Recommendations on Electric Grinders and Cut Off Wheels

[_Ogre]

yeah, those big grinders become obsolete when you get the small ones.
my big grinder resides in my neighbors garage now.

[PanelDeland]

I used Makita's when working for a construction company that did work in Packing houses.I have dropped them from 40 ft and drug them back up by the cord/extension cord and gone on grinding.I have run them 30-40 minutes non-stop.They seldom got even wiped down when put away and we bought new ones as we expanded but I don't recall putting but 1-2 sets of brushes in them even though we had about 15-20 of them.They were all paddle switch style and abused daily.I'm a believer that they were quality built.

[1972K20]

Ok, so how do you use a high speed grinder without the fear of the disc shattering and injuring you?

[hardhead]

Always make sure the disc is rated for the speed of the grinder and the disc is for the material you are grinding. If grinding carbon steel, SS, aluminum, concrete etc. the wheel should be designed for that material. Carbon steel wheels used on aluminum will load up and come apart. Always wear safety glasses at the least but if you want the best protection wear a full face shield and some leather glove too. I always thought if I wore safety glasses I was good but I had a Metabo cutting wheel come apart and put fibers in my lips, face and hands, no major injuies but it could have been worse. I have been using them for years on the job but you never know what might happen.

[eldogg]

I have a Dewalt, Makita, and 3 paddle switch Harbor Freights. The harbor freights are an unbelievable bargain for $30 ea. They even put an extra set of brushes in the box with them. I keep a cutoff wheel in one, flap wheel in another, and wire brush in the last. A bunch of guys on pirate4x4.com recommended them. I will NEVER buy a $100 grinder again.

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by 1972K20

Ok, so how do you use a high speed grinder without the fear of the disc shattering and injuring you?

fear? riding a bike is dangerous yet every one learns to ride one.
respect the tool, wear safety glasses, long sleeves and gloves,
in 40 years of using grinders i've never had one break

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by 1972K20

Ok, so how do you use a high speed grinder without the fear of the disc shattering and injuring you?

Remember, you're dealing with centrifugal force. If a wheel shatters, it's going to travel straight away and in the plane of rotation. That's a complicated way of saying that the guard will keep if from flying toward you and anything else will be flying away from you. Wear a face shield, good gloves, hold onto the grinder firmly and beware of your surroundings with a "what if" mentality for possible wheel failure.

I've bound up and shattered a lot of grinding wheels over the years. I have never had any parts hit me on the body with enough force to do more than superficial damage. Wear a face shield and proper clothes and you'll be okay. And remember the pictures I posted on the first page of my stitched up leg and ensuing scar. Hold onto the damn thing. If your hands get tired or you lose concentration. Turn it off and walk away for a while.