Best Grinder For Metal Work Of 2024: Completed List
Brandon Forder May 6, 2024 11:26 PM
In practically each metalworking shop, you may find an angle grinder, which is a very valuable welding equipment. They are a hand-held device for performing a variety of metalworking tasks, such as cutting, smoothing welds, removing rust, and grinding grooves.
Both MIG and TIG welding require the metal to be cleaned and prepared before welding, and the weld itself should be polished and smoothed afterward. Using an angle grinder will make your job much easier and cut down on the amount of time you spend laboriously doing the same thing by hand.
When shopping for an angle grinder, it's important to think about factors including corded vs. cordless operation, RPM, switch type, disc size, speed options (constant vs. variable), cost, and the ability to modify the guard without tools. Our below buyers guide goes into greater information about these.
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Last update on 2024-05-06 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Corded or Cordless
Cordless machines are a great asset because they are lightweight and easy to transport. One major drawback is that they can't replace a corded grinder's power without completely draining the batteries. Since most cordless grinders won't last very long on a 3 amp hour battery, it's crucial to keep that in mind when shopping. Additionally, the battery pack for a cordless angle grinder adds some heft to the tool. As a precaution, you should always have a backup battery on hand. You must determine the relative importance of portability and steady power to your line of work. It's also good to have one less wire to worry about, but that's a matter of taste.
RPM
How fast the disc spins and how much force it produces is indicated by the rotations per minute (RPM). A disc's maximum RPM must not be lower than what is indicated on the grinder. The disc could shred and break if the grinder's RPM is higher than the disc's.
Variable speed or fixed speed
In some models, you may adjust the RPM speed of the angle grinder. If you plan on utilizing your angle grinder for a variety of tasks, including a lot of polishing on more delicate materials, a variable speed setting is a must so that you can adjust the RPM to the job at hand. In my opinion, a quick fixed speed is sufficient for the vast majority of welding tasks, although this is entirely a matter of taste and the specifics of your trade.
Power/Amperage
Greater grinding power and speed result from increased amperage. Grinder motors with 6 to 8 amps of power may be appealing to amateurs just getting into the hobby, but the industry standard is 10 amps. Thicker pipe welding, for example, will benefit from larger discs and higher amperage. Since 3A/hour batteries are quickly depleted, a 5A/hour battery is the better choice for a cordless grinder.
Hand Guard
As a vital safety feature, the guard on an angle grinder shields the user from flying debris by covering up to half of the disc. In addition to shielding the user's hands from flying sparks and debris, it can also shield surfaces from damage when using the grinder in confined locations.
There are both portable and stationary guard options for angle grinders. The adjustable model is the most well-liked because it can be used with either hand and provides more security from flying objects. A removable guard, however, can become detached from the mechanism if the screws aren't secured. Guards that are permanently attached to a grinder are more durable and less likely to come loose.
Soft Start
Angle grinders are rapid and strong tools, and as a result, they can rebound slightly when first turned on. This is especially the case if the grinding wheel is substantial in size and weight. The motor's recoil can cause the angle grinder to leap in the user's hands, resulting in a potentially dangerous situation.
Angle grinders with soft-start technology have their motor's power reduced at first, and then gradually increased, to mitigate recoil. By limiting the initial surge of power, users of angle grinders can avoid injury to their arms and wrists and have a more comfortable start-up experience.
Disc Size
The maximum diameter of the grinding wheel or disc that can be used with a given size of angle grinder is indicated by the angle grinder's size. A 4-, 4.5-, or 5-inch disc will work for the vast majority of do-it-yourself tasks. This small size and light weight is perfect for the do-it-yourselfer, as larger discs can be cumbersome or time-consuming to handle.
Discs with a diameter of up to 9 inches are typically utilized by experts in industrial settings for slicing through dense materials. To accommodate the increased cutting power of a larger disc, a larger grinder is required. Compared to a compact angle grinder, this means you'll have to use a heavier instrument for longer before your hands start to hurt.
Weight
The tool's practicality depends on how much work it can accomplish. To use this tool effectively, the user does not need a heavy-duty angle grinder, which is especially convenient for people who want to use the instrument only on the weekends. Keep in mind that a lightweight grinder won't hold up to heavy use for very long. So, choose an angle grinder that weighs between 3 and 10 pounds.
Price & Warranty
There is a large price variation with angle grinders. An affordable price tag is attached to this. If you want to get a job done right, you need an angle grinder that will last. Consider the manufacturer's warranty (if any; it should be at least a year) as an additional selling point.
How do you cut metal with an angle grinder?
Lead, iron, copper, and other metals can be easily cut using an angle grinder and a metal cutting disc. While the rotating blade makes quick work of metal, the grinding process generates a lot of sparks, so it's necessary to wear protective eyewear and gloves.
How do you cut pavers with an angle grinder?
Cutting through paving stones is simple with an angle grinder and some masonry discs. Place the paver on a workbench, measure and mark where you want to cut it, and then proceed. Fire up the grinder and cautiously begin chipping away at the pavement stone. Once you've made a start on the cut, completing it precisely will be much simpler.
How to take out the disc from vice grips?
Clip the handles onto the bolt that is stopping the disc from spinning, then use that to turn the drive. The next step is to place a cordless screwdriver into the space between the motor and the disc. Now, withdraw the screwdriver counterclockwise to the disc's arrow. If it still won't budge, smash it with a hammer and try again. Do not forget that the disc can be popped out of the drive without the need for any additional equipment. To remove the nut, simply strike the disc in the opposite direction of the disc arrow.
How to detach the disc with spanners?
The grinder comes with two factory spanners that are shaped like wrenches but are flatter. The first is the traditional wrench shape, while the second is more like a fork with two prongs. You can use this to pry out the discs. In order to use the tool, the prongs must first be put into the two holes in the drive bolt, which is situated between the tool's motor and disc.
After that, tighten the bolt on the base of the disc using the wrench-like spanner, but make sure to turn the pronged spanner in the opposite direction of the disc arrow. A disc can be withdrawn from the grinder by pressing a button that locks the disc in place and rotates the nut.
When it comes to power tools, angle grinders are among the most versatile. In this piece, we'll go over a few of the top angle grinders available today. You can compare and contrast them, as well as learn about their most salient features and alternatives.
