An angle grinder (angle grinder) is popularly called an angle grinder. This name appeared during the Soviet Union, when the only supplier of this instrument was Bulgaria. But the name “grinding” does not fully reveal the capabilities of this device. With the help of an angle grinder you can cut brick, metal, stone and concrete; it easily turns into a sharpening or polishing machine. All these changes are possible thanks to replaceable attachments that are fixed in the spindle of the unit. How to choose the right multifunctional tool?
Purpose and scope of application of angle grinders
The term “grinder” to designate this construction tool appeared in the Soviet Union in the early 70s of the last century. Angle grinders received this name due to their place of origin; their production was established in Plovdiv.
The angle grinder was designed by Ackermann + Schmitt (FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH) in Steinheim an der Mur in 1954. The angle grinder quickly gained popularity among specialists; one of the main factors for the success of the tool was its versatility.
The use of special equipment allows angle grinders to perform cutting and grinding operations on a wide range of different materials:
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as their alloys.
Natural and artificial stone.
Ceramic and silicate bricks.
Concrete and products made from it.
All types of facing ceramic tiles.
Sanding wood.
It is not recommended to use a grinder for cutting glass and wood; due to the high linear speed, heating occurs at the point of contact of the equipment and ignition is possible. In recent years, circular saws have been produced for working on wood with tips made from special refractory alloys. This equipment should be used very carefully and should not be allowed to overheat. The above list of materials determines the main areas of application of angle grinders.
This power tool is widely used:
- In construction.
- At enterprises related to metalworking.
- In car service workshops for body work.
The population has a lot of angle grinders in their hands; household owners actively use them to perform household work. With its help, cutting and grinding of the above materials is carried out. This power tool, in particular, processes welding seams and removes scale. The operation does not take much time and allows you to avoid unnecessary impact loads on the fresh joint.
Design of angle grinders, components
The design of angle grinders is characterized by a relatively simple and technologically advanced design, which made it possible to establish their production at many enterprises.
The angle grinder consists of the following parts:
The body, which is made of reinforced polymers. Such materials are characterized by high strength, resistance to wear and environmental influences. On the outer surface there is a button to turn on the tool with a lock. Some models have windows covered with hatches for replacing drive brushes.
An electric motor powered by a household network or batteries. Angler grinders use drives that can provide high shaft speeds. To cool the windings and other parts, a fan is installed on the front part of the axis.
Single-stage bevel gearbox in a separate housing made primarily of magnesium or aluminum alloys. It consists of bevel gears, the shafts of which are mounted on ball or plain bearings. The interaction of the parts with each other in the gearbox is ensured by the housing, which is filled with grease.
A spindle consisting of a shaft with a metric thread, a thick-walled washer and a nut for attaching a cutting disc or other equipment. On the gear housing there is usually a button on the opposite side that locks the shaft in place. This is necessary for dismantling and installing new equipment.
The removable handle is threaded and can be screwed into the gear housing in one of the selected positions. This is done for the convenience of holding the power tool while performing various types of work.
The protective casing covers part of the cutting disc and does not allow the sheaf of sparks that is formed during operation to fly away in all directions. The device protects the worker and surrounding objects from equipment wear products and material fragments formed during its processing.
The angle grinder is supplied to the consumer complete with a user manual and a special key for attaching the equipment. The latter is a steel strip with two pins that exactly match the holes of the fixing nut. In some cases, the manufacturer adds spare carbon brushes to the package.
Operating principle of an angle grinder
The angle grinder is driven by an electric motor, which is turned on by pressing a locking button or switch. Power is supplied from the network, as well as from a built-in or removable battery. Mostly, the tool is equipped with commutator electric motors, the stator winding of which has a high inductive resistance. This circumstance makes it possible to significantly reduce operating currents.
Spinning, the electric motor shaft rotates the drive gear in the gearbox, which drives the driven gear, and thus transmits force to the spindle. The mechanism body is made of magnesium or aluminum alloys to improve heat transfer. The gearing between gears is of two types: spur and helical (bevel Glisson system). The second option is preferable because it provides greater reliability and helps reduce noise.
More expensive and complex models use a release clutch installed between the engine and the gearbox. The main function of this unit is to prevent kickback when the disk suddenly stops due to jamming. This allows you to protect the operator from possible injury and the grinder components from damage. On such angle grinders, the spindle lock button can be pressed until it stops completely.
The choice of a design scheme in which the plane of rotation of the cutting disc or brush is parallel to the axis of the tool is explained quite simply. When an angle grinder operates, a significant torque occurs, tending to pull the tool to the side. This force is easily compensated by the operator due to the optimal positioning of the hands along and perpendicular to the axis.
How does an angle grinder work?
All Bulgarians are similar in appearance
All grinders look the same. A commutator electric motor is fixed in an elongated body, the shaft of which is connected to a gearbox. The spindle comes out of the gearbox at an angle of 90 degrees (that’s why the machine is called “angular”). An M14 thread is cut on the spindle; grinding wheels or other attachments are fixed on it.
The name “Bulgarian” took root among citizens of the former USSR. The first angle grinders that came to our country at the end of the 1960s were manufactured in the People's Republic of Bulgaria at the Sparky Eltos factory in the city of Lovech.
The grinding wheel is covered with a protective casing; a handle is screwed to the body, by which the master holds the tool while working. There is also a power button on the case. A lock is required on the side opposite the disk - it prevents the spindle from turning when changing attachments.
Power, speed and tool diameter
Considering the significant difference in parameters between different models of angle grinders, the question arises, which is the best grinder to buy for home or work? It is necessary to decide: to perform, what operations it is necessary for, and what the volume of expected work is.
Rotational speed
One of the main parameters of an angle grinder is the linear speed of rotation of the wheel, which depends on the diameter of the wheel. The optimal value for this indicator is 80 m/s; a significant deviation in the speed of rotation towards an increase will lead to the destruction of the circle. A lower rotation speed causes rapid wear of the disc. There are five types of angle grinders, which vary in the size of the cutting wheels used.
The dependence of the spindle speed on the diameter of the working disk is as follows:
115 mm – 13290 rpm
125 mm – 12230 rpm
150 mm – 10190 rpm
180 mm – 8490 rpm
230 mm – 6650 rpm
Data on the permissible rotation speeds of the cutting wheel for each specific model must be indicated on a special plate that is attached to the body. The amount of torque must be sufficient to overcome the resulting friction force and maintain the required cutting speed. This characteristic is determined by the rated power of the electric motor of the angle grinder.
Angle grinder power
The rated power of angle grinders ranges from 650 to 2700 W, and depends on the diameter of the disc used. Accordingly, angle grinders designed for large diameter discs have more powerful drives. With these parameters, the electric motor provides sufficient force on the cutting edge of the wheel to effectively influence the material being processed.
For normal operation, it is necessary that the power consumption of an angle grinder with a disk diameter of 125 mm be at least 750 W. Moreover, the larger the diameter of the permissible equipment, the more powerful the engine should be. So in models with a tooling diameter of 230 mm, which are intended for intensive use on construction sites, the engine power consumption must be at least 2200 W.
Tooling diameter
Be sure to decide what diameter of the equipment will be sufficient for your needs. Remember that you cannot use circles whose diameter is larger than the permissible one. Of course, you can do this by removing the protective cover, but such manipulations are prohibited, as they can lead to injury to the operator.
It is especially dangerous to use an angle grinder without a protective casing when working with metal discs with hard-melting tips, which, if they fly apart, can cause significant harm to health, including death. If you have such a desire, just find on the Internet photos of people who were injured by neglecting safety when working with angle grinders and this desire will disappear forever.
The diameter of the equipment is deeply related to such a parameter as the depth of cut. This point is especially important if you are going to use an angle grinder to cut curb stones and other thick materials. The cutting depth of the model with a disc diameter of 125 mm is only 30 mm - 35 mm, depending on the model. This is because the dimensions of the gearbox will not allow you to completely immerse the circle in the material.
Of course, you can cut a curb stone by making cuts on both sides. But it is more difficult to make such a high-quality cut, and it will take more time. Therefore, if you have to constantly cut such materials, then you should look towards “grinders” with a maximum disc diameter of 230 mm.
Angles with a small working circle are of little use for cutting super-hard materials, and large models are inconvenient for grinding car bodies.
Review of grinders for 115 mm disc
The main advantages of angle grinders with a Ø115 disc are their light weight and compactness. The dimensions of their working part allow them to work in confined spaces. These are the lightest of all grinders, so they are convenient to work with in weight. The table below shows the characteristics and prices of some popular models with a predominance of positive reviews.
| Name | rpm | Power (W) | Price (thousand rubles) | Smooth start | Start-up protection | Regul. rpm | Maintaining momentum | Vibrating handle |
| "Whirlwind" UShM-115/650 | 11 000 | 650 | 1,6 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Black Decker angle grinder G650 | 11 000 | 650 | 1,6 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Bosch angle grinder PWS 650-115 | 11 000 | 650 | 2,7 | No | No | No | No | There is |
| AEG angle grinder WS7-115S | 12 000 | 700 | 4,2 | There is | There is | No | No | No |
The Whirlwind has the smallest weight of the presented angle grinders - only 1.6 kg. Bosch and AEG weigh slightly more with the same power - 1.9 kg each.
For home or professional model
To determine which grinder to choose for the home and which for intensive work, you need to proceed from its technical indicators. All power tools, including angle grinders, are divided into household and professional, depending on the time of continuous use. Household angle grinder models are designed for occasional use of 30 - 40 minutes a day.
Professional models are designed for internal use of the tool throughout the day or work shift. Professional angle grinders have enhanced protection from dust, noise and a number of systems that are designed to ensure the comfort and safety of the operator.
If the angle grinder is intended for small household work, then you should pay attention to models with disc diameters of 115 mm, 125 mm or 150 mm. The most common model for home use is an angle grinder with a disc diameter of 125 mm. To understand how to choose an angle grinder for your home, you need to outline the range of tasks to be solved and the list of materials to be processed. Obviously, purchasing an expensive professional tool in this case is unjustified.
As for professional models, the undisputed leader here is an angle grinder with a disc diameter of 230 mm. When choosing such a model, you should pay attention to the engine diameter. The larger the engine diameter, the greater the torque the angle grinder can develop, and this is very important during grueling operation.
Therefore, if you are choosing between two approximately equal angle grinders, give preference to the one that has a larger motor diameter and only secondarily look at the power. Some manufacturers themselves indicate the torque in the tool's data sheet, but many ignore this parameter.
What other sizes are there?
When talking about the size of grinders, we often mean not only the dimensions, but also other dimensions, such as length and height.
Grinders are divided into several groups:
Small (household) . The length of the device is about 270, and the height is 100 mm. Disc diameter 115 or 125 mm. Power ranges from 500 to 1200 W. Such angle grinders are used mainly in domestic conditions for no longer than 20 minutes of continuous use.
Important! It is strictly forbidden to install a circular saw blade on a small grinder. This can result in serious injury.
Average (professional) . The length of the instrument is about 350, the height is from 120 to 130 mm. Circle size from 150 to 180 mm. Power ranges from 1200 to 1500 W. Such a tool can work continuously for up to 50 minutes. The scope of use of such angle grinders is industrial production and work on construction sites.
Angle grinder Zubr Professional USHM-P125-1400 EPST. Photo VseInstruments.ru
Large (industrial). The length of such a tool reaches 400, and the height ranges from 140 mm. and higher. Power reaches 3000 W. Disk diameter is from 210 to 230 m. This model can easily cope with the heaviest tasks and is suitable for absolutely any work on a large scale.
Pressure flange thread
The pressure flange is a threaded ring of predominantly oval or round shape. The flange of the angle grinder is made in a special way: from certain grades of steel with strict adherence to the production plan.
Thread size M10:
- rod diameter along the thread crest: 10 (mm);
- pitch (largest): 1.5 (mm);
- outer diameter (d): 10 (mm);
- average diameter (d2): 9.026 (mm);
- internal diameter at the bottom of the cavity (d3): 8.160 (mm).
Thread size M11:
- rod diameter along the thread crest: 11 (mm);
- pitch (largest): 1.5 (mm);
- outer diameter (d): 11 (mm);
- average diameter (d2): 10.026 (mm);
- internal diameter at the bottom of the cavity (d3): 9.160 (mm).
Angle grinder (grinder) HITACHI G13SD with M14 thread. Photo 220Volt
Thread size M12:
- rod diameter along the thread crest: 12 (mm);
- pitch (largest): 1.75 (mm);
- outer diameter (d): 12 (mm);
- average diameter (d2): 10.863 (mm);
- internal diameter along the bottom of the depression (d3): 9.853 (mm).
Thread size M14:
- rod diameter along the thread crest: 14 (mm);
- pitch (largest): 2 (mm);
- outer diameter (d): 14 (mm);
- average diameter (d2): 12.701 (mm);
- internal diameter along the bottom of the cavity (d3): 11.546 (mm).
Thread size M15:
- rod diameter along the thread crest: 15 (mm);
- pitch (largest): 1.5 (mm);
- outer diameter (d): 15 (mm);
- average diameter (d2): 14.026 (mm);
- internal diameter along the bottom of the cavity (d3): 13.160 (mm).
For example, the Makita 224415-9 support flange has the following characteristics:
- diameter – 42 mm;
- thread type – M14.
Suitable for angle grinders 115–230.
Key
A wrench is a special tool for changing attachments on a grinder. The tool is made of high-strength steel for long service life. The diameter of the nuts that the wrench can unscrew is usually indicated after the letters “KR”.
Nuts
Quick-release nut for angle grinder Makita 115\125\150\230. Photo 220Volt
A special clamping nut is produced together with the grinder. It secures the grinding or cutting disc .
Nuts are divided into two types:
- unscrewable with a key;
- unscrewing by hand.
For example, the FIXTEC AEG 4932358225 nut with a standard spindle thread type (M14) has the following parameters:
- length – 150 mm;
- width – 100;
- height – 20;
- thickness – 8.
This equipment is suitable for grinders with a cutting wheel size of 115/150.
Protective casing
DEWALT DWE46150-XJ protective casing for angle grinders 115/125 mm. for roughing work with dust removal. Photo 220Volt
The cutting wheel is a rather traumatic tool, so mandatory equipment for an angle grinder is a protective casing, which acts as a barrier between the user and the disc . Average casing sizes range from 117 to 232 mm. For example, the GWS 125 protective housing from the Bosch brand has the following parameters:
- length – 150 mm;
- width – 110;
- height – 61.
This model is suitable for a huge number of angle grinders.
Additional systems to support tool operation
Angle grinders have become widespread due to their convenience, versatility and reliability. The design of the power tool includes a number of systems that are designed to ensure high performance and safety of working with the tool. The functionality of each model is determined by the manufacturer at the design stage; the list of additional options affects the cost.
That is why, next we will consider additional systems that ensure the operation of an angle grinder and determine how important their presence is for the effective and safe use of the tool.
Inrush current limiting system
When the electric motor is turned on, the load on the motor winding increases abruptly by 6-8 times, which can cause damage to it or trigger the protection. This also generates an impact torque, which is transmitted through the shaft to the gearbox and spindle. The starting current limiting system is an electronic circuit that provides a smooth increase in rotation speed.
The operating principle of this system is to gradually increase the voltage on the windings over a given time. Using an angle grinder becomes safe, and the service life of the electric motor and gearbox increases.
The absence of impact during startup improves cutting accuracy and eliminates the possibility of scoring during grinding.
System for maintaining a constant number of disk revolutions
When the cutting disc comes into contact with the surface being processed, friction occurs, which increases the load on the engine and reduces the rotation speed. The system for maintaining a constant number of disk revolutions compensates for resistance and ensures that the cutting speed is maintained. Stabilization of the spindle rotation speed is carried out through the use of a constant electronic circuit.
There are two ways to maintain speed in angle grinders operating under load: by current or by spindle speed. In the first case, a current consumption sensor is used, which records its value and, as it increases, the circuit increases the voltage on the windings.
Speed control involves the use of a tacheometric sensor that monitors the rotation of the angle grinder. When this indicator decreases, the electronic circuit increases the voltage and, as a result, ensures optimal rotation speed of the equipment. The choice of a method for maintaining a constant rotation speed occurs at the design stage and is carried out taking into account the positive and negative aspects of each method.
Not all models are equipped with such a system; we can say that its presence is desirable, but not necessary.
Restart locking system
During construction work, it is possible that a power outage occurs for a variety of reasons. The angle grinder's anti-restart system prevents the engine from starting unintentionally. When the grinder suddenly stops, the worker most often simply puts the tool aside without checking the position of the switch.
A sudden resumption of power supply in this case can result in injury to the performer or damage to valuable property. For angle grinders equipped with such a system, restarting occurs only after the starter is turned off and pressed again. In this case, the user will need to take the tool in his hands, which means his actions will be meaningful and controlled.
Having such a system is very important and necessary.
Automatic disk balancing system
When using angle grinders, especially with large-diameter equipment, discs or brushes wear unevenly. This leads to imbalance, which manifests itself in the form of vibration, which does not contribute to the accuracy of the operation. Runout negatively affects the condition of the bearings and reduces the service life of the electric motor.
The automatic disk balancing system compensates for the uneven distribution of the mass of the rotating equipment. To stabilize the tool, various technical solutions are used, mainly special bearing designs with fewer balls. This system makes the product more expensive and is usually used on professional models with large diameter discs.
If you are choosing a tool for intensive use on a construction site, then it is best to give preference to models equipped with this system.
Motor overload protection system
When using an angle grinder, the load on the electric drive is not constant and in certain periods can significantly exceed the design value. To protect the engine from overloads, grinders are equipped with special systems that forcibly stop the current supply. In this case, the tool simply stops working and to resume it you must first turn it off and then turn it on again.
There are two ways to protect angle grinders from overheating: by current or by temperature. In the first option, shutdown occurs when limit parameters are exceeded, which are recorded by the electronic module. In another design, a temperature sensor is installed on the engine, which interrupts the power circuit when the parameter goes beyond the set values.
The system ensures the longest tool life but does not in any way affect the quality and safety of the work.
Dust protection system
During the process of grinding surfaces or cutting materials using an angle grinder, a significant amount of dust is generated. It enters the housing with the air flow and causes increased wear; the most vulnerable are the bearings, brush assembly and outer surfaces of the rotor and stator. Metal particles formed during cutting can cause a short circuit between the turns of the winding.
The angle grinder protection system involves the use of the following design and technological solutions:
- Installation of meshes on ventilation openings, and on expensive professional models and filter elements.
- Armoring the stator windings and using cord bands on the rotor.
- The use of closed type bearings.
- The gearbox housing is made as sealed as possible.
- Pouring windings with epoxy resins.
Dust protection systems significantly increase the service life of angle grinders and make them safe during operation, preventing short circuits.
Kickback protection system when equipment jams
A sudden stop of the equipment leads to the generation of torque, which is aimed at turning the angle grinder. In this case, significant efforts arise, and it is impossible to hold the instrument in your hands, and this is already fraught with injuries to the upper limbs and other parts of the body.
The anti-kickback protection system when the equipment jams prevents such a situation from occurring. This is realized in two ways: mechanically or using electronics. In the first option, various types of couplings are used, which operate when there is a sharp increase in resistance to shaft rotation. The second method is based on constant monitoring of current values; if a certain value is exceeded, the power is turned off.
Various manufacturers have their own developments for implementing such protection; its presence is extremely important for professional models with a large circle diameter.
Adjusting the guard without using a key
In this regard, each manufacturer has its own ways of implementing such adjustment, but what they have in common is that changing the position of the protective casing is done quickly and without using a key. This is very convenient when performing certain types of work when you need to constantly change the position of the protective casing. As a rule, it is enough to bend the lever and move the casing to the desired angle.
When using housings that require a key to adjust, repositioning them is somewhat difficult. To make their work easier, users often resort to security violations. Do not clamp the casing completely or remove it altogether. The presence of a keyless casing adjustment system is designed not only to improve the work process but also to discourage the user from rash decisions that grossly violate safety regulations.
Speed adjustment
The spindle rotation speed is adjusted using a wheel located on the tool body. On cheap models, this adjustment may not be available at all. But as practice shows, when performing certain jobs, its presence is very important and allows for better cutting or grinding. For example, when sanding plastic and various paints and varnishes, if the equipment rotates too intensely, the surface being processed can burn.
Review of grinders for 150 mm disc
Next to the Ø125 is a tool with cutting wheels Ø150, which is a transition to a professional tool with large diameter discs. Below is a brief overview of some popular models in the lower and mid-price range according to user reviews.
| Name | rpm | Power (W) | Price (thousand rubles) | Smooth start | Start-up protection | Regul. rpm | Maintaining momentum | Vibrating handle |
| "Interskol" angle grinder 150/1300 | 8 500 | 1300 | 3,2 | No | No | No | No | No |
| "Enkor" UShM-1300/150E | 9 500 | 1300 | 3,8 | There is | No | There is | There is | No |
| Makita angle grinder GA6040R | 9 000 | 1100 | 8,7 | There is | No | No | No | There is |
| Metabo angle grinder WEV 15-150 | 9 600 | 1550 | 10,5 | There is | No | There is | There is | There is |
All models shown in the table weigh over 2.5 kg, and the heaviest of them is the Interskol grinder, which weighs 2.9 kg.
Handles of their types and adjustments
In their classic form, angle grinders have two handles, a main one and an additional one, which is mounted on the gearbox. But in this regard, the tool has many features that are worth considering separately.
One-handed and two-handed angle grinders
There are angle grinders with one and two handles. It should be noted right away that this does not mean that you will hold the tool with one hand when working. It’s just that in a one-handed angle grinder the second hand is located on the body. One-handed angle grinders are available with disc diameters of 115 mm and 125 mm. The main advantage of one-handed angle grinders is their short length, which allows the tool to be used in hard-to-reach places, for example during body work.
The main disadvantage is that they are more difficult to hold while working. Therefore, tools for large-diameter equipment come with only two handles. In any case, holding a tool by two handles is much more convenient and safe than holding it by one handle and the body. Before purchasing a tool, you should hold it in your hands to decide which option is preferable for you.
Attaching an additional handle
The gearbox housing has at least 2 holes for attaching an additional handle. It is optimal to have 3 holes - two on the sides and one on top. This is quite enough for the convenience of performing almost any work. Some manufacturers make more than 3 positions for attaching the handle; whether such functionality is needed is up to you to decide.
Additional handle attachment points.
Adjusting the main handle
The main handle can be rotated relative to the axis of the body. Most often there are 3 positions - neutral and 900 in both directions. This allows you to select the required coverage for better and more convenient work.
Angles of rotation of the main handle of the angle grinder.
Vibration damping handle
When using an angle grinder, vibration occurs, to dampen it a special vibration-damping handle is used. Not all models are equipped with such a handle. As a rule, these are more expensive or professional angle grinders. It may seem that this is not such an important detail, but from experience I can say that the operation of an angle grinder with an anti-vibration handle is much softer and more comfortable. Therefore, it is better if the tool is equipped with such a handle.
Cordless angle grinders - features of their choice
Autonomous grinders appeared on the power tool market relatively recently. Such designs use high-capacity lithium-ion batteries that can ensure the operation of the angle grinder for a short period of time. Such technical solutions are currently applicable only to angle grinders with a small disc diameter of 115 and 125 mm.
Using cordless angle grinders at home if there is an electrical outlet is not the best solution:
- Firstly, such models are quite expensive.
- Secondly, their battery life under load is limited.
- Thirdly, rechargeable batteries require constant monitoring and regular charging.
The only advantage of such a tool is the ability to use it in places where there is no power supply. For modern households, this is not a problem, which means choosing a cordless angle grinder is inappropriate. They are bought in case of emergency, when it is not possible to work from a power source.
The main parameter that you should pay attention to when choosing a cordless angle grinder is the battery capacity. Remember that angle grinders consume a fairly large amount of energy, so the larger the battery capacity, the more time you can work with the tool on one charge. All other selection criteria are the same for both cordless and corded angle grinders.
Review of grinders for 180 mm disc
Grinders with a circle diameter of 180 mm are considered professional tools and are used in construction and industrial production. The cutting depth of this power tool can reach 55 mm. The overview table below shows the parameters and prices of some models in the lower price range. Among them, the Diold angle grinder attracts attention with its price, weight and the presence of additional functions.
| Name | rpm | Power (W) | Price (thousand rubles) | Smooth start | Start-up protection | Regul. rpm | Maintaining momentum | Vibrating handle |
| "DIOLD" angle grinder -1.5-01-180 | 8000 | 1500 | 3,9 | No | There is | No | No | No |
| Makita angle grinder GA7050 | 8500 | 2000 | 7 | No | No | No | No | There is |
| AEG angle grinder WS 2200-180 | 8500 | 2200 | 7,7 | No | There is | No | No | No |
| Metabo angle grinder WE 24-180 | 8500 | 2400 | 11 | There is | There is | No | No | There is |
The Metabo angle grinder has the most powerful drive and the heaviest weight in this group (5.7 kg). In addition, it is distinguished by the presence of a soft start, protection against unauthorized start-up and a vibration-damping handle.
Types of equipment for an angle grinder: rules for its use and selection
Angle grinders offer exceptional versatility with a wide range of different accessories. The equipment market is very large and can satisfy both the home craftsman and the professional. But even here there may be difficulties associated with selecting the size of the equipment. As mentioned earlier, the most common sizes are 125 mm and 230 mm angle grinders.
You can buy equipment for such a tool at any hardware store. But problems may arise with equipment for angle grinders 150 mm and 180 mm, since this type of tool is not very common. All produced equipment is intended for cutting or grinding a certain type of material or materials and its use on other materials is not allowed. This is the first thing you should pay attention to when choosing it.
The selection of equipment is carried out taking into account the nature of the work performed and the parameters of the angle grinder. It is not allowed to use equipment whose diameter exceeds the maximum permissible wheel diameter for this angle grinder model.
The range of equipment includes the following items.
Cutting wheels
Designed for cutting various materials. When using this type of equipment, the angle between the tool and the surface being processed must be strictly maintained. Cutting discs are used only for well-fixed parts. They come in abrasive and diamond types.
Abrasive cutting discs.
Most often, such circles are used for cutting metal, stone and concrete. The specification of such wheels is noted on their label and is indicated by letters and numbers, for example: A 24 S, where:
- The first letter “A” stands for the grain material from which the circle is made. A - corundum, AS - electrocorundum, C - silicon carbite (used in circles intended for cutting concrete).
- The number, in this case “24,” shows the grain fraction and indicates the specialization of the wheel. For steel this figure will be larger, and for non-ferrous metals it will be smaller.
- The last letter "S" shows the hardness of the ligament. The closer the letter is to the end of the alphabet, the higher the hardness of the ligament.
All these parameters must be selected for the material being processed. Otherwise, the disc may either burn or wear down too quickly. The main rule is that the harder the material being processed, the softer the bond should be.
Diamond cutting discs.
Diamond cutting wheels of various types are highly specialized and designed to be used only for working with certain materials:
- “Concrete” type for cutting all types of concrete, including reinforced concrete products.
- The asphalt type is intended for materials with a significant content of abrasives.
- The “building material” type is used for processing ceramic or silicate bricks.
- The “granite” type is used for working on super-hard building materials.
Based on the type of cutting edge, they are divided into segmented, solid and “turbo”:
Segmental
Solid
Turbo
Grinding wheels
Grinding discs.
Cup type grinding wheels.
Flap end grinding wheel.
Flap disc grinding wheel.
Cleaning Brushes
Cup brush with brass bristles.
Disc brush with steel bristles.
Review of grinders for 230 mm disc
Among professional angle grinders, the most common are grinders with a cutting wheel diameter of 230 mm. Such a tool optimally combines high performance with operator-friendly weight and size indicators. Due to the high drive power, the vast majority of models in this group are equipped with a soft start function, and many also have protection against unintentional starting. Below are the prices and main characteristics of models belonging to the lower and middle price range.
| Name | rpm | Power (W) | Price (thousand rubles) | Smooth start | Start-up protection | Regul. rpm | Maintaining momentum | Vibrating handle |
| Sturm angle grinder AG9023R | 6000 | 2100 | 4,4 | There is | There is | No | No | No |
| Makita angle grinder 9069 SF | 6600 | 2000 | 8 | There is | No | No | No | No |
| Metabo angle grinder WX 2000 | 6600 | 2000 | 8,5 | There is | There is | No | No | No |
| Bosch angle grinder GWS 24-230 | 6500 | 2400 | 10,7 | There is | There is | No | No | No |
| DeWalt angle grinder DWE 4579 | 6500 | 2600 | 12,8 | There is | There is | No | No | There is |
Grinders with a circle diameter of 230 mm have a very noticeable weight: from 4 to 6 kg, which, as a rule, is proportional to the drive power. In this list, the heaviest angle grinder is the DeWalt, which weighs 5.8 kg.
Safety regulations
When working with an angle grinder, you must remember that the rotation speed of the disk is from 6,650 to 13,290 rpm and its destruction is accompanied by the scattering of fragments. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to remove the protective cover, and the operator must use special glasses. When working with power tools, the following safety precautions should be observed:
- It is not allowed to use equipment that does not correspond to the given model in size or has mechanical damage.
- Work gloves must be worn, as well as clear face and neck shields and eye goggles.
- There should be no people in the plane of rotation of the disk.
- To work with a certain material, use only specialized types of equipment.
- The power cord should be placed in such a way that it cannot be damaged.
Neglect of simple safety rules can lead to injury and even death due to damage to vital organs from disc fragments.
In order to understand how to choose an angle grinder (angle grinder) for your home, you need to know what exactly the tool is needed for and how often it will be used. If we take into account the average needs of the homeowner and the list of work being carried out, then we can recommend a network angle grinder with a circle diameter of 125 mm from a well-known manufacturer.
Typically, such a unit is sufficient to perform most jobs. In general, this tool is not very expensive and the market is oversaturated with supply. Therefore, all you have to do is determine your needs and compare several suitable models to make your choice.
Review of grinders for 125 mm disc
Angle grinders for Ø125 discs are the most popular among both amateurs and professionals. The price of most simple models of grinders is a little more than two thousand rubles, and it is this category that is most popular among users. It is suitable both as an angle grinder for the home, when the need for cutting work arises sporadically, and as a professional tool for one season. The table below provides a small overview of just such models for which there are practically no negative user reviews. The last point for comparison is the characteristics and price of the AEG WS13-125XE angle grinder with many additional functions.
| Name | RPM | Power (W) | Price (thousand rubles) | Smooth start | Start-up protection | Regul. rpm | Maintaining momentum | Vibrating handle |
| "Whirlwind" angle grinder 125/900 | 11 000 | 900 | 1,8 | No | No | No | No | No |
| "Interskol" angle grinder 125/900 | 11 000 | 900 | 2,2 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Hitachi angle grinder G13SS | 10 000 | 580 | 2,6 | No | No | No | No | No |
| Makita angle grinder GA 5030 | 11 000 | 720 | 3,5 | No | No | No | No | No |
| AEG angle grinder WS13-125XE | 11 500 | 1300 | 6,5 | There is | No | There is | There is | There is |
The lightest model on this list is Hitachi with a weight of 1.6 kg, and the heaviest is AEG (it weighs 2.2 kg). It would be nice to single out the most reliable angle grinder, but according to user reviews, this is not easy to do, although in general the scales still tip towards the Makita.
