I need (want) a new 4 1/2 grinder. My DW 7″ is just too bulky for lots of things.
Initial primary use: cutting out mortar joints, but it won’t be dedicated to that.
How many amps? What kind of switch? Features? Any great packages available?
FH liked a Makita best a few years back, and Milwaulkie and Metabo came up on top in the only recent thread I can find in the archives.
What say you?
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Replies
You want a paddle sw? or a constant on?
I like my DW that is 20yrs young, but I also have a DW that is 18v, that is the bomb.
The cord is shot to hell and back on the old one, ( I think the arc from welding killed the rubber) .
If I were shopping for new, I'd opt for Mak, or DW.
I also have 4 HF cheepies that won't die ( I hate changeing attachments).
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Shooting rubber bands at the Moon
You have a Dewalt grinder that lasted 20 years? Holy crap thats unbelievable. I cut in a few chimneys a year, and cut off foundation bolts that get in the way of joists and burn them up in a year or so.
What in the world am I doing wrong?
I dunno what yer doing wrong, maybe the old ones were better. It was my first one and used mostly for welding and carving with a chainsaw wheel.
Other than the cord being all ratty, it keeps on chuggin.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Shooting rubber bands at the Moon
The triggers go to crap in them, they start grinding and smoking making all sorts of racket.
I think I have bought three in three years, maybe the old ones were better.
Hey guys... remember, 20 years ago DW actually made good tools. I believe that was before their 'revival' in the '90s.
Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.â€
I shoulda known better than to post a question that was burning a hole in my brain and then drifting away for a few days. Thanks to all for your opinions. It sounds to me like my first course of action is to go to the store and fondle a couple of different brands, find the one that makes my hands happy, then take a look at all the features....
I'll post after my tool fondling trip.
Thanks,
=====Zippy=====
Zippy,I needed a second grinder to go along my 5" Bosch. I went to HD and handled many, bought the 4-1/2" Ridgid, knowing it was made in Germany by Metabo. It is a very nice machine for well under $100. Welders have twice told me that Metabo grinders are the bomb.Bill
When you are trying out the different models, be sure you are wearing whatever you will be wearing when you are using it (gloves?) and that you try the switch. I have the Bosch with the slide switch. While I don't like the paddle switch, I wish it was a large rocker type switch rather than a slide switch, which is hard to operate with gloves on.
You can get a year out of a dw?
Amazing, I only got several months each out of the 2 I tried.
I don't think amperage is going to be an issue it seems most of the better tool makers are increasing the amperage in their tools from around 5.5 A to now around 7 to 8 A seems common.
I have a milwuakee 4.5 inch grinder and it has I think 8 amps. I bought it for general use. I liked it because when I bought it it was one of the only ones with a toolless gaurd adjustment. which is important if you do alot of cutting with it.
Mine has a paddle switch which works okay, but if I were going to try any precision work like trimming ceramic tile with a diamond blade I would want one with a slide switch . the slide switch allows you to move your grip up on the grinder and allows a little more precision. I would also find one that wasn't too fat in my hand, so I could maintain a good grip.
I would also stick with a 4.5 inch or 5 inch versus a 4 inch.
just my two pennies worth.
Webby
I've got a Milwakee 4.5. It handles nicely and runs well, but I wish I had sprung for the electric brake; I get tired of holding it while it spins down.
Scott.
Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.â€
i look at 4.5" grinders as disposable... yeah i've had some last years but... around here you can get almost new ones (good brands) at pawnshops for $25 all day long... so when i spot any of the good ones for $14.95 at the pawn shop i buy em... keep em lay'n around with different blades... for tuck point work.. thats like toss'n sand in the motor of a tool... think i'd get something home depot or lowes sells with a 1yr exchange... cause you'll be see'n em every few months
p
I have 2 Makitas. One is yearssssssss old, the other is only about 3.
Love the first one, hate the second. It's an Ergonomic Turd is whats wrong with it.
I thought it was the same same when I bought it mail order. Turned out not so. So buy in person, make sure it fits. They both work the same, the later one has a button to hold the blade while you change it instead of 2 wrenches like the early one. That's better.
I use them both with different blades, think a 3rd is in order too so I'll never have to change.
Joe H
I have 2 DW's that are dead ,went and bought 2 lowes specials(task force)
love them if they die I can go and buy 2 more for what the name brands cost
I do a lot of masonry cutting /scoring and also use the cheapo diamond
blades --Hey I found out yesterday ,that the diamond blades make a neat
as heck PVC cutter just makes the cleanest cuts you ever saw. i,ll see what
I can abuse tomorrow.
I carry a 4/5" angle grinder, and find it invaluable, for the rare times I use it.
Mine is a $20 Harbor Freight special. It has worked far better than I expected; my only 'complaint' is that I would much rather have a paddle switch, than an on button.
If you choose to get a cheap grinder, make sure to get on with a 5/8 spindle. This is the 'standard' that many accessories use; not every cheap grinder has the standard spindle. Also, make sure that you need no more than one tool to change a wheel. Two tools is a royal PITA.
When my cheapie wears out, I intend to get one with a paddle switch. My selection will be based upon just how easy it is to operate that switch while wearing gloves; on some models, the secondary 'safety' is a real bother.
My second choice is the Metabo with the 'quick change.' This one has a clever design that allows for wheel change without using any tools; and the on button is rather well placed.
I have that Metabo quick change and it's a great machine.
Any of the main line machines are probably fine, and you can choose based on the swwitch style you like and ergonomics.
For mortar joints, I would be tempted to look at one of those $20 cheapies from Harbor Freight. Around here, Menards also sells them.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I use them for all kinds of stuff and Sears has the one I like the best. They have several so you must put your hands on it to tell which one fits you the best.
I have the Milwaukee and love it. It is a paddle switch, but the part I like the most is you can screw the aux. handle into 3 positions. Most others only have one on either side, but I find myself using it mostly screwed into the back. There may be nicer ones out there, but I like Milwaukee, and this grinder seems well worth the money.
Is the head on the Milwaukee cast & tapped for the handles or does it have threaded inserts for the handles? (i'm looking at that one, 6148-6)
I have a dewalt that has threaded inserts that now stay with the handle not the head. Never buying one with inserts.
TFB (Bill)
the Mil doesn't have inserts...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
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Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
good to know. Thanks.TFB (Bill)
Here is another vote for the metabo. I use the variable speed model and I give the toolless blade changing a big thumbs up. I have abused this grinder routinely cutting, grinding and polishing granite and it has never missed a beat. The ergonomics are outstanding.
It is not a paddle switch but I have no trouble turning it on and off at will.
You won't regret buying the metabo.
FWIW, I also have two makitas, a milwaukee, two hitachis and a few cheap no name grinders.
The metabo is the one I always reach for first.
I've got a hitatchi that I love- the paddle switch is easy to use, easy to lock on, and easy to turn off.
I've used dewalts and found them very uncomfortable. I don't like the paddle switch on Milwaukees. I'd consider a Makita, but haven't used one- their 7" grinder is a solid tool though.
The metabo is a very nice grinder- well built and ergonomic. I don't like the thumb switch style quite as much, but it's usually just fine.
Home Despot sells the metabo rebranded as a Ridgid, for cheaper money, and with a case (make sure the tool says "made in Germany", you never know when they'll outsource it to china). It's a good deal.
zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
I also vote for the Metabo
http://www.metabousa.com/metabo/handgefuehrte/us/en/produkte/anglegrinder/anglegrinderwe9125quick_6_00925_42.html
Want/need a hammer drill, too? Makita has been doing a deal through HD where they throw in a 4 1/2 " grinder with some bits and maybe two wheels with a Pitbull hammer drill for around $219. or something.
"When it all finally hit the fan I was glad to be holed up in a little beer joint in Robstown Texas called the El Gato Negro."
i have just bought a metabo grinder. it is sexy. i don't hear anyone mentioning bosch, but their grinders are immortal. i have owned two different models of the bosch 41/2 one has a thick body the other thin. depends on the size of your hands is what your reaching for. forget the throwaways/cheapies. its no good for the landfill or that one time the switch decides to not turn off when you need it to (seen that twice with "killer deal" grinders)
We cut a lot of natural stone for landscape construction. We use the Bosch 4 1/2". Paddle switches stink. Love the Bosch's balance and switch.
I have a Bosch, we use it with the 3M sandblaster pads and I agree that the paddle switches stink. But I wish the non-paddle switch was a large rocker type switch rather than the slide type. It's hard to slide the switch with gloves on.
Update on the Ridgid/Metabo grinder...
As is the case with other good quality tools that Ridgid outsources from others they've done the same with the grinder.
The Metabo version is model #1000 and is made in Germany. Home Depot now has the Ridgid Model #10001 and it's made in China.
Good News though - if you can find it - they're ringing up at $57 at the store I was at.
Looks to be a great grinder and lots of power - all in all a very good deal.
Keep your eyes peeled for it.
One other thing - the Germany version comes with a very nice case - the new China version does not.
Julian
I figured that would happen soon.
Part of me wants to go down to the despot and see if I can find a metabo one, for later. But I'll probably just stick with my hitachi. The longer shape of it is more comfortable for me.zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
That's funny - I have a Hitachi also. It's a G12SE or something like that. I picked it up years ago cause it was the highest powered one available and one of the only ones out there at the time that had a tool-less guard adjustment.The trigger/paddle takes a bit of getting used to, but once you do, it's a breeze.Problem is I can't pass up a great deal, and a buddy is borrowing my Hitachi and I need one tomorrow to cut out some tile.I've justified my purchase by thinking that the Hitachi would be the dirty one and this new Ridgid would be my "clean" one. Yeah, right.Plus - didn't help that all these other guys are saying how they have 3-4 grinders and I'm thinking I just have one and don't use it much...Now I have two.JT
I've got the same grinder, for the same reasons- it was the biggest and best at the time. No regrets yet.
I think I use my grinder quite a bit- I work with steel and stone as well as wood. I just don't have enough truck space for more grinders.zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
My vote goes to the Bosch grinders,too. The first one I bought, some 20 years ago, had metric threads. It got used and abused through those years on everything from high pressure boiler annuals to welding jobs, and just grinding out pipe stubs sticking out of the concrete, and never had it serviced once. Still going strong. Just bought a new Bosch 4-1/2" grinder with the paddle switch, mainly because it has the 5/8 threads that is now standard. Nice machine with tool-less guard adjustment, but I still like my old one.
Are there any grinders with a "soft start?" My El Cheapo has quite a 'twist' when it starts up.