NDR Electric Die Grinder question

Rutgers

Rutgers

Well-known member
I'm thinking about getting a new electric die grinder. I will be using it with a big ugly carbide burr for carving out the bowls of spoons. I have been using a couple from Harbor freight and they have actually lasted a long time considering they were cheap and being used for production work. They are powerful and the right size but the downside is the vibration makes my hands numb after an hour or so of use. I am looking for a better quality one. I have owned tools from Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, Porter Cable, Hitachi and a few more I that don't come to mind right now and have always been satisfied with their quality so that's not an issue. I am wondering from anyone who has used electric die Grinders from the "better brands" which ones you've used and what you did or didn't like about them, power, ergonomics other features etc. I would prefer something with a dead man type switch vs a slide switch but that's not 100% Necessary. Adding a foot pedal on off switch is out as I am moving a lot and not stationary. I would also like one that had a brake that stops it from spinning when you let off switch if that is available.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance,

Paully
 
I used to use a Dremel for doing heads, but it would not take a big enough bit to do what I really needed it to do. I switched to an air system, and use a Chicago die grinder. The longer it runs, the cooler it gets. I never had to replace it and use it for EVERYTHING. Heads, automotive, ceramic tiling, etc.
If fact if you use it in the winter, in an unheated shop, you better be wearing a glove. The air die grinders take a 1/4" shaft bits, and can be purchased for as low as 19.00 from Harbor Freight, when on sale. Get a Chicago, as they will last.

Still use the Dremel for bill/eye detail. Once you switch to air tools, it's hard to use electric again.

Hope this helps. Art
 
Thanks for the reply Art,

I don't have shop air, but will be adding it in the next shop for sure. Picked up a Metabo today and so far I like it, nice and smooth and lots of power. Little on the heavy side and it will take me a while to get used to it (new tools are like driving someone else's car it seems!) but so far so good.


Thanks again,

Paully
 
Glad to see that your thinking about AIR!! When you get one, get a TWO-STAGE. Don't let anyone talk you into a single stage pump. I've got a C-AIR, that's made in Minnesota. A 5 h.p. with an 80 gallon vertical tank. I'f you want pictures of my set-up, let me know.

I've got it set in the corner of my shop, and plumbed with 1" 200psi PVC pipe. I wanted to use black steel pipe like they use in commercial applications, but I was told by the place I bought the compressor from that it rusts inside and then you have rust pushed into all the tools you use. I have a rubber hydraulic hose going from the compressor to a ball valve, that drains down, mounted on the shop wall. I then ran the 1" PVC up into the shop rafters.

The PVC is then tilted down to a 50' Cox hose reel. It then continues down until it terminates between the two shop garage doors. This tilt allows any water vapor to drain down and stay in the line, rather than loading up in the air tool you're using.

Let me know if you need pics!!

Art
 
if you do go air, I have a Cleco die grinder, and other air tools I use here at the shop, A Cleco grinder will run 8 hrs a day, for years and never have an issue, I have four air grinders all over 10 years old , a die grinder and air drill that are over 7 years old and they are still running strong.

you get what you pay for with air tools..
and cleco makes the best
 
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