Recommend a die grinder

[roll_the_dice]

I need to cut my dash to put a patch panel in for the radio and ashtray. I am flushing a piece of metal in place of the ashtray for some custom a/c vents. Anyway, I am looking at 3" die grinders or cut off tool. I would like to stay under $75. I looked at home depot today at husky, but rather get some recommendations. Thanks

[Killer Bee]

I'm a well known snap-on snob but I I'll try to give you some objective advice

from a safety point of view, cutoff tools should always have a metal shield installed.. cheaper air tools may work ok for rough sanding n grinding but may not operate as smoothly for fine detail work with diamond cutters and burrs.. last thing you want while clearing out a tight corner, is have a wobbly tool throw a cutter out of the work area doing serious damage.. amount of work you expect out of the tools should also be a factor.. whatever you buy, make sure bearing glands are adjusted for smooth operation and keep them oiled.. better quality cutting tools typically make cleaner cuts.. if your not very experienced at sheet metal trimming, might want to try some test cuts on scraps to learn the angles and feed pressures the tools and bits like best

good luck!

I've used these blue-point and mac cutting n grinding tools for about 20 years at work and home with zero issues

[roll_the_dice]

Thanks Killer Bee...I did like the look of the Husky cut off wheel since it had a guard. I have cut metal before, but always used someone else's tool. I was thinking that an angle die grinder might be better for what I need to cut.

[Killer Bee]

yer welcome.. I generally do better cutting work with angle grinders myself, more comfortable and more positive control.. but a lot depends on access position, amount of cutting, and level of finish quality required..

I don't know who makes husky tools but seems like tool outlets around here and most tool trucks sell IR (Ingersoll Rand) reasonably priced and a lot of my coworkers use them successfully.. CP (Chicago, not central Pneumatic) is also a good brand, my 1/2" reversible drill and 1/2" shank impact hammer are CP and they are both brutes.. they're made by Atlas, same as that yellow screw gun in between them.. all high performers

good luck!

[mongocanfly]

you didn't really specify air or electric...I really like IR and dewalt electric tools.but for air tools I always go ingersall rand.. i know all of these are above your $75 price, but I need quality tools in my shop..
but if all youll ever do is that one patch then the cheaper stuff may do the trick..check harbor freight as well..you can get 20% of with a coupon and they have a easy swap warranty.
even the bigger Walmart stores carry some tools like this

[roll_the_dice]

Thanks Greg. I want an air tool...I have the compressor CFM that will run it without problem. I plan on using it more down the road...I try to stay away from HF tools for the most part. I don't mind spending more than $75...as long as it is a quality product and will last for decades.

[mongocanfly]

I just replaced my old 90deg air grinder with a IR 5102 max..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ingersoll-R...8AAMXQfFJRL2l2
its a heck of a die grinder and I REALLY like the push button spindle lock on it,,only need 1 wrench to change bits,
its about double your $75. buts its a quality tool..
IR also has a cheaper line and you can see most of them on ebay, just search (Ingersoll-Rand angle Die Grinder)...
most are under or around your $75 budget and are well worth the price..

[Getter-Done]

I am a gadjet gurue,
and a tool hoarder.
I use a lot of top line tools.
Then a lot of cheap stuff.
So with that.
There is a $10.oo grinder @ Harbor freight
Link:https://www.harborfreight.com/rotary...-pc-63235.html

This includes (Very small) cutoff disc.
You must have the patience of (________) you can fill the blank
I have saved $300.oo tooling that would have been junk. by grinding small screws out.

I would suggest buying the Big tool of your choice.
Then use a small grinder like this to cut the corners.












.

[roll_the_dice]

That's a nice looking tool Greg! Do you think a grinder or cut off tool would be better? All I can tell is the cut off tool has the guard on it. I did see this one last night when I was looking around...an Aircat Flex head cut off tool.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AIRCAT-6530...oAAOSwN8Jelhd~

I like that the head moves up to 25 degrees I believe in either direction. I read good reviews on the aircat as well.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

I am a gadjet gurue,
and a tool hoarder.
I use a lot of top line tools.
Then a lot of cheap stuff.
So with that.
There is a $10.oo grinder @ Harbor freight
Link:https://www.harborfreight.com/rotary...-pc-63235.html

This includes (Very small) cutoff disc.
You must have the patience of (________) you can fill the blank
I have saved $300.oo tooling that would have been junk. by grinding small screws out.

I would suggest buying the Big tool of your choice.
Then use a small grinder like this to cut the corners.

.

That's a good idea to use a small tool like that to cut the corners...to be more precise. I have a good rotary tool that I can do that with...good idea.

I bought that HF tool years ago and it lasted about a 3 weeks before it died. I bought it because I was in a pinch and have had several dremels die on me as well. I use a Proxxon tool like that daily for tedious small jobs at work and have cut metal on my truck with it...I cut my aftermarket front section high hump transmission cover to make it fit better, I just wanted a better tool for this job that will be faster.

I did think about getting a HF just for this job and if I need to use it lots, buy something better...but I usually get frustrated with HF power tools fairly quickly. I have 2 of their torque wrenches in 3/8" and 1/2" that I hate..need one of those too. Anyway, I may look at a HF die grinder, but I do want a nicer tool eventually.

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by roll_the_dice

That's a good idea to use a small tool like that to cut the corners...to be more precise. I have a good rotary tool that I can do that with...good idea.

I bought that HF tool years ago and it lasted about a 3 weeks before it died. I bought it because I was in a pinch and have had several dremels die on me as well. I use a Proxxon tool like that daily for tedious small jobs at work and have cut metal on my truck with it...I cut my aftermarket front section high hump transmission cover to make it fit better, I just wanted a better tool for this job that will be faster.

I did think about getting a HF just for this job and if I need to use it lots, buy something better...but I usually get frustrated with HF power tools fairly quickly. I have 2 of their torque wrenches in 3/8" and 1/2" that I hate..need one of those too. Anyway, I may look at a HF die grinder, but I do want a nicer tool eventually.

Thanks for the kind words.

I worked with tool and die stuff for a year or so.
We used a die grinder like this.
Link:https://www.zoro.com/chicago-pneumat...MKQA&gclsrc=ds

I use the HF die grindr with kitten gloves












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[mongocanfly]

that's interesting RTD...never seen a flex head...
should be a good one
and no..my die grinder doesn't have a shield..
they do make a little larger one that does though..
I have both IR max angle and straight grinders where one wont fit I can usually get the other one in there...and I run a lot of burr bits...cant control those in a angle grinder so the inline is a must for that..
I use cutoff discs on both and a lot of 3M roloc discs..

[roll_the_dice]

I just ordered the aircat flexhead...I will update after I get it and let you know how it is. What cutting discs do you recommend?

[roll_the_dice]

I received my cut off tool today. It did not come with any cut off wheels...so I will need to go get some, but I do like that the head moves. Here are some pictures. Will give a review after I use it this weekend.

[Kim57]

That's pretty cool.
Kim

[mongocanfly]

if what your gonna do is sheetmetal.. then I highly recommend the lenox metal max..
the fiber discs work wear quickly and make a dust storm...and they get smaller od with use.the blade will wander when trying to cut a straight line.. and are prone to breaking if pinched
the lenox keeps its size and the blade is stiff enough it doesn't flex or break,, and seem to last 4ever
https://www.lenoxtools.com/pages/lenox-metalmax.aspx
I get mine at lowes

[roll_the_dice]

Thanks Greg! You read my mind. I was just looking at cut off wheels online...my Lowes doesn't carry the 3" Lenox MetalMax...but I will order one and see if I can get it in before Saturday.

[LS short box]

Just a tip on grinding straight lines. If you have a straight piece of metal that you can clamp in place behind the metal you are grinding and then grind up to the metal for nice straight edge. So much easier to weld a patch panel that you can file fit with no gaps. Good luck with your project.

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by LS short box

Just a tip on grinding straight lines. If you have a straight piece of metal that you can clamp in place behind the metal you are grinding and then grind up to the metal for nice straight edge. So much easier to weld a patch panel that you can file fit with no gaps. Good luck with your project.

Good tip...Thanks!

[roll_the_dice]

I cut out the ashtray portion of my patch panel yesterday and cut the sheet metal for the hole today. Going to weld this in first, then going to cut out for the actual patch panel that will go in the truck. The end goal is to smooth the dash, then add my center A/C vent from Restomodair.com. One of the vent in the hole for a visual. Should get it all welded in next week.

First impression of the cut off tool is that it is powerful...I have never used one before, but got the hang of it. I had only used dremel for cutoff tools for smaller projects. I think I am going to like it a lot once I get more comfortable with it.

[SkidmoreGarage]

That air vent panel is awesome, and a great way to recover from a hacked up dash!

[roll_the_dice]

Originally Posted by SkidmoreGarage

That air vent panel is awesome, and a great way to recover from a hacked up dash!

Thanks...here is the dash finished...