Replies

1. 
   PhillGiles | May 26, 2002 07:44am | #1

   Do yourself a fovour and get a 5".

   .

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

2. 
   KARLSTER | May 26, 2002 08:13am | #2

   I am pretty sure I have the Metabo you refer to.  it is a variable speed (3k to 9k rpm).  I love it, mainly for its ergonomics but the toolless removal of the lockring for holding blades is nice and it has shown great durability so far.  Almost every granite fabricator I know who buys their own tools uses this grinder.

   In response to what Phil says, I do have a variable speed 5" makita and I like it use it just as much.  I imagine it is a lot easier to get a makita repaired than a metabo and I have had great luck with makita longevity.

   I also use a hitachi single speed 4.5" grinder that is nice if you prefer a paddle switch on the bottom.  I did replace the switch after it started sticking in the on position but it was easy to get a replacement.

   I never use my milwaukee, not for any special reason I just find myself grabbing the others first.

   My tool of choice is a pneumatic angle grinder due to its light weight and small size but it isn't realistic if you are working away from your shop.

   Karl

1. 
   MisterT | May 26, 2002 03:28pm | #3

   Metabo makes tools that are a notch above most.(see my jigsaw rant)

   If you will be using this grinder on mostly wood I suggest a 6" or 7" whatever size the floor edgers use, so you can get discs from your hardwood floor man/woman. They wiil have access to the better quality discs at an economical price. A larger grinder will work the wood faster and with more finesse. A 4-1/2" will take more time to feather out the ridges.

   Go to a boat yard and see what they are using. They spend ALOT of time fairing the bottom of boats and grinding off fiberglass. I doubt you will see any 4-1/2" grinders except at the welders bench.

   4-1/4"- metal work

   6"or 7"- wood work

   MNSHO

   Mistah T

   Layers

   Onions

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1. 
   FrankB89 | May 26, 2002 04:15pm | #4

   I have a couple Milwaukie 4 1/2's that I've had for a long time and use one of them mostly for wood.  They're good for getting into a large dado on a log or timber to touch it up, to round off or remove slivers, etc. from temp handrails or just removing little high spots or imperfections when framing in some circumstances.  You can get a lot of accessories for them, including a random orbit sander head (5" and 6"), a diamond blade for scoring brick, cement or tuning up a scribed cut in a piece of tile.  I also have a pad I can put on that is a stitch and loop for a brillo type pad that is good for cleaning/polishing tool surfaces, etc.

   A 4 1/2" is relatively cheap, durable and versatile.

   The only problem with the Milwaukie is that the paddle trigger, while convenient in use, is easily engaged if the tool is set down carelessly or set down on clutter, etc.

   I've also used them a lot in the construction of several wooden boats.