angle grinders

amandstu

Is there anything I should know about these before I buy one? They seem quite cheap but you can pay more.

Do they come with multiple attachments and sizes?

Can they be used for anything else than cutting through metal ?

Can they cut through stone too?

TheFarrier

I find that you get what you pay for. I've bought cheap 4" grinders for €30 and I've killed them. Mind you I've also killed a €130 makita grinder.
I currently have hitachi grinders, bought a 4" and a 9" in a twin pack for €135. Can't fault them.

Yes you can cut stone with the right disc.
Discs available for cutting, and grinding metal and stone. Probably more available that I haven't used or come across.

An angle grinder is a very handy tool, I wouldn't be without one.
If your buying one then spend a reasonable amount on a decent make, (makita, Bosch, hitachi) and you should get plenty value out of it

amandstu

TheFarrier wrote: »

I find that you get what you pay for. I've bought cheap 4" grinders for €30 and I've killed them. Mind you I've also killed a €130 makita grinder.
I currently have hitachi grinders, bought a 4" and a 9" in a twin pack for €135. Can't fault them.

Yes you can cut stone with the right disc.
Discs available for cutting, and grinding metal and stone. Probably more available that I haven't used or come across.

An angle grinder is a very handy tool, I wouldn't be without one.
If your buying one then spend a reasonable amount on a decent make, (makita, Bosch, hitachi) and you should get plenty value out of it

Thanks. It will be my first. Hopefully it will come in handy from time to time.

red sean

The most important thing to know is you're buying a VERY dangerous tool!
I'd agree with the Farriers post regarding makes and steer clear of cheapies.
Also, when buying discs you must check that they are not out of date. Otherwise they may shatter when in use and the result can be catastrophic. The date is stamped around the metal insert of the hole.
It's imperative you wear proper PPE when using.

amandstu

red sean wrote: »

The most important thing to know is you're buying a VERY dangerous tool!
I'd agree with the Farriers post regarding makes and steer clear of cheapies.
Also, when buying discs you must check that they are not out of date. Otherwise they may shatter when in use and the result can be catastrophic. The date is stamped around the metal insert of the hole.
It's imperative you wear proper PPE when using.

Thanks for that advice. I appreciate it.

sky6

red sean wrote: »

The most important thing to know is you're buying a VERY dangerous tool!
I'd agree with the Farriers post regarding makes and steer clear of cheapies.
Also, when buying discs you must check that they are not out of date. Otherwise they may shatter when in use and the result can be catastrophic. The date is stamped around the metal insert of the hole.
It's imperative you wear proper PPE when using.

+ 1 for the above, I've seen some nasty accidents from Angle Grinders including one lad almost cut his hand off at the wrist. A couple of pointers.
there a handy tool but not really a diy tool in my opinion, And should really come with a Do's and Dont's list.

1. make sure you have a clear mind before you pick it up.
2. make sure Cables are free and Clear and preferably behind you.
3. Never put it down while the disc is spinning. That's what causes the most accidents.
4. grip it tight and only use it for a couple of minutes then relax for a minute before going back to it.
5. Don't use it in a manner that could cause the Disc to grab or stick as the Disc could shatter with terrible consequences.

G-Man

A workshop I know has dropped all 9 inch grinders. only use the smaller ones. I have seen them cut any bean

The 9 inch are mad unsafe yokes in the wrong hands , a 4 inch with little extra time and handling is just as good and much less safety handling.

jonon9

Angle grinders are super handy for various tasks I wouldnt be without one. I would steer clear of the cheap as chips grinders spend some money up front for a decent grinder. Makita Hitachi and Metabo all make great grinders.

Id also stay away from cheap cutting discs i.e 20 in a pack for a fiver type thing on the internet. A good cutting disc is well worth buying.

amandstu

Great. More very useful advice it seems.

CJhaughey

One of the most useful abrasives is a flap disc, way better for finishing metal as opposed to a grinding disc, finishes welds much smoother as well.
I'd get a bit of experience before you go to the super thin 1mm cutting discs while they are very effective they need a steady hand or they can break easily.
I have a arbortech disc as well which is a fantastic tool for wood but again they need a bit of experience to know how they work.
Just bee careful and get some time on the grinder with easy and simple jobs before you start tackling harder and more dangerous work. Always keep out of line of the spinning disc, if it breaks up its bad juju.
Budget for a good grinding mask and earmuffs as well. PPE isn't expensive and makes a lot of difference to how your concentration level is held.
Gloves are a must and remember things get hot quickly!

mezzz

life is an angle grinder