Harbor Freight Angle Grinder Question

I have tried all the "better" cut off wheels, I have to say at $2 each they do not last that long. I have actually found that the HF cut off's work better and last longer. Especially since they are only .69 each regular price and .39 each on sale. That is for the 4.5 inch grinder we have been talking about.

Chuck
 
Paul Weiss said:
Hello,

I am looking for an inexpensive Angle Grinder to cut and profile blades. I am a beginner and am starting out using 1084 hot rolled bar.

I will be using files then hand sanding to finish the blades.

I have found a HW 4 1/2" Angle Grinder on sale for $14.99

Any thoughts on the quality of this angle grinder.


Also, what wheels should I buy?

Thank you,

Paul
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The difference is noise. The right angle gear box on the cheap grinders are loud. It uses old straight cut gear technology. The brand names use angled cut gears to reduce noise. Angled cut gears are more expensive.
 
Ilovetoolsteel said:
The difference is noise. The right angle gear box on the cheap grinders are loud. It uses old straight cut gear technology. The brand names use angled cut gears to reduce noise. Angled cut gears are more expensive.
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I didn't know the reason behind it, but this is true of my angle grinder, it's very loud. Much louder than other folks' and really requires ear protection if you're running it a lot.

Still think it's a fine deal, just wanted to support the good information above.
 
I have about 4 to 6 4.5 in grinders at any time. At work, when I fit and weld piping I have 2 plugged in at all times. A wire wheel and a grinder. I am a firm believer in the black and decker/milwakee model (exact same grinder and parts interchange)with the paddle switch. I like the newer 6.5 amp model best if it has the paddle switch. They are very tuff units. You can burn them up cutting stuff but you will feel the heat long before they go so its your call there. (some times its time $ versus grinder $ at big oil and they pay the bill) The heads gears will chip teeth at some point also. You can get the parts and rebuilt them. I have a box of parts and just toss them in there and at some point go thru it and make whole grinders. The tool room at work does the same thing. In my personal shop I have them with flapper sanding disks, wire wheels, grinder disks and there is one with a stone about 2" od and about 3" long for them also. I love these things. I have never used one but, there is even a wheel with chain saw teeth on the edge. Say DANGER
 
I am a believer in you get what you pay for (sometimes) The more expensive tools will be better suited to rough daily abuse where the lesser tools will do the trick for the hobbiest or occasional user. You have to decide which you are and your budget is also a concern. If you do not have a wad of cash ready to blow on a dewalt grinder than the HF is fine. My pal has one and from what I can tell it works well for him but I would not compare it to a top of the line unit. I personally plan to buy the HF grinder because my good one was stolen. See, here is another reason the cheaper tool may be better, If it does grow feet your not going to lose sleep over it... I would say go for the HF, I think it will work just finr for you.
 
the other big difference between the cheapest HF units and more expensive units is some of the features. The one that comes to my mind immediately is the paddle switch. My dewalt has it, and for free hand use, I am reluctant to use one that doesn't.(logic being if something bad happens, I let go and the unit stops.)
the HF grinder I have has an on off switch, that would be very difficult to stop spining immediately if I needed to. It does work great for having it mounted to the bench(one hole in the bench, and a simple bolt screws in where the handle would)

Having more grinders would be nice, but I can't see springing for multiple dewalts with paddle switch, and I wouldn't use the HF without it. so I'll just switch discs when I need to.
 
Yes the change disk easily and there is even a quick change nut for them. I have a several because on some jobs when I used to travel I would provide my own personal tool box for a nice fee. It is mounted on wheels and can be towed like a small trailer with a vise and pipe vise on the table top complete with a 8' umbrella over the whole thing.
 
I have to agree with the poster on the safety of the paddle switch. It would be a safer tool with the paddle switch. I use my grinder infrequently. I like having it around for when you have to cut a bolt or a weld or something like that.
 
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