Do I need an angle grinder

[Pete7]

Angle grinder and steel cup wire wheel attachment, brilliant at cleaning bronze props ready for painting in under a couple of minutes.

 

[Lakesailor]

(Just in case it should accidently be triggered against the hull.)

That could be very irritating

 

[eyesec]

I have a Bosch grinder, which like a lot of things look easy to use, but in the wrong hands (mine!) take time and a few botched jobs before getting anywhere near a satisfactory result. I bought mine after watching someone cutting and grinding and doing a perfect job, then me thinking I can do that, well I couldn't. I would recommend having one, because as stated here before they are a very handy tool to have for multiple jobs, but please, try it out on something that doesn't matter until you feel proficient enough to use it. Two things I have noticed with the Bosch, there is quite a `kick' when first starting, and (I don't know if this is common with other makes) it takes a while to slow down to a stop after switching off.

 

[old_salt]

Another word of warning Don't put a circular saw blade in them and remove the guard.
Goggle a few that went wrong link:-
http://www.google.co.uk/webhp?nord=1#nord=1&q=man+killed+by+angle+grinder

 

[capetown]

YES YES YES.
And to angle grinders too,

The 100 & 110mm one's from Bosch & Makita have a smaller body so much easer to hold with a gloved hand.

 

[Swanrad2]

They're powerful things though, lots of torque and loads of dust. Treat it kind of like a tiger - keep hold and respect it.
I stripped some granite hard grout with one a few months ago. Job went like a dream for an hour, a single lapse in concentration (and vision) and whoops - the thing cut grooves in 3 tiles
Other than that, oh yes they are great.

 

[Bertramdriver]

Surprisingly nobody has explored the possibilities of the angle grinder as a surgical instrument, effective not only in restructuring flesh and bone but really cool on amputations.
My contribution is only a shaved knuckle and a fetching scar across my index finger, but I do know a couple of guys in the boatyard who have casually removed fingers and ankle bones.
I have to admit that when the arthritis is kicking off in my hands I have contemplated the Bosch as a source of relief.

 

[sailorman]

Surprisingly nobody has explored the possibilities of the angle grinder as a surgical instrument, effective not only in restructuring flesh and bone but really cool on amputations.
My contribution is only a shaved knuckle and a fetching scar across my index finger, but I do know a couple of guys in the boatyard who have casually removed fingers and ankle bones.
I have to admit that when the arthritis is kicking off in my hands I have contemplated the Bosch as a source of relief.

much more efficient with a skil & chop saws

 

[daviddb]

You need two. A nice one for yourself and a crappy supermarket one to lend out when peeps ask if they can borrow your grinder....

 

[30boat]

I have four.A big Bosh that's a bit of a brute and still going strong after 24 years ,a big professional Black&Decker that has soft start but huge power,a tiny Toshiba also 24 years old and working and a very nice 115mm Dewalt.I use all of them regularly and have a healthy respect for them.

 

[oldbilbo]

Superb tools, provided appropriate PPE and caution is applied.

However, beware-beware inadequate Chinese thin discs for s/s. These are developing a reputation for disintegration, with 'shrapnel' flying off at destructive velocity. Full-face polycarbonate visors, robust gauntlets by the likes of Husqvarna/Poulan, and protective overalls having full sleeves with narrow/elasticated cuffs are recommended.


Edit: Thought I'd get this in before Lakey.....

 

[[70521]]

My two Trago models at £9.55 each still going after 12 years.

Those should really get an award.


There are 10 people in life those who do Trago and those who don't (bad take on the binary joke).

 

[fisherman]

Those should really get an award.


There are 10 people in life those who do Trago and those who don't (bad take on the binary joke).

Came with spare brushes, so obviously built to last. I have abused them seriously. The B&Q one gave up after a year and a day, and never had any power.

 

[Lakesailor]

Superb tools, provided appropriate PPE and caution is applied.

However, beware-beware inadequate Chinese thin discs for s/s. These are developing a reputation for disintegration, with 'shrapnel' flying off at destructive velocity. Full-face polycarbonate visors, robust gauntlets by the likes of Husqvarna/Poulan, and protective overalls having full sleeves with narrow/elasticated cuffs are recommended.


Edit: Thought I'd get this in before Lakey.....

Spot the difference.....

That's right. She's taken her guard off.


I had a 9" 110V angle grinder. Apart from having to be a body-builder to hold it up to the workpiece, it was beast. I never liked using it and sold it when I realised I wasn't using it much. Only any good for cutting concrete slabs and kerbs really.