So lets talk 4.5" grinders

[Spiffy]

Re: So lets talk 4.5\" grinders

I've heard the Milwakee is slowly succuming to the trend of poorer quality like everyone else, but I think they they are the best bet right now. I had to buy a 9" recently and was not disappointed.

Check the last two pictures in this thread:

Grinder

Wish I had some action photos, but I'm not sure I have enough talent to do it with the 4 1/2; no chance on this thing!

Variable speed would be a neat feature if it came with the grinder, but in the case of grinders, I don't think it is required (now Sawzalls [IMHO, Milwaukee Super Sawzall is the only reciprocating saw] are a different case /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif ).

 

[EddieWalker]

Re: So lets talk 4.5\" grinders

I had a Dewalt that I bought new at Home Depot. I forget what I paid, but think it was close to $150.

I wasn't doing allot of welding or grinding at the time, so it was rarely used for several years. Than my first big project that I needed it for and it burned up on me. Spelled like something melted inside and it got REALLY hot. To hot to hold, and of course, it was dead.

I went to buy another grinder, but a different brand. DeWalt should have lasted allot longer than that!!! The guy at the discount tool store suggested a Nakita. Yes, spelled with an "N."

It was a cheapy that I abuse all the time. I've run dozens and dozens of wheels through it and it just keeps going.

No way would I ever spend the money for an expensive one when the cheapies work just as good, or in my experience, even better!!!!!

Eddie

 

[BloomingtonMike]

Re: So lets talk 4.5\" grinders

Is there an advantage to the 12 amp version vs the 8.5 amp version?

I am liking the lock on functionality.

 

[George2615]

Re: So lets talk 4.5\" grinders

I too have one of HF $16 4.5" grinders. It even came with an extra set of brushes. It has the 5/8 arbor and mostly I use 36 or 80 grit flap discs on it. I've been beating it to death for 3 years now and figured I'd buy another so I did. The newest one still sits in the box cause the old one still works. By the way I also have one my Dad ordered from HF in Calif. before they branched out. Its about 20 years old and still runs fine but the on/ off switch is broken.

 

[Highbeam]

Re: So lets talk 4.5\" grinders

I bought the walmart 15$ version that's blue, maybe ryobi. This does not need to be a precision piece of equipment. I have run at least a dozen bits through it cutting metal, grinding metal, plastic, whatever. As far as I know ALL grinders have the little lock button to lock the arbor in place to allow you to get the bit off. My cheapy 4.5 has an on/off button that latches on but I'm not sure if it is variable speed because when I want to grind I want to grind. I wear ear muffs and safety glasses and go for it.

Why buy a gold plated grinder? Refinement means nothing, fast spinning is important.

 

[Spiffy]

Re: So lets talk 4.5\" grinders

Actually many do require two wrenches. A slight inconvenience, but after having a button lock shear once, not so bad.

<font color="blue"> Why buy a gold plated grinder? Refinement means nothing, fast spinning is important. </font>

Not saying gold plated here, but there is something to a tool that feels right and performs as it should.

That doesn't mean there is a reason to buy name only. For that matter if they're all making cheap junk-just under different names: not only is it ludicrous to pay for a name, but maybe if everyone stops buying famous names they'll need to start making quality to regain market.

That said, there are a few names I still slighty trust; few things frustrate me more than a tool not performing when/how it should. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif (at the tool industry, not any of those posting here)

 

[Dargo]

Re: So lets talk 4.5\" grinders

I've had junk and I've had quality. I'll take quality every time; junk is...well, junk. Life is too short so spend screwing with changing cheap brushes in a junk grinder and using something that is about to vibrate my teeth out and does not have any more torque than a Dremel tool. In the past I've played the game of buying the junk and taking my chances that I'd have the "one" out of that batch that would keep running. Even if gas prices were not $5 a gallon, my time is worth more to me than to spend it running back and forth replacing junk power tools.

I have a feeling that Spiffy isn't ready to dig in my dumpster after the old junk ones I've pitched /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[kossetx]

Re: So lets talk 4.5\" grinders

I use a 20 year old B&D pro and 2 newer dewalts. They're basicly the same grinder. I like the way they lock down to remove or change wheels. The B&D has paid for itself many times over, but it was 90.00 way back then.

 

[LAXPatrick]

Re: So lets talk 4.5\" grinders

Milwaukee would be my first choice, then the deWalt. In general, I try to buy the right tool (quality) off the bat. I've ALWAYS regretted buying cheap power tools. I do a fair bit of metal fab with my deWalt and it keeps on going strong.

LAXPatrick

 

[GeneD14]

Re: So lets talk 4.5\" grinders

I bought 3 made in China cheapies a few years ago at a flea market for $8 each. Alot of the projects I do require continuous grinding for several minutes. All 3 burnt the motors up within the first few uses.
I now have a Rigid with a lifetime garuantee (it has lasted 2 years) and a Porter Cable that I've been using for about a year now. For heavy use I will always pay a little more now to avoid the aggrevation caused by a crappy tool.