Replies

1. 
   justinh | Aug 17, 2006 05:54am | #1

   I've never seen a variable speed grinder.  I use 2 different tools.  I have a little 4" Makita always set up with a sanding wheel.  I use a Metabo for general work.  The Metabo is an excellent tool.  Hilti makes several good grinders but are pricey. 

   I personally don't like the paddle switches.  I seem to always knock the tool, activating the tool and sending it spinning.

2. 
   sapwood | Aug 17, 2006 07:24am | #2

   I'm not familiar with what is currently available but I have a couple of Milwaukee 4 1/2 inchers that are about 25 years old. I've replaced the armiture in both but that's an easy job. They have given great service. Tough and durable. I usually use them on steel and I can't begin to tell you how many discs they've worn out. I expect they will last another 25 years.

   Why on earth do you want a variable speed? That sounds like a sander.

   Oh, I've run one of those chainsaw blade things on my grinders as well as a carbide wood grinding disc. The chainsaw thing is scary. Don't use one if you are a novice unless you have skin of kevlar!

1. 
   RodWolfy | Aug 17, 2006 12:35pm | #3

   Actually, I'm going to be mounting an Arbortech disk to it. It's similar in appearance to Lonnie Bird's cove cutting set for the tablesaw: http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=1846

   Makita makes a Variable speed grinder (I was thinking if I could slow it down, then it would make a less aggressive cut). Dewalt has one with a paddle switch, but it has a safety, so if you set it down on an object on the paddle, it won't start up... I was hoping to find one that did both.

1. 
   sapwood | Aug 17, 2006 06:43pm | #4

   My grinders have paddle switches and I can honestly say that I've never had them start by setting them down onto something. I even change discs without unplugging the tool. (Don't follow that example!) Maybe I remain closely aware of the potential because of the screaming manic nature of the tool. Of more concern to me is setting it face down while the wheel is still turning. I like the paddle switch because it allows the fastest shut-off..... simply let loose your grip. I've used a few grinders with non-paddle off/on switches and I always feel uncomfortable with them. So I think you are on the right track. I'm still not sure about the variable speed issue though. It seems like too slow of a speed will result in very bad chatter.

2. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Aug 18, 2006 02:50am | #5

   I've got an Arbortech disc (the kind with three teeth) which I run on a DeWalt grinder.   It is a wonderful but scary tool.    It removes great quantities of wood very quickly.    It doesn't chew up the remaining wood too badly; I generally go from it to a 100-grit sanding disc on the same grinder.  I use it without the guard which Arbortech supplies, because it gets in the way.   I don't think that slowing it down would change its scariness much at all. 

1. 
   RodWolfy | Aug 18, 2006 05:12am | #6

   Jamie,

   Does the diameter of the grip matter much or the weight? I noticed that the Makita 1557 w/ paddle is 3.5 lbs w/ a 2.5" diameter grip & 7.5 amps, the Bosch 1810 doesn't say the grip diameter, but it says that it's handle reduces vibration by 60% & has a 8 amp motor, the Hitachi felt comfortable & it has a 9 amp motor (the Hitachi felt a little better than the Dewalt, the handle is forward at 70% vs. 90%. I didn't see the Bosch or Makita.

   Having used the Arbortech, what would you rank as most to least important? Weight, grip size (smaller is better for me), motor size, or vibration?

   Rod

1. 
   KeithNewton | Aug 19, 2006 05:33pm | #11

   At the risk of being labeled a cheap-skate, I will have to admit that I have 5 of the HF grinders out in the shop. I don't like to have to waste time changing cutters on tools that can be bought as cheap as this, which are as good as I think they are. I still have an old Skill one that I bought about 30 years ago also, and I think these are way better than it.I have only used the paddle switch on a friends, and I didn't care much for it. Once you are holding the tool with the switch depressed, I felt like it was hard to keep holding onto the tool with all of you grip when you want to release the switch.Also keep in mind that you will have the disk plane vertical when you are using the Arbortec wheels, and this make for an awkward hand position if your hands are small.<Having used the Arbortech, what would you rank as most to least important? Weight, grip size (smaller is better for me), motor size, or vibration?> Since you have not filled out your profile, answering this question is much harder than it should be. If you are young, and going to be using this tool for long hours doing large projects, I would spend the extra bucks to get one which dampens vibration. I will be 58 next week, and carpal tunnel is making working for my living extremely painful.Please fill in some profile information like your age, and location, at least, so your friends here will at least know enough to tailor the information that they are offering to share with you.

3. 
   padauker | Aug 18, 2006 07:23am | #8

   I asked Arbortech last year what they would suggest as the best grinder to use, their reply:
   "the one I do recommend is a Makita 9553NB"Denny

4. 
   gb93433 | Aug 19, 2006 09:50pm | #12

   If you slow the grinder down too much it will tend to grab more and will give you less control.

3. 
   nikkiwood | Aug 18, 2006 05:29am | #7

   There are a gazillion 4 1/2-5" grinders available -- and I have seen them in Menard's for as low as about $25.

   Ergonomics is important with an angle grinder, so you should not buy anything you can not first pick up and see how it feels to you. I would also buy it from a place that will let you plug it in too see how smoothly it runs and how much it vibrates.

   Most decent grinders sell for around $100, and I don't think you could go wrong with any one of them -- as long as the one you buy has the features that feel comfortable to you.

   I have used a number of different brands over the years; about 6 months ago I bought a Metabo (which cost about $150). It is a sweet machine -- powerful, no vibration, variable speed, and best of all, you can change the wheels without a wrench.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

4. 
   woodlark | Aug 18, 2006 04:17pm | #9

   I've used that Arbortech wheel. Maybe it would be safe on a soft wood - but sculpting maple I found it to be treacherous. I think the guard is almost useless; the first slight kickback broke it. It certainly can remove a lot of wood quickly, but so does my lightweight electric chainsaw.

   From the chainsaw I move on to a tungsten carbide carving disk:
   http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=926
   I've used the medium grit, and it is efficient, but much less tendency to run away than the Arbortech. And no scary teeth. I imagine the coarse grit would rival the Arbortech for aggressiveness.

   My grinder is a 4 1/2" Bosch. It seems more solid to me than the Makitas I've owned, but maybe not.

5. 
   RodWolfy | Aug 18, 2006 08:14pm | #10

   I've heard that about the dust. And you're right, it's chair seats. I was told to purchase the Arbortech and the Medium (silver) flat disc at Woodcraft. I'll go look at the Bosch, Milwaukee, Metabo and Makita today.

   Thanks

6. 
   Troy | Aug 20, 2006 05:47am | #13

   Just another vote for the Harbor Freight model I have one and have used it with a small dimond blade to cut inch thick stucco, cheap but if you don't need one on a constant basis it will work fine, I know a lot of professional types who just buy a dozen of them and toss them when they die. Maybe wasteful but might be the ticket.

   Troy