Oppinions on this grinder?

[koda6966]

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200319255_200319255

Just looking for something cheap, I'll only use it a few times.

I need to cut some metal on the bed of my Nissan, and I might use this to cut bolts in the future when I do work on vehicles.

 

[Doofy]

That grinder should work, just fine. I gave up buying expensive tools after having kids. Now that they are grown and gone...I am more apt to buy quality. I am still finding tools in the woods.

 

[Will]

Too weak. You need a little power. That thing is only 4 amps. 8 or 10 is more like it. You need power to cut metal.

I use a cheap 13amp 7" grinder and I use 4 1/2" wheels in it. It never even gets hot and is more powerful than a $100 Dewalt 4 1/2" grinder. It's size makes it a little tougher to get it in places, but I use it mostly to cut metal--and it excels at that.

I did have a $100 DEwalt, but I burned it up leaning on it. My big cheap grinder never gets warm, and I have a 4 1/2" cheap one (8 amps, not 4amps) that I mostly use ith a wire wheel when I'm welding.

In no case is that 4amp grinder worth owning. I tried one once and it lasted less than en minutes--the motor died before I got through the first cut-off wheel. It got so hot it burned my hands.

Go to Harbor Freight and look for an orange 7" grinder. Put in the 1.5" disks and it will last you forever, and quickly do any jobs you need done.

 

[Tony Raine]

I have the orange version of this grinder (chicago electric from harbor freight). Its a decent grinder, don't push it too hard and it will last awhile. I've had mine for about 2 or 3 years now, and it still works. I mostly sharpen mower blades with it, but I have also ground down those big Ford frame/crossmember rivets

 

[koda6966]

Is this the one you were referring to?

40 is a little steep for my wallet. It doesn't come with a wheel either..

 

[Will]

I don't see a link but it could be $40. I've had mine 10 years probably or close to it so it was maybe $25 when I bought it. It's a big mofo with a handle.

Well, go for the $15 one if that's what you can afford. But do not push on it. There's a huge difference between 4amps and 10amps. And use cut-off wheels where you can. They have a much smaller area and go faster with less pressure. A grinding wheel on a 4amp motor just tosses off light sparks. If it gets hot, leave it set for a half hour. If you fry the $15 one you might as well have gotten the big orange bastard.

 

[koda6966]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46237

Sorry about that.

 

[JohnnyU]

That's the one.

 

[kunar]

i've used one of these a little bit. one guy i work with picked one up and i've used it for a couple projects at the shop. if you dont plan on using it much, it'll be fine. i suspect the cheaper one you linked to would be fine too. how much do you plan on doing with it? for $15 shipped, it sounds like it would be worth it if youve only got a few small projects planned.

 

[zukirider21]

dude i would have second thoughts about ANY power tool that only costs $15. i once had a chinese angle grinder similar to that one and it burst into flames while i was using it to cut some mild steel tube. luckily, i was outside when it happened.

now i use an older black and decker *industrial* (BIG difference from regular B&D) and its a complete tank. very well built and reliable. i'd search ebay for a used deal on a replutable brand.

 

[koda6966]

I plan on cutting the bed of my Nissan off. It's held on by the wheel wells. It will also be used to cut the welds when I get a new bed. It's welded to the frame, not bolted.\

Check the link to the Nissan build thread in my siggy, there's a photo in there of what I plan on doing.

 

[Doofy]

With the way the economy is right now...I'd say just buy the best that you can afford. "Cheap" will sometimes get the job done and other times, it won't. Borrow a tool from a buddy or maybe go in together and buy a tool. Good friends share.

 

[Angie]

There is also one other option here that no one has mentioned. If you live in a larger town, go into a pawn shop and just check out what they are selling. In todays economy there are some killer deals out there. Or try the swap meet/fle market. My son was able to pick up a killer deal on an Industrial concrete hammer drill that he uses at work. just a couple other options to check out. but I need to say, for 15 bucks don't expect the world from it. cheers

 

[rngrnewbie]

one other thing if you have time to wait, sign up for their email promotions, usually at least once a week or so i get printable 15% or 20% off coupons, just letting you know. But they are for in store use if you have a local harbor freight.