Angle Grinder Recommendations?

[Brian Kent]

What electric angle grinder do you recommend?

My super-cheap Harbor Freight has filled my needs for the last 7 years, but I would like to use one with attachments for sculpting wood. If I ever make a Maloof Rocker I'll use it for a lot of wood sculpting / grinding.

What is a smoother feeling angle grinder that will last?

I have home depot gift certificates so my search begins with Makita, DeWalt, Ridgid, Husky, Hilti, Bosch, DAG and Milwaukee.

I assume I want a 4-1/2 inch tool.

Thanks in advance for your experience.

Brian

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Brian,

I got a gift certificate when I bought one of my large tools a couple of years ago. It gave me the choice of several tools. I got a Bosch angle grinder and used it on my bathroom remodel earlier this summer. It worked great. That is my first and only angle grinder and first experience using it but it went well and performed as I expected.

[John Hollaway]

Brian,

When I bought my angle grinder several years ago I wanted variable speed, so I bought the Milwaukee vs - I believe it's a 5". I use a wide range of speeds depending upon the task at hand, so a single speed would not be welcome in my shop. Something to think about.

John

[Brice Burrell]

Brian, I know this isn't actually what you asked about but it might something to think about, the Festool RAS 115. http://www.festoolusa.com/products/r...er-570738.html I've not used one before but I've heard good things about it, some guys said you can cope molding with and the dust collection is still good (when hooked to a vac). Supposed to be great for shaping. Of course your depot gift certificates won't help you.

[Scott Crumpton]

A long time ago I bought a low quality 4 1/2" angle grinder at Lowes for $20. It's served me well and is still going, though the trigger sticks now and then. It has a unique feature that I have come to love - a variable speed trigger. I want to replace it with a better/bigger one but haven't been unable to find any with variable speed at any price. Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks,
---Scott.

[Joe Mioux]

I have a Makita and it works fine.

However, it doesn't get used much. One of my employees used to own a gas/service station. He still has big grinder. He brings that to work whenever we need some real man grinding done.

this is one of these topics where you will probably find any of the name brand mfers' product to be more than adequate for the general purpose needs.

If I had to do it over again, I would probably buy a Milwauke, just because all my drills are that brand.

[Greg Peterson]

I have a Ryobi that has worked fine for me. It certainly is a heavy duty unit but for the projects I use it on it works fine. I did have to replace the switch recently. The shipping was more than the switch so I bought two switches.

Which reminds me, where did I store that backup switch?

[Brian Kent]

The only variable speed angle grinder I can find at the Home Depot web page is the Makita 9". The price is OK but I plan on using a Kutzall disc which is 4" disc.

[Bruce Wrenn]

I have a couple of B&D Industrial (now DeWalt) grinders, one of which I have had for almost thirty years. Paid $39.99 at K-Mart. Paid $10 for the other at pawn shop a couple years back. Only thing I have ever done, other than work the snot out of them, is replace plug on one. If they failed today, I would replace with a DeWalt. After purchasing my first, my 7"/9" side grinders retired. I think I still know where they are.

[Randal Stevenson]

I have a Hitachi that has worked for my needs. I would like to get another and several people recommended the Milwaukee's to me (trigger style varies).

Now I have a machinist friend, who ONLY recommends and will use one brand, Metabo.

[Brice Burrell]

Originally Posted by Randal Stevenson

I have a Hitachi that has worked for my needs. I
Now I have a machinist friend, who ONLY recommends and will use one brand, Metabo.

I'll second the Metabo if you plan on getting some use out of it other wise any grinder will work.

[Frank Drew]

The serious metal workers I know mostly favor Metabo, but I don't know what accessories they offer.

One thing about Metabo tools, you never used to be able to find them discounted; I don't know if that's changed.

[joe milana]

Hands down the Metabo. Very slow speed, fast smooth powerful high speed. The only downside (if any) is that is is a bit heavy.

[Cary Falk]

[QUOTE=Greg Peterson;1259900]I have a Ryobi that has worked fine for me. [QUOTE]

I have the Ryobi also. I have had it for about 6 years. I don't have any experience with any others but I would guess it would be similar to your HF one.

[Brian Kent]

What is a paddle switch?