Good multi purpose small angle grinder

[grizz]

Nicola wants to buy me a decent small angle grinder that I can use on the truck, or on brickwork etc

I have had two Ryobi 120mm grinders and killed both within less than 5 hours cutting brick etc. Presumably don't like dust.
Also had a Silverline that was dead out the box.

What machine do you guys recommend that can cut steel, grind welds but possibly also use elsewhere?

Links to what you believe in appreciated.

[waveman1500]

I like Makitas, but I can't guarantee whether it will survive your usage! Mine has done plenty of metalwork, but no masonry.
By the way, I would say 120mm was a reasonable sized grinder, 100mm is what I use.

[regcheeseman]

If you were a bit dodgy.....Buy cheapo from argos, I like the variable speed ones. Typically last me 1-2 years, when they break, buy the same one again, take your old broken one back a couple of days later for a refund...

I like my bosch ones, the pro range. started buying them 25 years ago, I'm currently on my second.

[TurboDieselWeasel]

I use and abuse a Bosch PWS 10-125 CE - both private and at work. So far none has given up the ghost, even when eating through inch thick filler or removing underseal with a heavy knot wheel

I too deem speed control as a must! 90% of my work I do with half speed. This helps a big deal to avoid too much heat when grinding welds. And also helps prolonging the life of cutting discs, flap wheels etc. I'll never use a fixed RPM angle grinder again.

Cheers,
Jan

[dodgerover]

Hitachi or Makita, both used by the brickies at work and they haven't killed them (yet) have replaced a couple of sets of brushes though.

[compass]

DeWalt have been very good for me. I use one most days, both for quick jobs and more prolonged cutting. My current one has lasted me 2 years now, with no bother.

I`ve used a Hitachi in the past, which died after 18 months.

[welshpug]

Got a Bosch 115mm thing here which must be about 15 years old, its green, wasn't particularly expensive, still works very well.

I would get a 9" machine if you are regularly doing brickwork however.

[composimmonite]

I've got 5 or 6. 2 are Makita and are my favourites. I've got a Bosch but whilst it's been long lasting (probably getting on for 20 years old) I don't rate it any higher than the £9.99 supermarket items yet cost 10 times that !
So Makita gets my vote. Neighbour borrowed my 9" Makita and fitted a decent blade. They had no problem cutting concrete blocks when doing their drive - like hot knife thought butter when my previous no-name 9" struggled.

Paul H

[optimusprime]

Makita is probably top choice, very good reliable kit, which is why most Hire companies use them.Spares are good to.
Bosch comes in a close(ish) second, very good kit,and Bosch make spares parts for 10 yrs after a particular model is discontinued, don't worry about 'green or blue' Bosch, most of the parts are the same inside.

Buy the best Diamond blade you can afford for cutting masonary.

[grizz]

Makita sounds like the one.

But with adjustable speed. ??

[composimmonite]

Jan 15, 2014 20:22:14 GMT grizz said:

Makita sounds like the one.

But with adjustable speed. ??

I've got a non Makita 9" with adjustable speed and, other than polishing, just have it on full so would say not needed.

Paul H

[grumpy]

Ive used makitas with adjustable speed and as above not really worth it as i use it on fast all the time , and also the adjusting whhel on the end sometimes accidentely gets turned down . I f your going to do masonary and big stuff iw ould be tempted to get a big 9'' grinder for that as it the torque from having a large surface area in cutting contact which kills them so it very hard on a small grinder . Get one witha paddle switch as well , much safer .

[forde]

i got a parkside from lidl and it is so good i sold my bosch that i had before i got it.

[composimmonite]

Jan 16, 2014 3:28:19 GMT forde said:

i got a parkside from lidl and it is so good i sold my bosch that i had before i got it.

Lidl and Aldi tools are always worth considering - even £9.99 angle grinders. I've had loads and a few have broken but replaced promptly FOC as they have 3 year guarantee.
My tip is always keep the instructions for, anything, even if they simply say plug and and use ! I then staple the receipt to those instrcutions and keep them all in one place - a small box. Saves loads of hassle trying to find out who to contact in the event of a warrantee claim plus you have the receipt ready to hand without having to search

Paul H

[dodgerover]

Jan 16, 2014 3:28:19 GMT forde said:

i got a parkside from lidl and it is so good i sold my bosch that i had before i got it.

I've got 2 x 9" lidl grinders - they've been used hard cutting bricks/ blocks/ concrete as well as grinding etc and other than one starting to feel a bit rough now at 3 years old I can't fault them for the price..

Can't comment on what their smaller ones are like though, i burned out 2 Draper 4" grinders within an hour of getting them however so avoid them. I've never used one at less than full speed either.

[grizz]

I think the "budget" grinders from Aldi Lidl etc are great as long as you know they are fit for purpose.

I think this time, as Nicola is paying for it and its my birthday tomorrow, I will settle for better quality, even if it is "my money" paying for it.

Any pointers as to where I can get a Makita at silly reduced price??

[grumpy]

I had a look online at the different makita grinders and worked out which one i wanted . I then did a google search using the shop function using the model number of the one i wanted . The price varied quite a lot but igot it for a good price .

[dodgerover]

If you get across Surrey way I can recommend a shop there, I think they are a bit too old school to do mail order although I was shocked to find out they had a website! Otherwise its just go online and see i'm afraid

[MrSpeedy]

At work we use mostly Bosch 750W 110v 4.5". They last for years and get properly used.

We also have a couple of JCB 1050W 240V 4.5" grinders and despite abusing the curse word out of it (twist knot brush the complete hull of a 60' narrowboat), they won't die. Cost was around £50 IIRC

[dreadnought]

why has no one said Metabo. best there is. I worked in a steel fabricators for three years and the grinders were on pretty nuch all day every day, the Metabo`s would just go on and on, in fact I had the same one for the time I was there and it was old when I started. so impressed that I got one for home and its still fine now 9 years later.