Single speed or Variable speed angle grinder ?

[Ritothebull]

I have 6 or 7 angle grinders in different sizes and brands but I find myself liking the Bosch the most because they have a small diameter body and their easy to use with one hand. Also the lighter weight models are easier to handle so I wouldn't get one that's has more power than you really need because more power means more weight.

 

[Teachu2]

For welding, I have half a dozen single speeds. I find variable speed switches to be less reliable.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Big Barn. I have been looking for a commercial bench top combo Belt & Disk Sander. I see you have two floor mounted ones. How come two?

 

[Big Barn]

Big Barn. I have been looking for a commercial bench top combo Belt & Disk Sander. I see you have two floor mounted ones. How come two?

The combo belt/disc Kalamazoo on the left is used mostly for squaring up stock. The green Burr King next to it can be used for slack belt and contour sanding using the radius of the bottom idler wheel. Hope this helps.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Thanks. Yes, I need something to square up stock. But I don't have the floor space to put something like you have. Well, I might, if push really came to shove. Is the wide belt good for squaring up stock or is the disk better? Most commercial units seem to have narrower belts and generally no disk. That seems to be more of a woodworking thing, no?

 

[Big Barn]

Industrial Toys.

I find the 12" disc quicker for squaring up stock. The 6" wide belt is nice for finer finishes and sharpening tools. But then that's just me...

You might consider a "knife making"belt grinder. Lots of kits and plans for them available. You'll need one with a tool rest or table for squaring up stock. They don't take up too much room.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Another vote for the lightweight thin-body Bosch. I got four of them when they were $49. I like that no matter what grinder I pick up, they all feel the same, and especially the power switch is the same.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I never liked the paddle switch and always go for the conventional trigger.

A high quality flexible cord is a nice feature of pricier machines. Strangely the rubber cord on one of my Makitas has just about disintegrated!

 

[dragoneggs]

Angle grinders is the one tool I violate my rule about buying quality. I have 4 or 5 HF grinders. Each with the different cutting, grinding disc or brush on them. They are cheap and yes, you can burn them up but at $10 and if you aren't a daily user, I am okay with them. The first thing I do is remove the 4 screws on the head exposing the gear and grease and wipe out the Vasoline, and then repack it with some decent and a bunch more grease!

I have had great luck with them but I don't lean on them much either as I would a higher powered expensive grinder. I do know I wouldn't have a fleet of expensive grinders and I love not having to ever change a disc unless it is worn out.

 

[sandfs]

I've had a variable speed milwaukee for years. Never could figure out where the variable speed would do me any good. Something on the control board finally went bad a few years ago and I bypassed it. I dern sure wouldn't shop for or pay extra for variable speed on an angle grinder.