Grinder

[robpoe]

When I started (before I aborted) the project on the old Mark Twain hull (that I ended up cutting up and scrapping due to lots of damage), I bought a cheap 4" angle grinder at Cummins. <br /><br />That thing wasn't worth the $9 I spent on it. It didn't have any guts, and overheated (to the point of smoking) easily. <br /><br />So I'm looking for a DECENT grinder that's not going to cost me an arm and a leg (why spend $100 on a grinder that's gunna end up full of fiberglass dust?!?!). <br /><br />Are there any middle of the road grinders?<br /><br />Is the harbor freight grinder any better?

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Grinder

$50.00 @ Home Depot.... It's a stud, chews fiberglass if you let the blade or paper work @ speed

 

[willamettejeff]

Re: Grinder

Been cutting and grinding on an old Larson for days now with a 4 1/2 Harbor Freight grinder. Very pleased with it and was only $15 on sale. Just be sure to get the one with ball not sleeve bearings. Had one of those really cheap grinders before myself and burnt up in just a few hours use.<br /><br />Thanks to those that mentioned using a flap sanding disk. They are great and last, last, last. Remove a lot of material in a hurry with 60 grit and can do fine finish work with it as well.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Grinder

Rob Poe,<br /><br />Like Tail_Gunner said, $50 home depot. I bought the Makita 4.5" angle grinder, wear eye protection and leather gloves (saved my hand more than once). While you are there get the sanding pad and disks (36, 50, 80) is all I used, wound up using mostly 50's.<br /><br />Peace.<br /><br />Ed.

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Grinder

Got mine at Northern Tool, no name $30.00 special...also got some great cutting wheels, I've run this thing WOT for hours redoing my wrought Iron railing (sorry house project) and now we are bustin through some glass. I'd say anywhere from $25 off-brand to $50 name brand and you'll have it a lifetime, less your going in the business. Also nice if you can get to the magnets, some are sealed, no repair. If they have screws you can refurb for a few bucks!

 

[bigbad 4cyl x2]

Re: Grinder

MAKITA = LIGHTWEIGHT CONTRACTOR GRADE . but what ever you get tool wise will have epoxy all over it by end of project . ive actualy kept the epoxy off my makita though . i buy craftsman for bang around tools . and makita for myself to use.

 

[bigbad 4cyl x2]

Re: Grinder

what happened to one of my craftsman is it overheated and melted the plastic holding the little motor mounts in there ... my other identical one has berring isues . makitas are real decent i feel.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: Grinder

The Makita 4.5" is a great grinder. But the cheapos can be good too. I have a $14 one that's been abused & in constant service for 4 years now and it works fine. I keep expecting it to die but it won't. 'Course like any other cheapo the first thing you've got to do is take the gearbox apart, clean and regrease it with decent grease (I use thin moly in my grinders). Makes a world of difference.<br /><br />4" grinders are normally for deft work and are therefore light and low powered. Some manufacturer's get confused about this (like Milwaukee) and build unmanageable 15 amp 4" grinders. 4.5" ones are far more powerful but less wieldy.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Grinder

Whatever you get, be sure to use a compressor and nozzle to blow the fiberglass dust out of the vents after each use. <br /><br />I have the 15$ Harbor Freight ball bearing unit. It's defintely crude but very effective. It's currently not on sale but seems to be more often than not.<br /><br /> 4.5" Ball Bearing Angle Grinder

 

[tommays]

Re: Grinder

Boom <br /><br />That looks like a good copy of a Hitachi <br /><br /><br />tommays

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Grinder

Mine still runs WOT, without fail. Buy two they are on sale!<br /><br /> Grinder

 

[Realgun]

Re: Grinder

I bought a 60 dollar Dewalt Before I found out about Harbor Freight. Grrrr.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Grinder

Originally posted by Purduebarry:<br /> Mine still runs WOT, without fail. Buy two they are on sale!<br /><br /> Grinder

That's probably about the same as the 9.95$ Harbour Freight model. It probably does not have ball bearings, if only because it does not say so like the more expensive one I posted above.<br /><br /> HF 9.95$ 435" Angle Grinder.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Grinder

I saw a portable air comp you once posted from that sight.............ohhh i was tempted. What concerned me was the quality.. Perhap's i should rethink this......

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Grinder

Originally posted by Realgun:<br /> I bought a 60 dollar Dewalt Before I found out about Harbor Freight. Grrrr.

Don't feel bad Realgun. I bought a 90$ Black and Decker before I found these. I think that fiberglass dust will kill the good ones as quick as the cheapies. So I use the cheapy for the real dirty work.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Grinder

Originally posted by Tail_Gunner:<br />...that you once posted from that sight.............

Who is you, Tail_gunner???

 

[Purduebarry]

Re: Grinder

Mine actually looks different than the pic I linked to. I went and checked. Mine is about 5 years old and says 11-n-1. It was a total kit with many pads, backer plates etc. Perhaps the temptation of the internet has pilferated Northern too. I just know this thing hasn't failed me yet so I was tempted to give you the heads up. Go to home cheapo, get a name brand, if it craps out they will replace it, especially if you pout at the checkout !

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Grinder

Originally posted by Boomyal:<br />

Originally posted by Tail_Gunner:<br />...that you once posted from that sight.............

Who is you, Tail_gunner???

why the compliment's go to you of course..

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Grinder

Most know I use a chainsaw for the main demolition, but I do use a small grinder for smoothing things up. I found using a knotted wire wheel cuts the glass and resin without clogging up. I just hate dealing with the fine powder created by the grinders/saws. The chainsaw produces bigger chunks that are easier to clean up and less powder. Then again,,,,,I'm known as a redneck and will do anything to make the job easier.

 

[Kevin70]

Re: Grinder

They grow rednecks in Ohio? I thought that here in southeast Georgia was the only place to grow real rednecks. Something about the climate.Anyway, I have a Makita 4 1/2", and it's on its last leg. I have to hold the switch to make it stay on. It has lasted about 8 years on a 15-man construction crew. Not too shabby.