Die-grinders

[FTK]

Hi
I’m thinking about buying a die-grinder. To get at hard to reach welds and so.I can’t decide if i should buy an air powered or an electrical grinder.The air powered is smaller so it can access small places better, but i’m worried it doesn’t have the power.(my compressor delivers 400 L/min). And then there is the price a good air powered one will cost me about 100euro’s (135 USD) the electrical can cost up to 300 euro’s(400USD).
So do any of you have experience with this type of tool all information is welcome.

Frank

[Me&Fe]

Hi.I use an air-powered die grinder called ''The Mighty Atom'.It has plenty of power.I find its a brilliant tool to use and it makes a very satifying noise as well!Id go for the cheaper option myself,i always think electric ones overheat quickly but this is just my opinion...

[DerekC]

My pneumatic (air-powered) die-grinder, is one of the most-used tools, I have ever owned. It is really, really handy, cheap to buy and powerful.

I buy mine from Harbor Freight Tools for (U.S) $19.99, use it several times a week, and even at that cheap price, I've had them last for ten-years or longer.

I typically use it with an arbor and roll-lock abrasive disks, but have mounted a carbide rasp, abrasive cut-off disks, cloth buffer wheels, etc.

400 Liters-per minute amounts to 14.1 Cubic-Feet-per Minute. The 5-Horse-Power, two-stage Ingersol-Rand compressor I use to power my die-grinder, puts out 14.7 CFM or 417 Liters-per-minute, so I think you should be fine with regard to power with a pneumatic die-grinder.


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[Avadon]

Air is always higher quality over electric. It is cheaper, creates less heat, vibration, and overall cost of ownership. The expensive part is getting the compressor to run it. This can cost hundreds into the thousands depending on your needs. Mostly 90PSI @ 10-15CFM or thereabout is a minimum if I have it right. But you can't beat air. I really wouldn't waste your money on electric die grinders as they don't make 90dgs electric die grinders and that is what you'll want.

[KYBOY]

I used a large DeWaalt electric die grinder at the prison a lot..I installed a lot of the "BIG" folger Adams security locks in crash gates and grills..It was perfect for making sure the lock set right in the mounting brackets and holes..

[coltpax]

I use a right angle die grinder from HF (15 USD) and its lasted pretty well for something that cheap. Its pneumatic and works nice at 90 psi.

[FTK]

I was thinking about an straight grinder it seem to me that they can get into tighter spots then the a 90dgs one.

[coltpax]

i like the 90dgs ones for no special reason. I use small finishing pads on them alot, so it kind of works better for me. id jsut choose what works better 4 u.

[drillmastertommy]

Been using a 240 volt Makita straight die grinder for the last 2 years and it's been BRILLIANT!!

Only problem is how long the super fine/sharp metal splinters hang around in my arms after using tungsten finishing bits.

[Bentiron1946]

I have a Harbor Freight die grinder and that thing uses so much air that my compressor has a hard time keeping up with it. They are tough little grinders and last forever but they are efficient users of air. I have an old I-R grinder that has to be forty years old and it grinds just as well as the HF model but use much less air. If you have a concern about the cost of electricity then be careful about which tool you buy.