angle grinders and cutting wheels

[dmjlambert]

I'm over-analyzing and researching ad nauseam. I thought it would be easy to find an angle grinder I want to buy. I'm wrong.
I would like a general purpose tool that has enough power so I won't regret buying it a month later, and that is safe to use, and reasonable in price.
My requirements:

• $80 to $180 price range
• 10 to 11 amp 120VAC
• 4.5 inch wheels
• Works with 5/8-11 type 27 grinding wheels and flap discs
• Works with 7/8 arbor flat cutting wheels such as Lenox metal max
• Has a type 27 guard to use with grinding wheels and flap discs
• Has or has available a known part number for the type 1 4.5 inch guard made by the tool manufacturer (not generic) to use with the cutting wheel.
• Available hand guard would be a plus
• Variable speed would be a plus but not counting on it in my price range.

As far as I can tell by asking people and searching the Internet, 99% of the cutting-wheel-buying population buys the cutting wheel and angle grinder, takes off the type 27 guard and puts on the cutting wheel and starts cutting. I was interested in being a 1%er. I would like Ridgid, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Ryobi, or something else I've heard of but will consider others. I was attracted to Ridgid because they appear to have a good guarantee they call a service agreement, but I don't know if it's real and I don't think they make grinders that they condone using with a cutting wheel.

[mongocanfly]

I have lots of dewalt tools ..I consider them bullet proof..
I have 2 corded (10&13amp),and 1 20v cordless 4-1/2"ers..
I like them all... but 8 times outta 10, if all 3 are laying there,I pick up the cordless 20v
but I'm in the 99%...1st thing to leave is the guards..running them makes the grinders nearly useless
But I also have some nifty scars on my hands because of the (no-guard) usage of them..

[cadillac_al]

My old Milwaukie grinder is over 30 years old. Sometimes it gets so hot I can't hold it and have to give it a break. I hope they still make them this good if this one ever dies. I don't see how you can use 5/8 and 7/8 wheels on the same grinder.

[mongocanfly]

Al , I had Milwaukie before the dewalt..it was a good grinder,but like yours,it would get so hot you couldn't hold it...then one day I let all the smoke out of it.. been with dewalt ever since
Milwaukie tool quality seemed to go downhill for several yrs, but in recent times it's seems they've really stepped their game up and make good quality stuff again..I wouldn't be against owning another..
I've also been hearing good things about the HF Bauer brands..
But I want to keep all my batteries the same..hate having mixed up stuff like that...
My Dad had about 8-10 battery tools..none the same..had a whole shelf of chargers and batteries..haha

[bnorth]

Makita 9005B is a classic and parts are available for service and repair. https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/9005B

[dmjlambert]

So far none of the manufacturer tech supports has any idea how a consumer can get one of their 10 to 11 amp 120VAC angle grinders and get a type 1 cutting guard that fits it. The most promising was Dewalt who says I can buy a grinder and then once it is in my hands and can read the numbers off of it I can check a special website to see if that particular one will work with a guard. If it does I can order the guard, and if it doesn't I can return the grinder and try again with a different model or brand. Each model number grinder has numerous "type" numbers with different construction and parts, and there is no way to order a particular model and type. Also, there are multiple suffixes they will put on a model number. Since I am the only one that has any interest in using a guard, there is no support.

[mongocanfly]

I'll check my grinders for numbers and see if I can get a type 1 for one of them..

[dmjlambert]

Hi Mongo, I'm at the point where I realize I just need to order a grinder and wait for it to show up, then research further, make more orders and test fit, and return grinders and guards that do not work out. I'll get going in a month or 2.

[Getter-Done]

This is my go-to grinder now (In the link below) after my high dollar grinders have worn out.
It has a has a Type 27 that was 1 of your requirements in post#1

I used a Dewalt for years till the brushes and cord were worn out.

My 4" Makita is a lone survivor it is really tough.

Link: https://www.harborfreight.com/power-...der-64856.html

I use the $9.99 HF grinders and they last me 1-3 years.

Got 2 of the Bauer grinders now, no issues yet.
(1 for work and 1 for home use)

[Getter-Done]

Here's a bench improvement for the 99%

This handy holster comes with every angle...