little grinders

Angle grinder (grinder) AEG 451403 WS 8-115. Photo 220Volt

There are many models of grinders with different technical characteristics . One of the determining factors for the purpose of a power tool is the diameter of the working disk. This parameter is the basis for classifying grinders according to weight and dimensions. One of the groups represents standard sizes related to small angle grinders. Information about this group is in this article.

What is the name of

Actually, the technically correct name for an angle grinder is an angle grinder . Angular because the axis of the working spindle is at right angles to the axis of rotation of the electric motor.

Angle grinder (grinder) EINHELL TE-AG 125 CE. Photo 220Volt

“Bulgarian” is the most common colloquial name for an angle grinder. It came into circulation during the existence of the USSR with the advent of the first samples produced in Bulgaria (hence the name “Bulgarian”). The grinder also has other informal names such as:

• “Fortuna” - after the name of the first models of Bulgarian manufacturers;
• “Turbine” - similar to the sound when working with a functioning aircraft turbine;
• “Flexi” is a common alternative to the name grinder in Europe, derived from the name “Flex” of the first European models, which served as the prototype of an angle grinder.

Micro, mini and small: disk size/diameter, power, how many watts and other characteristics

BOSCH GWS 12-76 V-EC cordless angle grinder (grinder). Photo 220Volt

In practice, manufacturers and trading companies unofficially use the classification of grinders according to the size of the attachments used in their work. Classic angle grinders are divided into small, medium and large. The closest thing to small angle grinders in terms of technical parameters are micro and mini power tools, which have the following values.

• Micro. The disc size of this power tool does not exceed 50 mm. Most often used in precision jewelry and dental practice. The power of a micro angle grinder does not exceed 500 W. In design, most modifications are made without a reduction gear, which distinguishes micro angle grinders with increased working spindle speeds (50 thousand rpm - 70 thousand rpm).
• Mini. These angle grinders are functionally practically no different from the classic versions, the only difference is the compactness of the design. The power of mini-angle grinders is from 0.5 kW to 0.8 kW, the spindle speed reaches 20,000 rpm.
• Small ones. The diameter of the cutting disc on such angle grinders is 115 and 125 mm. Of all the classic versions, grinders have the maximum rotation speed of the working disk - about 12,000 rpm. The optimal power for performing work with small angle grinders ranges from 0.8 kW to 1.3 kW.

Why you can’t install a large disk 150 mm or more

Theoretically, on a small grinder designed to work with a maximum size disc, for example, 125 mm. You can remove the protective cover and install a disk with a diameter of 150 mm. Actually, this very action is already a gross violation of safety regulations , leaving parts of the human body unprotected from sparks and fragments.

Important: there are restrictions on the linear speed of the disk; it should not exceed 80 m/s. A disk with a diameter of 150 mm or more, placed on an angle grinder with a maximum allowable size of 125 mm for safe operation, will have a linear speed of more than 80 m/s, which will entail a sharp increase in vibration and destruction of the attachment.

Popular brands and models, characteristics

Of the large number of modifications, we will consider some that will give the most complete picture of the characteristics of miniature angle grinders.

BOSCH

Of the variety of models from the German manufacturer BOSCH, consider the BOSCH GWS 10.8-76 V-EC . In the following video, the author (a specialist furniture maker) gives examples of the effective use of this brand in the technology of assembling cabinet furniture. The model successfully replaces tools such as a jigsaw or wood saw. The presence of metal parts in the furniture assembly process makes the presence of a mini angle grinder BOSH GWS 10.8-76 V-EC a prerequisite for high-quality work.

SKRAB 56001

The model of the Chinese manufacturer SKRAB 56001 is an improved model from the first small-sized angle grinder RONCXIN 3512 . An option for adjusting speed has been added and the system for fastening thin disks has been improved. The operation of this model is described in several videos presented below. A special feature of the SKRAB 56001 is the ability to use a collet clamp to perform work with burrs . The video shows an option for using a burr to clean the edges of a fiberglass pipe after cutting it.

ROYCE RDG 500s and JM 450

Chinese-made power tools of the ROYCE RDG 500s and ROYCE JM 450 , in addition to being used as a miniature grinder, can, with appropriate equipment, perform engraving work. The power tool is equipped with speed control (for both models, from 0 to 15,000 rpm), they differ in electric motor power - the first model has 500 W, the second 450 W.

ERA

The model from the Chinese brand EPA EMSH 115-2 with a circle diameter of 115 mm can be classified as small according to the classification generally accepted by manufacturers. The small size and light weight will help you get to the most inaccessible places and make the work less tiring.

MAKITA 5034

The MAKITA GA5034 model also belongs to the class of small grinders. The diameter of the circle for which the angle grinder is intended is 125 mm. The author of the following video notes the convenient location of the power button in his opinion - on the part of the body that is held by hand during operation. When the power tool is released, the button is released from the squeezing force of the hand and the grinder stops. Such additional protection will prevent a major emergency, and the angle grinder has a greater chance of not breaking down.

WUFU WFC-2411

Mini grinder model WUFU WFC-2411 with a circle with a diameter of 75 mm. takes energy for work from compressed air, that is, it is a pneumatic machine. The wheel rotation speed of 20,000 rpm requires the use of serious hearing and vision protection. Used for precise cutting of metal in difficult to reach places.

Purpose: on wood, metal and more

Small grinders with a circle of 115 mm. due to the small working surface of the cutting wheel (about 25 mm) and its wear during operation, they are ineffective for cutting workpieces. To a greater extent, such grinders enjoy priority when performing grinding work. Depending on the type of attachments, they can be used to grind a wide range of different materials (metal, glass, wood, porcelain and others).

Angle grinder (grinder) VORTEX USHM-125/900. Photo 220Volt

Angle grinder with a 125 mm wheel. solve a much wider range of problems. Possibility of cutting workpieces with a thickness of about 35 mm. make them indispensable for performing work in domestic conditions. The retail chain has a wide variety of attachments of this size, thereby increasing the number of tasks in relation to various materials that can be solved by a small angle grinder with a 125 mm circle.

Advantages, reviews

The main advantages of small grinders are as follows:

• Light weight allows a small angle grinder to perform any work without strain: at heights, holding the angle grinder suspended with one hand, being in an awkward position, performing other similar actions.
• Compactness in size helps to carry out work in hard-to-reach places where it is impossible to carry out work with angle grinders of medium and large dimensions.
• It will not be difficult for the user to make an accurate cut or create the most effective pressure during grinding

Angle grinder (grinder) Kolner KAG 125/1000 V. Photo 220Volt

There are a lot of reviews on the Internet from users of small grinders. They highlight the above advantages . Among the models that deserve good reviews are those in which the small size of the wheel interacts with the increased power of the electric motor of a small angle grinder.

Features, advantages

Compactness and light weight are the main differences between mini-grinders and ordinary household and professional models of angle grinders. Small workpieces with a small surface to be processed are sometimes impossible to process with conventional grinders. A mini-grinder with a reduced diameter of the working tool and the ability to work without a protective casing allows you to solve the problem of creating comfortable conditions for processing small workpieces . In some cases, bringing the tool into hard-to-reach places is only possible with the help of a mini grinder.

The weight and dimensions do not strain the user ; the hand holds the power tool freely without feeling tired for a long time. Moreover, in most cases there is no need for an additional handle , which requires additional space that is not always available. The hand freely covers the body, without any effort, the optimal position for effective processing is selected.

Grinder ROYCE RDG-500S

Mini-grinders, combined with low weight and overall dimensions, and small size of the working tool, do not have high power . vibration phenomena do not occur during operation which significantly increases the possibility of high-quality performance of high-precision work.

Light weight creates conditions for increasing the mobility of power tools . Using rechargeable batteries as a power source gives even more freedom of use. Working under the ceiling or vice versa in a lying position when processing hard-to-reach places is done without much effort using a mini-grinder with an independent power source.

Battery and other types of manual angle grinders

Depending on the power source, the following types of manual angle grinders are distinguished.

• Electric, the most productive of all types. The disadvantage is the mandatory presence of an electrical network.
• Rechargeable , have an autonomous power source, which increases the possibilities of their use; there is no need for the presence of an electrical network. Battery life increases with the use of brushless (instead of brushed) electric motors, which consume less energy.

Cordless angle grinder Metabo W18 LTX 125 + 3.5 Ah LiHD + charger ASC 55 T0333. Photo VseInstruments.ru

• Small pneumatic angle grinders are used for performing minor repair and installation work in the field, where there is only a mobile compressor.

With speed control, soft start and other functions

Equipping small grinders with additional functionality increases the range of work performed by the same power tool.

Small grinders have high spindle speeds with a working tool. mechanisms with a speed controller on them . In this option, it will be possible to perform high-quality grinding work, cut off low-melting materials, for example, plastic, which are produced at lower speeds, set using the rotation speed controller.

To a lesser extent, small angle grinders require a “soft start” installation , which is effective for high-power angle grinders.

Bulgarian Interskol 125/700. Photo 220Volt

There are many additional options that make working with an angle grinder easier (restart blocking, automatic balancing, protection against overload and dust formation inside the angle grinder body, as well as many others). Providing additional options should not become an end in itself. This leads to an increase in the cost of power tools. You should select only those that are necessary for specific operating conditions.

Types: battery-powered, speed-controlled and others

Types of mini-power tools may differ in different energy sources used as a driving force:

• network , using 220 V household sockets using a cable;
• pneumatic , using the energy of compressed air;
• rechargeable , powered by batteries with sufficient capacity to ensure normal operation of mini angle grinders.

Network mini grinder ROYCE RDG-500S

Each specific type of power tool has separate additional options that increase the possibilities of application and the quality of the work performed. All the options that are used in the operation of classic angle grinders have found application in mini angle grinders. Hence the large number of types of miniature angle grinders, differing in methods of application. Some additional options specific to these devices.

• High speeds of miniature angle grinders (on some models approaching 20,000 rpm) for high-quality processing of materials with different properties require the installation of a device with speed control on the power tool.
• To perform high-precision work, mini-angle grinders are equipped with devices that reduce tool vibration to zero . Despite the low power of miniature grinders, high speeds increase the possibility of vibration phenomena.

Popular brands

Manufacturers well-known on the power tool market produce almost any standard size of grinders. Below are examples of some models of small grinders from popular brands among users.

BOSCH GWS 18-125 V-LI

powered model . On one charge it provides maximum cutting performance among other grinders with similar parameters. The special 4-pole design of the electric motor ensures its reliability and long service life. Lightweight, weighing about 2.3 kg, ensures comfortable work with the tool in an overhead position.

Cordless angle grinder Bosch GWS 18-125 V-LI 0.601.93A.30B. Photo VseInstruments.ru

Metabo WEV 10-125 Quick

The power of the model best matches the loads experienced by 125 mm. work tool. Equipped with speed control with stabilization function under variable load. The design includes a quick-release nut for changing attachments .

Angle grinder (grinder) METABO WEV 10-125 Quick 600388000 (in box). Photo 220Volt

AEG WS 13-125 XE

A powerful and at the same time compact model weighing about 2.4 kg. Can be used with one hand. Equipped with a soft start system and speed control from 2800 rpm to 11500 rpm. The absence of vibration during operation, the presence of a quick-release nut, and the simple design of fixing the protective housing (lever system) are additional advantages of this model.

Angle grinder AEG WS13-125XE. Photo VseInstruments.ru

DeWALT DCG414N

Model with battery power supply. According to user reviews, it is distinguished by the power required for operation and reliability. The convenient location of the power button provides additional comfort during operation.

Hitachi G12SR4

The power of the 730 W model is sufficient to work in a 115 mm circle. Equipped with a high-quality dust protection system.

Sparky M850E HD

Small grinder with speed control (3000 rpm - 10000 rpm). a magnesium alloy gearbox in the design of the gearbox reduces the weight of the grinder to 1.7 kg. To increase operating comfort, the package includes an anti-vibration handle.

Angle grinder Sparky M 850E HD. Photo VseInstruments.ru

Bison USHM-115-800 M3

An inexpensive small model (circle diameter 115 mm), light weight (2.4 kg) made in China from a Russian company.

Whirlwind angle grinder 115/650

Despite the low power of the model (650 W), it is quite useful for household and garage work.

Makita 9562 CVH

The 1.2 kW model cuts almost any material with a thickness corresponding to a 125 mm circle. during operation . The model has excellent protection from dirt and dust - you can effectively operate this angle grinder in dusty conditions.

Angle grinder (grinder) MAKITA 9562 CVH. Photo 220Volt

HAMMER USM 1200E

A universal-use model with variable speed control and high power (1200 W) ensuring stable operation of a circle with a diameter of 125 mm.

Interskol angle grinder 125/750

One of the lightest models of small grinders weighing only 1.75 kg. Used when working in hard-to-reach places, it is possible to work confidently with one hand.

Cordless mini grinder. A tool for the intellectual.

This Bulgarian, having been in the review of the respected LexaZmey

, was immediately purchased by me on Aliexpress in a similar configuration. Issue price: $48. To the question - why? - only one answer: “Everyone ran and I ran.”©. Curiosity also played a role here. What can this Chinese baby do? Perhaps it will be useful for medium-small work - where there are many real grinders and few Dremel ones. In short, as I believed, this “Bulgarian” would be exclusively a domestic “pet”. For those interested, read on. Not for the sake of bragging, but just for food for thought, I have a branded angle grinder Bosch PWS 6-115 - purchased in 2003, in a green case, with a real 650 W, with soft start and stabilization of speed under load, on 115/ disks 125 mm. A real workhorse, it withstood fire, water and copper pipes, several European-quality repairs, a lot of cut reinforcement, concrete, plastic, and even coped with the “destruction” of the old obstacle course in a military unit (cutting a ladder and a labyrinth - those who served will understand). In the photo there is actually my favorite grinder, and next to it, for comparison of dimensions, is a Chinese battery midget. Don't pay attention to the appearance of the Bosch PWS 6-115 - it is currently finishing another repair, and the old nylon sock serves as a filter. After repair, the angle grinder will be cleaned and ceremonially placed in its original plastic case.

Equipment and features
Let me warn you right away - my review does not pretend to be anything special or super-original. Rather, it will somewhere complement the review made by the above-mentioned author. And perhaps it will help you make a choice - to take or not to take this Chinese mini-angle grinder.

The cordless mini grinder arrived in a slightly crumpled gray-yellow cardboard box. The box is completely unpresentable and if you want to give someone a gift, then... this is not the right coat at all. There is minimal information on the box.

Inside the box there is a soft seal, in the niches of which there are: a grinder carcass with a battery, two 76 mm cutting discs, an Allen key, a second battery, a 12-15v/1000 mA charger. Looking ahead, I’ll let you know that the complete metal cutting discs are quite good and of quite high quality.

Separately, I ordered a disk for cutting aluminum/wood from the seller. The instructions for the device are on paper, in English. You can download a scan of it below.

Additional Information

The body of the baby is made of plastic, the handle has anti-slip rubber inserts. It's comfortable to hold and feels good in the hand. The plastic itself looks and feels good, there are some small burrs in places. Behind the protective casing there is a red plastic locking bracket. When replacing a disk, it is not very convenient to use (not even that - very inconvenient); you need to lift it with two fingers. Moreover, at the top point the locking is fixed, and does not return back. It would be better if there was a push-button lock, as in normal angle grinders. But no, here the Chinese engineers were spoiled.

When you turn on the angle grinder, an indication of the battery charge level appears - three green LED bars. There is also a red warning LED. It signals a discharge or a raised stopper. Yes, I forgot to lower the stop a couple of times and the grinder instantly turned off, expressing its dissatisfaction with an angry red eye.

When you turn it on for the first time, you immediately get the impression that this grinder is a children's toy. Yes, it hums boldly, its engine is well centered, there are no beats, everything seems to be fine... but there is no confidence that it will cope with the load. The disk is secured using an allen key and a screw. In my opinion, this is not a very good solution. I say this, having at my disposal a “Fiolent” jigsaw, in which the file is clamped in a similar way. A year later, the key and the screw groove “slipped”, and as a result they had to be replaced. There are no inscriptions or label on the angle grinder body itself. Company – noname. Although there is room for branded stickers, create whatever you want.

There is no information on the batteries either. Their capacity can only be determined experimentally, through measurements. For the more inquisitive, in his review “LekhaZmey” posted a photo of the opening of the battery and the carcass of an angle grinder. However, the weight of my battery and the carcass of my sample is presented below.

It took me three hours to charge the battery from one green bar to complete “saturation”. And now let’s get straight to work - we’ll cut everything “that comes to hand.”

Cutting a polypropylene pipe

Previously, for cutting “anything and everything” at home, a saw like this was made - a wooden handle plus half a metal blade. Helped me out several times. Cuts slowly but surely. Gives a minimum of garbage. But since we have a cordless grinder, and we need to cut off a polypropylene plumbing pipe, then we boldly go into battle with a new Chinese tool. However, not all so simple! Having reached 2/3 of the pipe diameter, the grinder disk got stuck in the polypropylene. And a couple more times the grinder “stalled”, but after removing the load, the brushless motor “took off” again. This is understandable, there is no stabilization of speed, the engine power is low. The vile polypropylene crumbs, like semolina, clung to the T-shirt. Most of all there is where the chest and stomach are. This is understandable, I held the pipe with my left hand, the instrument in my right, and the disk threw all the crumbs at me. If your wife or mother-in-law catches you doing this at home, get ready for a scandal.

We cut the reinforcement.
So we go to the garage. We will conduct an experiment on reinforcement. In my case, the task was to sharpen it on both sides at an angle of 45 degrees. We will cut at a bevel. Result: the mini angle grinder cuts metal with difficulty. Five times her engine stalled under load, and then completely froze. Turning it on and off with the start button did not help, the charge indicators do not light up. Has she really died? We remove the battery, wait two seconds, insert it, turn it on with the button - it works! The charge indicator displays one division, after a minute - already two divisions. We cut the reinforcement more gently, without initial enthusiasm and fanaticism. Yes, cutting metal more than 2 mm thick causes difficulties for a Chinese tool.

Cutting the PVC panel
Finally, we move on to the PVC ceiling panels. And here the grinder reveals itself 100%. It is very easy to hold and operate it with one hand, and the disc cuts thin plastic with a bang. Here she is like a fish in water! This is the best scenario for a cordless mini-grinder. The cut is smooth and neat (see photo - it was used to cut off a corner of the panel). In addition, there is minimal waste. Oh, if only I had it three months ago, when I was making a panel ceiling in the bathroom and pantry!

Conclusions: a cordless mini-grinder in this format is an almost useless tool. In a word, exotic. They can only cut plastic and thin metal. It is possible to finely grind or polish something if you have the appropriate attachments and discs. Its main advantage is autonomy and compactness. It can be used to intelligently trim or file something. There is one minus and it is significant - very low power.

And in conclusion, a photo of a pet who loves cakes and would not exchange them for an instrument at any cost. Even brushless, with a promotion and free shipping.

How to choose for home and other purposes

Angle grinder AEG 451410 WS13-125XE in operation. Photo 220Volt

The main approach when choosing an angle grinder is that it is selected for specific types of work. The scope of application depends on the following characteristics of the angle grinder.

• First of all, when choosing, you should pay attention to the maximum size of the cutting tool working in tandem with the grinder. If its use is limited to cutting profiles, sheet metal, kitchen ceramic tiles, cleaning rusty surfaces and solving other household and garage problems, then a small grinder will be the best option. To cut thick-walled pipes, channels, beams, concrete structures and other similar work, you should use a grinder of medium and large categories.
• Power. This parameter is directly related to the size of the nozzle. When performing complex long-term work, professional grinders with a large circle size and high power are used. For working in hard-to-reach places, lightweight compact small angle grinders with low power ratings are suitable.
• When choosing cordless angle grinders, the main criterion will be the battery capacity. The higher the capacity, the longer the operating time before recharging. For short-term work, it is enough to use small cordless angle grinders with small batteries and minimal capacity.
• The use of pneumatic angle grinders is associated with the speed of supply of compressed air and, accordingly, with the power of the compressor. For small grinders, an air pressure of about 6 atm and a flow rate of about 100 l/min are sufficient for operation. Large pneumatic machines are effective at delivering up to 540 l/min.

Rating of top models with battery and more, characteristics

There is information on the Internet that, from a huge range of various modifications of grinders, based on expert opinions, contains data on the best, in their opinion, models. It is quite subjective, but you can use it as a starting point when choosing an angle grinder for purchase. According to experts at the TechnoPro store, the following are worth attention among small Bulgarians in 2022.

BOSCH GWS 18-125 S. Power 900 W, circle diameter 125 mm. Weight 1.8 kg, lightweight, can be held with one hand. Low noise level during operation, vibration is practically not felt. The spindle speed is 11,000 rpm, adjustable for high-quality grinding work. It is well suited not only for home work, but also with the appropriate equipment, for example, with a wall chaser attachment, for professionals.

Angle grinder (grinder) BISON UShM-125-950 M3. Photo 220Volt

BISON USHM-125-950 MZ. Unlike the BOSCH model, it has an inexpensive price and a fairly high power of 950 W for the category of small angle grinders. Increased requirements for dust protection guarantee high reliability during operation. Rotation speed 11000 rpm.

Which is better, good options to choose from

Each of the angle grinder models is designed to perform a specific type of work. This is where the classification of angle grinders comes from: household, semi-professional, professional. Therefore, the concept of “the best grinder” is not global. According to a user survey, the following were recognized as the best small angle grinders with a 125 mm circle in 2022:

• BOSCH GWS 9-125 S;
• Metabo WEV 850-125;
• Makita 9565HZ;
• DeWALT DWE4119.

Angle grinder (grinder) BOSCH GWS 9-125 S. Photo 220Volt

Small, mini and micro hand-held angle grinders

Grinders using small-sized consumable tools are classified into the following groups:

• small, with a circle diameter of about 115-125 mm;
• mini-grinders, which use circles with a diameter of about 75 mm;
• micro manual angle grinders, where the working tool does not exceed a diameter of 50 mm.

Small angle grinder (grinder) METABO WEV 850-125, circle diameter – 125 mm. Photo 220Volt

The above classification is not official , but in practice it reflects the real state of affairs, which confirms its use by many reputable manufacturers.

Do it yourself

A small grinder with 115 or 125 mm circles. can be made from an ordinary hand drill . It should immediately be noted that the disadvantages of the homemade product are the low rotation speed of the wheel, which impairs the productivity and quality of the cut. However, in case of an emergency, you can use a small grinder from a drill to saw off some small part.

How to disassemble an angle grinder, gearbox, angle grinder head, disassembly process

If the angle grinder has malfunctions that affect stability in operation, it should be diagnosed to identify their causes. To do this, the power tool must be disassembled; you can do this yourself. The disassembly process (separation of the plastic housing from the gearbox) is shown in the following video.

After checking the functionality of the gearbox mechanics, if necessary, it is disassembled and repaired, as shown in the video.

How to change bearings

Wear of the bearing units of the angle grinder leads to increased backlash, which contributes to the failure of the entire angle grinder as a whole. Therefore, a preventive inspection of the angle grinder is required for the presence of play and, if necessary, replacing them as shown in the video.