best cutting disk that you have used

[zmansmac]

I have a couple of Dewalt 4 1/2 inch angle grinders and have used the Dewalt brand cutting disks, bought at TSC, and the Harbor Freight ones on sale. It seems like a tossup in a way. You go through 2 HF disks for every one Dewalt disk making the price about the same. But, of course, you have to change the HF disks more often, so more hassle. So that got me thinking that I should ask guys with way more experience than me using cutting disks and wondered what is the best one out there. Does anybody make a diamond type disk for cutting metal? The only diamond ones I've seen so far are only for masonry type applications. So which disks do you guys have the best success with?

 

[4570Man]

The best cutting disk I have used was attached to this saw. I'm pretty sure the 10 HP motor driving it, and not the disk made the most difference.

 

[Arc weld]

The blade on a big chop saw makes a huge difference too. Walter has good zip discs but they're more expensive so it's kind of a toss up. You can get diamond/carbide grinding wheels and I think cutting discs for angle grinders but they're about 8-10 times the cost.

 

[BethelHntr]

Iv'e had good luck with metabo brand cut off wheels.

4.5" x 3/32" x 7/8" A30R T27 Cut-Off Wheel | Metabo Original Slicer 616727000

 

[DJ54]

If you have a Rural King in the area, about every other monthly sale they have DeWalt cut off wheels, and grinding wheels for 99 cents each.

 

[Mysfyt]

SAIT brand for me.

 

[yomax4]

SAIT, Pferd, Norton. If you buy a disc that cuts fast, it will wear fast. They are not apples to apples. Look for a zirconia or similar wheel for long life.

 

[GLyford]

I used to love the HF ones when they were made in Russia, cut great, lasted a reasonably long time. I had noticed that the reinforcing fibers on the back were tightly spaced, maybe 1/16" apart or so. Then came the ones made in China with the widely spaced fibers, like 1/4" apart or more. They didn't last worth heck. Still cut OK, but they would break apart much more easily and would wear out super fast. Not a big fan of breaking cut off wheels. The latest batch I looked at, and I forget where they were made, seemed to be a little closer, but I don't think I have picked any up yet to try...I have a few stacks of the DeWalt ones, and whatever the no-name home depot brand is to use up. They both seem to do OK.

So now, the first thing I do when I pick up a potential brand of cutting wheel is flip it over and see how many reinforcing fibers it has.

Hope that helps...

 

[CNC Dan]

SAIT brand for me.

+1 on the Sait brand.

I've heard good things about 3M cubeatron II

 

[Big Barn]

If you buy a disc that cuts fast, it will wear fast. They are not apples to apples. Look for a zirconia or similar wheel for long life.

I find this to be true.
These are pretty good. Pretty much bought all the abrasives my tool truck had left when he retired. When I've used up these cutting discs I think I'll go back to Walters though.



Terry