Single speed or Variable speed angle grinder ?

[DHD]

I do not weld but thought this would be a good place to ask about angle grinders.

I'm looking for my first angle grinder and originally thought a variable speed a/g would be better than a single speed, but do I really need variable speed ?

I'd use the a/g to cut off steel (probably 1/4" thickness or less), sand rough metal edges, and wire brush paint from steel.
I'd also sharpen mower blades for my 72" rear mount finish mower (3 big blades) and two 42" deck (3 blades each) from my rider mowers.
and there's probably other jobs I've over looked.

I'm considering either the Makita 9565PCV variable speed
or Metabo WP9-115.

Makita 9565PCV
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-9565PC...70_&dpSrc=srch

Metabo WP9-115
Metabo WP9-115 Quick 8.5 Amp 1, 5 rpm Angle Grinder with Non-locking Paddle Switch, 4 1/2" - - Amazon.com

What do you suggest ?
thank you

 

[Tractorguy24]

I don稚 think you need that. I致e only used fixed speed grinders so far and never felt like I needed it. I have a cheap $50 grinder from Canadiantire which was an sale for half price and am very happy with it.
But then again I guess it is all personal preference...

 

[KubotainNH]

Two things I like on an angle grinder are paddle switch and easily adjusted guard, not a big need for a slower speed. I like and own the one below but have 4 other brands/models. At the savings you can buy 2 or 3 of them and have a different disk on each one which is a big plus. So nice to have them all there, just grab what you need but this one is my favorite. One for cut-off disk, grinder and flap disk.

PORTER-CABLE PC6�TPAG 7-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder/Cut Off Tool - Power Angle Grinders - Amazon.com

 

[bigdeano]

I splurged a year ago and bought a Milwaukee 5" variable speed grinder. I like to slow it down for a wire brush. So much better than the HF grinders I have, but cost a lot more too. The wire brush is the only thing I can see any reason to slow it down. I haven't used flap wheels, don't know if they would benefit from slower speed.

 

[Ford850]

I agree with having a paddle switch and easy adjustable guard as priorities, along with decent amps. I don't think the top of the line is needed, but a middle range amp rating close to 10 or 11 amps works really well for me. I'd rather have two 10 amp grinders, or one 10 amp grinder and two 6 amps grinders that I could leave set up with dedicated wheels (grinding, cutoff, and wire) for the same money as the Makita variable speed you listed.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I spent a lot of money on a Makita variable speed with the conventional trigger. I bought it to use with a Diamond wheel to touch up stump grinder teeth, otherwise I don't see the need for the variable speed. It does heat up though on slow speed.

I do like Makita grinders.

 

[BLSXJ]

Angle grinders work in a pretty nasty environment, full of grinding dust. its an environment that limits the life of anything.

My advice... buy cheap... buy lots

 

[mcfarmall]

You cant go wrong with a Metabo...very tough and the "quick" nut wheel change is awesome!

 

[Industrial Toys]

Yes, I have about half a dozen, mostly Mastercraft cheapies. And that's not often enough for cutting disks, grinding disks, smoothing disks, wire wheels, what have I forgotten?

 

[Big Barn]

I agree with Industrial Toys and mcfarmall. Makitas and Metabos are my favorite. (And Walters).

 

[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.