5" Angle Grinder

[bigtiller]

I decided I need 1 or 2 additional angle grinders and I am wondering if anyone has moved up to the 5" models from the 4.5" size. I need one that i can really lean into when grinding and one that will work a little faster than the 4.5". I don't want to get into the big 7" ones because of the price.

Are the 5" ones worth the extra money?

 

[LD1]

If you want one you can lay on, look at the amps more than the size.

5" are nice cause sometimes that bigger wheel or cutoff disc gets areas a 4.5 won't. That's the only advantage I see.

I have 4.5 grinders that are 4.5a, 6a, 7a, 9a, and a Milwaukee that is 11a.

My only 5" is 9a.

Also have a metabo 6” at 12.2a

Look at 6” grinders. Same size as the 4.5 and 5 inch, but more power.

 

[Arc weld]

If you want to lean into a grinder get at least 10 amps and the 39.95 special isn't the one you want even it's 15 amps.

 

[4570Man]

I have a big 7" one that you can lean into. I don't use it very often. I much prefer to work a little longer with my 2 pound air grinder vs using that 15 pound behemoth.

 

[dragoneggs]

I'm with Arc and LD on this... need the power to lean on a grinder. A 5in will not give you necessarily more than a 4.5in... look at the amps comparing 110v models. Looking at the label for amperage is about the first thing I do when evaluating electric tools.

 

[2458n]

+1 on the Metabo bought at a rigging company auction for 60.00. Used as a grinder. Other brands get the wire brushes.

 

[Big Barn]

I can lean into my Nitto Kohki 4 1/2"" angle grinder. One horse power.
Didn't feel like going out to the shop to snap a pic but here's a link.

Just noticed its discontinued....
Nitto Kohki - MAG-45 / 50 Right Angle Grinders

Terry

 

[dragoneggs]

I can lean into my Nitto Kohki 4 1/2"" angle grinder. One horse power.
Didn't feel like going out to the shop to snap a pic but here's a link.

Just noticed its discontinued....
Nitto Kohki - MAG-45 / 50 Right Angle Grinders

Terry

Aha! Air tools... can't really get there with electric unless 220v.

 

[LD1]

I can lean into my Nitto Kohki 4 1/2"" angle grinder. One horse power.
Didn't feel like going out to the shop to snap a pic but here's a link.

Just noticed its discontinued....
Nitto Kohki - MAG-45 / 50 Right Angle Grinders

Terry

Wow, 30cfm. Better have a big compressor or you ain't grinding long.

 

[4570Man]

Wow, 30cfm. Better have a big compressor or you ain't grinding long.

I have a 100 gallon compressor with about 20 CFM, and you still ain't grinding long. Unless you have a big diesel compressor or something similar that would be about worthless. I don't think you could get there with 50 amp 220. That is solidly in 3 phase territory.

 

[Shield Arc]

The best grinder I ever seen for really leaning on is the Black & Decker Wild Cat. I understand DeWalt has taken over the name now. Still not a bad grinder. Far has the 4 1/2" grinder I don't give them much thought. I use them until the smoke gets loose, then buy another one.

 

[4570Man]

I have an old metal bodied black&decker like shield arc posted. That thing is probably 20 old and still going strong.

 

[Gary Fowler]

I had a B&D Wildcat once but it got taken in a divorce so I never bothered to replace it till I bought a 7" elcheapo at Harbor Freight. I don't use it much but when I do, I put on a 9" blade and it handles it well with no stalling. It will sure move some metal in a hurry with that 9" blade. I think the only difference between the HF 7" and the 9" is the size of the guard. I have several of the 4.5" from HF and have never had any trouble with them. I have them from the $9 (I got from my brother in law) to the $30 one with the paddle switch and they all work well but just like any brand, if you stall them, they will overheat. I don't use my 4.5" grinders for heavy grinding anyway so I never have that problem.

 

[Big Barn]

My big B&D I use only for polishing now. No matter how I position my workpiece height, reposition my posture etc grinding still bugs my back.
I attribute it to old age but realistically I need to learn to weld better ;D
Terry

Edit: hmmm can't seem to be able to post pic...

 

[EddieWalker]

I never noticed 5 inch grinders before and had no idea they existed. Are the disks readily available? Do they cost close to what 4.5 inch disks cost?

I have two 4.5 inch Makita grinders. I've had quite a few other brands and they all died rather quickly. If these ever die on me, I'll replace them with the same brand. Makita has been very good to me.

 

[bigtiller]

I have a cut-off wheel on an air die-grinder and a couple small grinders for sanding and brushing, and a 4.5" 11 amp Milwaukee. I thought maybe the 5"-13 amp grinders disk tip-speed might be a little faster but it sounds like it may be just heaver and bulkier. That is why I was asking. It looks like the 5" averages about $20 more than the 4.5 so that is not a problem.

I guess I will stick with the 4.5 for the next one...... are 5 grinders enough? :laughing:

 

[bcp]

For years now I have had several of the HF xx222 and xx223 (easy to remember numbers ) grinders. All work as good as new. A neighbor borrowed one with a wire cup brush and cleaned up the entire metal roof of a 14x60 mobile home. It still runs fine.

Bruce

 

[dragoneggs]

I have three HF 4.5in grinders. The first thing I do is pull the head off and throw a blob of grease inside. They come almost dry.

 

[Big Barn]

I have three HF 4.5in grinders. The first thing I do is pull the head off and throw a blob of grease inside. They come almost dry.

My "heavy duty" Milwaulkeee came like that...

Terry

 

[LD1]

I have a cut-off wheel on an air die-grinder and a couple small grinders for sanding and brushing, and a 4.5" 11 amp Milwaukee. I thought maybe the 5"-13 amp grinders disk tip-speed might be a little faster but it sounds like it may be just heaver and bulkier. That is why I was asking. It looks like the 5" averages about $20 more than the 4.5 so that is not a problem.

I guess I will stick with the 4.5 for the next one...... are 5 grinders enough? :laughing:

All the 5" grinders I have used are not heavier and bulkier than a good 4.5" grinder.

Big advantage is cutoff discs and stones last longer. more meat in them