402, 2 or 3 6" Metabo, a 7" Metabo and an old Makita rat tail, as well as an old Hitachi that won't die. My cordless is a pair of 6" Metabo, by FAR my favorite.
I will only buy paddle switch grinders or triggers. No switches, they tend to run away if they get caught. I also can't tell you the last time I used a grinder with the guard on it, but I won't knock any one who uses one.
The Metabos have a good clutch in them if you pinch a wheel or get something caught it won't just jump out of your hand and go nuts.
I use the Dewalt DWE402 dang near every day at work. I use it almost exclusively one handed. I removed the safety catch from the paddle switch so I can pulse it. It makes it a bit of a hair trigger, but I prefer it.
I have never had any of the issues IndyGarage has had with it. I really like the ergonomics of the paddle and how the barrel of the grinder fits my hand. That is the sole reason I use that Dewalt, so that I can quickly deburr or knock down an edge with it one handed. I also have pretty big hands, so grip never really was a problem. When I had employees they all loved them for how small they were and easy to handle for deburring tubes and sheets before welding. They're too small to use for any real metal removal, that's what bigger grinders are for.
The welding shop I manage right now has all Metabo and Dewalt stuff. These guys put them through the wringer and they last a long time.
Grinders are one of those tools that you need to be confident and firm with. They are dangerous if you're afraid of them or use them wrong. Know how the wheel is going to interact with the work. Stand in the correct place. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Get a good, firm grip on the handle and use it intentionally, not timidly. Have a plan for when things go wrong. Ask yourself where will the sparks go, how will the grinder pull if it is snagged, what would happen if the wheel disintegrated. If you use a grinder with these things in mind, they're very safe. If you have a limp grip, allow the wheel to overcenter or snag corners it's gonna **** and you'll probably get hurt. I've seen more hoodie pockets get wound up in a grinder than I have ever seen with any other type of clothing. Lots and lots of people don't think about where their sparks are flying and either burn holes in their shirts or start the trash can on fire or something.
Wire wheels throw wires. I always wear gloves, glasses an a face shield with those things. No exceptions. If I have a lot of it to do, a leather apron helps.
Personally, I like German Metabo, DeWalt and Makita. Fein makes an excellent grinder, as well as the old Hitachi.
In my personal collection I have 3 or 4 of the Dewalt DWE402, 2 or 3 6" Metabo, a 7" Metabo and an old Makita rat tail, as well as an old Hitachi that won't die. My cordless is a pair of 6" Metabo, by FAR my favorite.
I will only buy paddle switch grinders or triggers. No switches, they tend to run away if they get caught. I also can't tell you the last time I used a grinder with the guard on it, but I won't knock any one who uses one.
The Metabos have a good clutch in them if you pinch a wheel or get something caught it won't just jump out of your hand and go nuts.
I use the Dewalt DWE402 dang near every day at work. I use it almost exclusively one handed. I removed the safety catch from the paddle switch so I can pulse it. It makes it a bit of a hair trigger, but I prefer it.
I have never had any of the issues IndyGarage has had with it. I really like the ergonomics of the paddle and how the barrel of the grinder fits my hand. That is the sole reason I use that Dewalt, so that I can quickly deburr or knock down an edge with it one handed. I also have pretty big hands, so grip never really was a problem. When I had employees they all loved them for how small they were and easy to handle for deburring tubes and sheets before welding. They're too small to use for any real metal removal, that's what bigger grinders are for.
The welding shop I manage right now has all Metabo and Dewalt stuff. These guys put them through the wringer and they last a long time.
Grinders are one of those tools that you need to be confident and firm with. They are dangerous if you're afraid of them or use them wrong. Know how the wheel is going to interact with the work. Stand in the correct place. Wear safety glasses and gloves. Get a good, firm grip on the handle and use it intentionally, not timidly. Have a plan for when things go wrong. Ask yourself where will the sparks go, how will the grinder pull if it is snagged, what would happen if the wheel disintegrated. If you use a grinder with these things in mind, they're very safe. If you have a limp grip, allow the wheel to overcenter or snag corners it's gonna **** and you'll probably get hurt. I've seen more hoodie pockets get wound up in a grinder than I have ever seen with any other type of clothing. Lots and lots of people don't think about where their sparks are flying and either burn holes in their shirts or start the trash can on fire or something.
Wire wheels throw wires. I always wear gloves, glasses an a face shield with those things. No exceptions. If I have a lot of it to do, a leather apron helps.
PhantomEB
Well-known member
I got a bunch of Bosch 4.5s I just can’t seem to kill. New Milwaukee starter kit came with a cordless grinder so I tend to grab that unless it’s a big job.
solid advice right here.
I 'respect' the grinder any time I use a knotted wire wheel. That thing will catch any shirt material and I have a waking nightmare it'll keep running into your gut.
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
This thread reminded me that I had three more grinders on the shelves in my power tool storage room. I went to town and stopped by a pawn shop to see what tools were new to me and found a new DeWalt in package 4-1/2” rubber backing pad for $5, so it went home with me.
I happen to have about 50 or so 40 year old coarse sanding discs for my larger two grinders that I rarely use, so I took one and cut it to size to use on the new backing pad on one of the spare grinders.
This gave me yet another attachment to put into play on a grinder that was doing nothing, and I don’t have to buy discs.
I happen to have about 50 or so 40 year old coarse sanding discs for my larger two grinders that I rarely use, so I took one and cut it to size to use on the new backing pad on one of the spare grinders.
This gave me yet another attachment to put into play on a grinder that was doing nothing, and I don’t have to buy discs.
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M.Brane
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You can never have too many grinders, unless you enjoy swapping wheels.
Was using a Milwaukee corded at work last week. It was OK if a bit heavy. I'm sure it was more spendy than my HFs, but I didn't notice any meaningful difference in operation.
Was using a Milwaukee corded at work last week. It was OK if a bit heavy. I'm sure it was more spendy than my HFs, but I didn't notice any meaningful difference in operation.
BIGTOY44
Member
wrong
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
Nope.
BIGTOY44
Member
yep
You guys are really adding a lot to this discussion.
Noobs and timid users should read this 2 or 3 times
Excellent info from clearly a experienced pro
Someone here mentioned the little lock on the paddle switches. I went to use my paddle-switch grinder yesterday, that is old enough not to have one, and it slipped out of my hand. It turned on when the switch hit the table, jumped off the table and the wire wheel snagged my shirt. The grinder fell to the ground. My shirt has a rip, but it did not get the skin. Happened in an instant. I don't care for the lock out, but I see why it's there.
Sounds like any grinder will do; what you like/use is really based on handle preference/use case.
I'm waiting for the Ryobi to go on sale for Father's Day. I'm keeping my eye out on FB and CL, too.
Sounds like any grinder will do; what you like/use is really based on handle preference/use case.
I'm waiting for the Ryobi to go on sale for Father's Day. I'm keeping my eye out on FB and CL, too.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
I've got a grinding project that I'm hopefully going to be able to test some long runtime on a cheap grinder. Not sure which one yet but I'll buy one just for this job because it's going to probably ruin the thing.
Paint has to come off brick walls in a basement.
Paint has to come off brick walls in a basement.
Joemctag
Well-known member
I use grinders a whole lot and want to strongly support everything dr_clyde said about safe use. Very clearly said!
Also want to point out that pretty much, 5” and up angle grinders can’t really be used one-handed, like smaller ones, for the few times you want to do something one-handed.
lbhsbz
Well-known member
I've probably got 20 of 'em....in the pile there is a at least one Milwaukee, a Ryobi, a Makita, a Dewalt, and a whole bunch of the old orange harbor freight units. All have a different wheel on them. All work fine. Some have more power than others, but they all get the job done. If you're a home gamer, it doesn't really matter if it takes 20% more time to get the job done....just get whatever is cheap that feels right in the hand.
I got a brushless DeWalt grinder about 3 years ago and haven't touched any of my corded ones since lol.
I got a brushless DeWalt grinder about 3 years ago and haven't touched any of my corded ones since lol.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
This project is done. Probably went through about 20 wire wheels from Harbor Freight and 1 Bosch GWS8-45 4-1/2 In. Angle Grinder.
Results? Project is done but so is the Bosch grinder. It lived it's life but a few issues were apparent. The small barrel size of the grinder made it fantastic to hold for hours on end.
1. The bearings were making some unfriendly noises when any force was exerted, but not when the wheel was just free spinning.
2. The on/off switch would get stuck in the on position and slowly but randomly make it's way to the off position as it pleased after being pressed (which should have unlocked it from the on position and instantly shut if off).
3. There was a noticeable decrease in power at the end of it's life.
Picture for reference:
lotus_esprit
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 26, 2009
- Messages
- 111
In the UK I have used Bosch grinders for professional welding / grinding for many years, along with the Makita 9554 /9557.
Out of them all the professional Bosch GWS11-125 is my favourite, the “GWS11” in the model name refers to the power - 1100W; these Bosch grinders just seem unstoppable.
Makita have the advantage of cheap spares - it is actually economically viable to purchase new armatures for the 9554/9557 if you burn one out.
Out of them all the professional Bosch GWS11-125 is my favourite, the “GWS11” in the model name refers to the power - 1100W; these Bosch grinders just seem unstoppable.
Makita have the advantage of cheap spares - it is actually economically viable to purchase new armatures for the 9554/9557 if you burn one out.
nadogail
Well-known member
I have several Harbor Freight Grinders,, I watch their sale ads and keep a new spare still in the box.
For the money, they are had to beat and they are cheap enough to always have one with the right disk ready at hand.
For the money, they are had to beat and they are cheap enough to always have one with the right disk ready at hand.