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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Tool Reccomendations?

Posted by: Scott S Jan 26 2015, 11:35 AM

Hi All –
I am looking for recommendations on cut off tools/wheels, and grinding tools/wheels.

I would be using the cut off tool and wheels for basic body work, as well as for metal as big as 1/8” angle iron.

On the grinding side, it would be used for smoothing welds and shaping thicker metal here and there.

I am guessing air driven is the way to go (I have a good compressor)

I have an electric Cable Porter that recently died that was a pretty good grinder, but it was big and did not work very well in tight spots. Instead of replacing it, I thought it would be a good time to get the right tools for the job.
Thanks!

Scott S

Posted by: stugray Jan 26 2015, 02:04 PM

Get a Dewalt from HD (do NOT get the makita, spend the few extra $$).
I bought the makita first and the switch wore out before I got through ONE grinding wheel.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-10-Amp-4-1-2-in-Small-Angle-Grinder-D28402W/100401583?N=5yc1vZc2fv

I bought two. I keep a grinding wheel on one and a cutoff wheel on the other.
Then as you get further along you have grinding and soft wheel, then soft wheel & wire wheel.

Of course you want at least one of each: Hard grinding, Hard cutting (thin blade), soft wheels (they come in various grits), and wire wheel.

For small jobs, I use the Harbor Freight pneumatic cutoff tools (even for small grinding jobs). They come in various orientations and reach, so you can get in every conceivable job spot.

These are very handy for cutting off the odd bolt head where nothing else can reach:

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-high-speed-extended-reach-air-cutoff-tool-67996.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-high-speed-air-cut-off-tool-60374.html

Posted by: saigon71 Jan 26 2015, 05:06 PM

I use an old 90 degree angle MAC die grinder quite extensively for both cutting and grinding. A good quality die grinder is a must. Invest in an arbor that uses ROLOC discs.

For heavy cutting and grinding applications with no access limitations I still use an electric grinder.

A key tool for tight spots is a Dremmel tool with arbor & cut-off wheels.

I buy all my grinding stuff in bulk from:

http://www.keenabrasives.com/

Good quality & a reasonable price.

I buy Dremmel cut off wheels in bulk from ebay.