Number of handles
The power of one-handed grinders does NOT exceed 1.5 kW, around no more than 150 mm. Their advantage is their short length, which makes it easier to work in hard-to-reach places. Two-handed are more powerful. Up to 2-2.5 kW and heavier: therefore holding the angle grinder by 2 handles is more comfortable and safer.
In the gearbox housing, manufacturers make at least two holes for an additional handle: two side holes and one upper one are enough for any manipulations. Adjustment of the main handle allows you to choose the most comfortable working position. Some models are equipped with a vibration-damping handle, it is much more comfortable to work with it.
Additional handle attachment points
Choosing an angle grinder for the home: what parameters are important for a home craftsman?
An angle grinder is usually called an angle grinder, with which you can cut and grind a variety of materials: metals and concrete, ceramic and silicate bricks, natural and artificial stone, ceramic tiles.
Having such a tool is necessary Not only for professionals; in the household, he will also become an indispensable assistant. Choosing between a household and a professional model, you need to accurately determine the scope of work, since the former are designed for occasional use in the interval of 30-40 minutes, and the latter are able to work all day.
They are equipped with various additional devices for comfortable and safe work, but for minor jobs, it is impractical to purchase expensive equipment. What parameters should you focus on when buying an angle grinder??
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Rotational speed
The angle grinder can develop a rotation speed of 2800-11000 rpm. The maximum speed will be shown by a small disc, in large discs the speed indicator is reduced: its limit is 6600 rpm. If it is higher than the maximum permissible value, the disc will begin to collapse. It wears out faster at low speeds. On the case of each model there is a plate indicating the permissible speed.
Dependence of the spindle speed on the diameter of the working disk
Equipment types
The choice of disc diameter will completely depend on the angle grinder itself and the type of work to be done. There are five sizes in total: for small-scale household chores, diameters 115, 125, 150 mm are intended.
The cutting depth of the model with 125 mm discs is only 30 mm. 35 mm
A professional tool is equipped with discs with a diameter of 180 and 230 mm, the second. The unconditional leader. With an increase in the size of the nozzle, the machine becomes much heavier (its weight reaches 3.54 kg), but it will cope with any work.
Using different types of attachments, you can not only cut materials, but also clean x, thin sections and polishers:
- A disc with Velcro is intended for polishing stone, wood: a polishing disc or emery is attached to the Velcro pad; they are highly specialized, each designed for a specific material;
- The diamond wheel for grinding is used to polish granite and marble;
- Use brush attachments with steel or brass bristles to remove rust and old paint;
- The flap discs are convenient for grinding wooden surfaces. The disc is made of several layers of sandpaper superimposed on each other.
Power
This indicator depends on the diameter of the disc, and the larger the disc, the higher the power of the device. Its range is 0.5-2.7 kW. For normal operation with a 125 mm disc, the power must be at least 0.75 kW, with a maximum circle diameter of 230 mm. 2.2 kW.
For household models, a power of 0.8-1 kW is enough, for cutting hard materials such as concrete, a model with a parameter of 1.5-1.7 kW is required.
Additional options
Any additional feature entails an increase in cost, but some are quite difficult to do without.
Inrush current limiting device. Provides a smooth increase in the load on the motor winding, preventing shock torque. Accuracy is improved, and no scuffs appear.
Maintaining a constant speed. In this case, the resistance of the work material is compensated, which allows maintaining the optimal cutting speed.
Automatic disk balancing. Prevents the appearance of vibration as a result of uneven wear of the discs, due to this, operations are performed accurately, and the engine life is increased.
Motor overload protection. Forcibly turns off the current on overload.
Secondary start protection system. It is triggered in case of an unplanned power outage, because the tool often remains not turned off, which is fraught with injury or material damage. With this device, the angle grinder will NOT turn on by pressing the start button again.
Perhaps many functions should not be in demand by a home craftsman, so there is no point in overpaying for them.
What parameters are important when choosing an angle grinder
Scratch disk size
The diameter of the disc is the main indicator of the ability of an angle grinder to perform certain operations. The larger the cutting wheel size, the more powerful and faster the angle grinder should be. Circle hole diameter (fit) standard: 22.2 mm.
There are five standard disc types available for the angle grinder, differing in size:
- Disc with a diameter of 115 mm. Designed for cutting materials of small thickness, for processing (grinding, polishing) small surfaces. The maximum cutting depth is about 30 mm.
- Disc with a diameter of 125 mm. One of the most popular sizes for household use. The cutting depth is about 40 mm. A wide variety of attachments and accessories are produced for this size.
- Disc with a diameter of 150 mm. Most often it is used in installation work as an auxiliary tool. Common size for cutting metal and plastic pipes for plumbing and electrical work.
- Disc with a diameter of 180 mm. Semi-professional size. Assumes work in the mode non-stop. The cutting edge is 50 mm. It is widely used in repair and construction works.
- Disc diameter 230 mm. Used in professional angle grinders up to 2.5 kW. Practically not used for household needs. Devices are too bulky.
Angle grinder motor power
The more engine power, the more force the tool develops, the more dense materials it is able to cut. As the power increases, the weight of the device increases. The industry produces tools with motors from 0.5 to 3 kW. For home and summer cottages, it is recommended to choose an angle grinder with an engine power of 0.8 to 1.2 kW. The more powerful mechanism is more difficult to hold in the hand, it consumes more electricity during operation.
A professional tool is designed for long-term work, it has a higher service life. If large-scale construction is planned at the dacha, cutting steel rods, assembling formwork. You can use a tool with a motor up to 1.5 kW.
Additional features
Additional features offered by the manufacturer will make working with an angle grinder convenient and safe:
- Smooth engine start. A very useful feature. The disc spins up to operating speed gently, without explosive jerk at the start.
- Automatic disk balancing. Reduces vibration of the instrument in the hands. Particularly helpful when using an unevenly worn disc.
- Number of handles. For household grinders, as a rule, there are two threaded holes and one handle that can be rearranged. This is very convenient if you need to change your hand while working in order to get into a narrow place.
- Rotation speed regulation. The electronic circuitry maintains a constant speed of rotation of the motor shaft, regardless of the load on the disc. Work goes faster, motor and gearbox last longer.
- The presence of a dust protection system. An essential function for concrete work. Reducer and shaft are protected from cement particles, increasing tool life.
- Possibility of connecting a construction vacuum cleaner. Along with personal protective equipment. Respirator, goggles and gloves. Increases the comfort and safety of work. The workplace will stay clean.
- Locking the start button. For extended operating conditions such as grinding or polishing, the operator does not need to hold down the button in the operating position.
- Auto power off. If the light is turned off during operation, the machine will de-energize the tool so that it does not start itself when the power supply is restored.
Disc speed control
This is useful when you have to work with different materials. It will NOT work equally well at the same speed to process, for example, both wood and metal. However, not all models have this feature.
What to look for when buying an angle grinder
Disk size limit
It is clear that in order to cut thick material, the disc will need to be used more. Therefore, when carrying out various kinds of work, different discs are used. The disc sizes range from 115 to 230 mm. However, it should be understood that the discs wear out quickly during cutting, and, therefore, their diameter decreases. over, the working part of the disc and which protrudes beyond the body of the angle grinder. It is recommended to take an angle grinder with a disc diameter of at least 180 mm for cutting pipes. If the machine is needed mainly for grinding work, then models with 125.150 mm discs are quite suitable.
Product power
The industry produces an angle grinder with a power in the range from 0.5 to 3 kW. For a house, there is enough power within 1 kW. Such a machine can both cut and thin sections. over, in everyday life, metals or alloys of increased hardness are not used. To perform more heavy work can be guided by a power of 1.5 kW.
Number of handles
Experts advise models with two handles. If you need to grind something, then an angle grinder with one handle (which means you will have to work with one hand), this will be quite problematic.
Appointment and equipment.
Each type of grinder has a different effect on the treated surface. But unlike the belt and eccentric, the angle grinder grinds the most aggressively. Grinding operations are performed with small and large angle grinders with installed wire brushes. From the metal they remove scale, rust, old paintwork and slag crust after a quarrel, and sisal and polymer-abrasive brushes carry out wood brushing.
Household and professional angle grinders, even more often than for stripping, are used to cut metal, wood, stone and reinforced concrete. Models with variable speed and felt or foam fittings allow workpiece polishing. And diamond cutters and special wheels, such as Yato YT-59174 cutters for stone and wood surfaces.
Angle grinder with variable speed and smooth start.
Often buyers want to opt for an inexpensive angle grinder with exactly these custom features, like the Makita GA5040C. Pressing the start key, users feel the jerk associated with quickly accelerating the tooling. over, the heavier it is, for example, a cut-off grinding disc, the more tangible the tool is trying to escape from the hands. Users experience an inconvenience; from the peak load, exceeding the nominal 3-5 times, the gears of the reducer suffer; voltage sags in the network. Can knock out electrical machines and plugs, get drunk and the low-power gas generator will stall if the angle grinder without a soft start requested from it.
Professional. Small angle grinder 125mm Sturm AG9012T. Small angle grinder for metal 125mm Stanley STGS9125. Small single hand angle grinder 125mm Titan BSUM7125
What other design possibilities are there?
The following additional functions are also distinguished, the presence of which is due to the price of the instrument.
- Key or keyless spindle. The latter is found on professional angle grinders. Removable by hand, no tools required.
- Adjustment of the protective casing in budget models is carried out using a screwdriver or hexagon. In more expensive models, manufacturers install a button under the casing.
- Some angle grinders have speed control.
- Temperature-responsive overload protection system, turn off the power at 180-200 degrees.
- Anti-jamming protection that turns off the motor almost instantly.
- The anti-vibration system is installed Not only on the handles, but also in the case of two-handed models. Needed to reduce vibration and stress on the hands.
- Protection against unintentional start-up angle grinder.
- Dust protection in the form of a casing to which the vacuum cleaner can be connected.
- The cordless angle grinder is weaker in cutting speed than the mains-powered angle grinder. Equipped with replaceable batteries. Cordless angle grinders are used for auxiliary and small work: mount something on site, cut a pipe, corner, etc.
How to choose an angle grinder for your home? Household angle grinder
Angle grinder or angle grinder is a kind of power grinder. Unlike their own fellows here the cutting blade is directed at it at an angle of 90 degrees to the engine.
The principle of operation consists in transferring the rotation speed from the engine to the driving spindle, on which a cutting or grinding disc is installed.
Due to its wide possibilities, it has gained immense popularity in construction. A wide range of consumables allows you to use an angle grinder for cutting and grinding metal, concrete, brick, stone, wood and plastic.
Let’s see which angle grinder is best for you.
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Angle Grinder Speed and Disc Sizes
The power of an angle grinder affects not only its size, weight and price, but also the rotation speed and diameter of the cut-off wheels. Shown below are the dimensions of the discs and the rpm that are required for them to function correctly.
- 115 mm. 13290 rpm
- 125 mm. 12,230 rpm;
- 150 mm. 10190 rpm;
- 180 mm. 8490 rpm;
- 230 mm. 6650 rpm.
The larger the diameter, the lower the rotation speed of the disc.
Most users choose an angle grinder with 900W motor power and 125mm wheel diameter. These parameters are suitable for both everyday life and for complex tasks. You can work with sheet metal, cut metal profiles, work with stone, cut tiles, surface sections.
Types of attachments for angle grinders
Grinding wheels (abrasive) for an angle grinder at the moment there are a lot. Distinguish:
- Cut-off bakelite discs
- Diamond discs (cups and crowns).
- Scrubbing brushes (bowl and radial)
- Flap discs.
When choosing a blade, pay attention to the dimensions and maximum speed of the cutting edge. Buy only specialized tooling!
Angle grinder power
The heart of any power tool. Engine. Its power consumption ranges from 500 to 2600 watts. It affects:
- Type and time of work;
- Weight;
- Tool cost.
For example, when choosing an angle grinder for your home or garage workshop (for cutting and grinding metal surfaces), a wattage of 600 to 800 watts is perfect. It will be light and easy to use.
If you need to cut or cut concrete, the power must be at least 1000 watts. It is perfect if you plan to process a small area.
However, for a large amount of work, the power should NOT be less than 1400 watts.
What is the difference between professional and household?
Like any other tool, the angle grinder is divided into household and professional.
- Household angle grinder. Small models, light (up to 3 kg) and easy to use, equipped with one handle. Suitable for home use, where high speed is not required. Basically, their power is up to 1000 W, and the diameter of the disc is 115 and 125 mm.
- Professional angle grinder. bulky, productive, often two-handed, working without interruptions and overheating. Designed for large jobs requiring high performance from 1000 watts. They are versatile (weighing up to 5 kg and a disc diameter of 150-180) and heavy (up to 6 kg and a disc 230 mm).
Let’s go a little deeper into their features and main characteristics in order to better understand what to look for when choosing an angle grinder.
powerful and faster: which angle grinder is better?
Spindle speed
As a rule, angle grinders with large discs have rotational speeds in the range of 7000.9000 rpm, and models with speeds up to 12000 are offered for small diameters. A very useful option for a good angle grinder is the ability to manually adjust the rotation speed by installing a manual adjuster.
Engine power
This parameter determines the performance of the tool, the stability of its work under loads. Manufacturers equip angle grinders with motors from 0.5 to 2.6 kW. For home use, a power of 0.6-1 kW will be enough, but if you plan to use heavy wheels (large diameter or thickness), then a low-power angle grinder will NOT be able to provide the declared rotation speed. Please note that power ratings are NOT related to the maximum disc diameter and an angle grinder with a large disc may well be underpowered.
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Choosing an angle grinder: additional options
This category includes those functions that are NOT required, but which greatly facilitate use, make it safe, and extend its service life. Naturally, this negatively affects the price, but it is difficult for professionals to do without them.
- Smooth start. Starts the engine without jerking;
- Automatic shutdown of motor brushes when power is cut off;
- Electronic disc balancing. If it is unevenly erased, it neutralizes the beating, and, accordingly, dampens vibrations;
- Locking the start button in the on position. Prevents hand fatigue during long work;
- Electronic adjustment of the disc rotation speed. Allows to obtain the required performance regardless of the density of the material;
- Dust extraction system, represented by a nozzle that is connected to a construction vacuum cleaner)
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- Disc jamming protection. De-energizes the tool, preventing engine burnout;
- Blocking secondary start. After a power outage, the angle grinder will NOT turn on when energized.
The multitasking angle grinder is determined NOT so much by its technical characteristics as by the different options of the discs that are installed on it. Therefore, when pondering, for example, how to choose an angle grinder for grinding a bar, you should rather choose a disc:
- Velcro discs coated with abrasive or polishing coating, which are suitable for polishing wood, stone, etc.
- Petal discs. Designed specifically for the processing of large areas of wood surface and consist of sandpaper sectors located in a circle.
- Wire nozzles. Suitable for cleaning metal elements from rust or old paint.
- Diamond grinding wheels. Help in polishing rocks such as marble or granite.
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Keep in mind that if you are planning to polish a house from a bar with your own hands, then for such a large amount of work it is better to choose a model of low weight, since it will be tedious to hold a heavy machine suspended and at different angles.
Which company is the best angle grinder? Companies from Japan, Germany and the USA are recognized leaders in the power tool market. But recently, there has been some progress in the domestic segment, thanks to which angle grinders have appeared on the market of good quality and quite liberal cost. In general, choosing an angle grinder for your home is one of the following brands:
- Makita;
- Hilti;
- Bosch;
- Metabo;
- Dewalt;
- DWT;
- Interskol.
Rating of Bulgarians for reliability
As you can see, it is simply impossible to choose the only best model among the many on the market, because the requirements for it differ depending on the tasks set.
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It would be inappropriate to compare a powerful, heavy professional angle grinder with one that is designed for the occasional home use. You also cannot discount the cost that can tip the scales in favor of a particular model, despite any ratings. But still, the estimates of real users allow us to distribute the popularity positions, and to rank the best angle grinders as follows:
- Metabo WEV 10-125 Quick;
- Makita BGA452RFE;
- Bosch GWS 12-125 CIE;