4" or 7" angle grinder?

[dclifton]

I just bought a 4 1/2 Dewalt for a total of $86.
I have gone thru 3 of the Harbor Freight ones. We use Dewalts at work and we abuse the heck out of them and very seldom have we burnt one up. Reason I went ahead and bought me one.

Yep! Dewalts are good! We had one that finally wore the head out after prolly 8 years of abuse. It was ran on AC and DC alot and it held up much better than some of the others. The motor was still perfect but the head was shot. We just bought 2 more. And they've been great

[Jerry H]

I have both sizes and for what you are wanting to do the 4" will work.

I use the 7" for heavy grinding

[Lonestar Angler]

I think the Makita is alot quieter than the DeWalt, if that matters any to ya. Go 4 1/2 inch rather than that beastly 7 inch grinder it will wear you out fast.

[Ruark]

I'm really brutal on power tools; I push them to the max until they start smokin'. Angle grinder - 4 1/2 inch is a good size. Check the amp size of the motor. Mine's a Milwaukee Model #6146-30. It's an 11 amp 4.5" grinder for $99 at Home Depot. I don't think it matters where you buy it, it's the same grinder either way.

I smoked the first one, but Milwaukee replaced it on warranty (5 years); I think it was defective. You'll smoke any grinder if you push on it too hard.

I'm pretty much a Milwaukee user myself, but I've heard the DeWalt angle grinders are really tough and are used in lots of welding schools and shops. They make a mean 13-amp 4.5" grinder you can get for about $140. I'd go with the 11-amp Mil, or the 13-amp DeWalt if I had the extra bucks.

[deerplanter]

A cutting torch and 4"grinder

[Gummi Bear]

Might as well address this too, what is the proper PPE? Safety glasses and gloves or faceshield too?

Add some hearing protection in there too. Flying hot stuff, muffs are a good idea. Everything else, I prefer earplugs.

My hearing is poor due to years of not wearing hearing protection. I try to preserve what I have.

I like to wear a welding cap as well. I buy my caps a tad big, so it covers my ears. Hot sparks on your ears are not much fun.

[Draco]

Don't get a 4" grinder. There are way more attachments for the 4 1/2" grinder than the 4". The 7" is just too much for most jobs.

[txpitdog]

We get a 10% discount from Grainger through work. Looks like there's 20 of each brand on Grainger's website. My budget is $90-120.

Should I just try to get the one with the highest amps?

[Bill M]

Have a 4" Craftsman I'm going to be selling that is gently used though I've had it awhile. Only used to sharpen shredder blades three, maybe four times. $40 if you're interested but it's in Bryan.

[Traildust]

4 1/2'' Dewalt...get the one with the paddle switch only. The ones with the on/off switch are dangerous.

[BBReezen]

We get a 10% discount from Grainger through work. Looks like there's 20 of each brand on Grainger's website. My budget is $90-120.

Should I just try to get the one with the highest amps?

Grainger wouldnt be my first choice to go to. Unless in-store prices are cheaper than online, they are way higher than other places. I get a discount with them through Texas Farm Bureau and it might get the price down to regular prices. Just a heads up. I just looked and the Makita we use and its $175 and we pay about $125-130 at an industrial tool store here in town.

[txpitdog]

I haven't gotten as far as pricing yet, but I was very disappointed to discover that Dewalt = China....or at least all the ones on Grainger's website are

[BBReezen]

Ya thats the sad thing, no telling which ones are and arent. My makita here at work says assembled in USA...i can bet i know where the components are made

[Traildust]

I haven't gotten as far as pricing yet, but I was very disappointed to discover that Dewalt = China....or at least all the ones on Grainger's website are

Good luck on finding the made here.....I use Metabo...but you will have to add a little coin over the dewalt / milwaukee.