Which cut off tool?

[hknladdr]

I need to cut a couple sections of tubing out of a roll cage and then smooth out the welds. Which tool would be best to buy, 4 1/2 electric angle grinder or air die grinder/cut off tool? Thanks.

 

[epmills]

If you're cutting and smoothing, I would say the angle grinder. I have used my cheap HF for just that purpose before, and it worked great. If the roll cage is already in the car, a die grinder with a cutoff tool may be better due to the space constraints (just be carefull, no guard with a die grinder!), then you could switch to a different bit for smoothing.

 

[garfunkle24]

The die grinder will be much better in tight spots but the electric grinder will make shorter work of the cuts. Also, I prefer a regular die grinder to a cut-off tool as that guard does limit access somewhat. I die grinder is also much more versatile, and would allow you to use a carbide burr or some other means of grinding the welds as well as cut the tubes. Of course the electric grinder will do both also.

 

[garfunkle24]

epmills, you posted while I was typing, but I see we're on the same page.

Also, I forgot to mention that die grinders are air hogs and you will need a half decent compressor to keep up with one if you're working it hard. Don't know if this is a consideration, but thought it might be.

 

[kvom]

Neither is very expensive. Get the angle grinder to cut and the die grinder to smooth.

That said, the angle grinder is IMO a more versatile tool for any future needs.

 

[eschoendorff]

Neither is very expensive. Get the angle grinder to cut and the die grinder to smooth.

That said, the angle grinder is IMO a more versatile tool for any future needs.

I agree. I have several of the cheap orange HF angle grinders and they do a lot of things reasonably well. They are inexpensive and convenient - no air hoses.

 

[billymade]

I love my florida pneumatic die grinder and they are reasonabley priced too!
http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/manufacturers-florida-pneumatic-mfg.html