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Login to post Forums » Off-topic discussion » Recommend a Grinder

Jan. 31, 2012 10:54 a.m. PHeller Dork

I've been making relocation brackets for my XS650 with a dremel and cutting wheel. It works pretty well with thin gauge metal, but I've burned through 5 cutting wheels.

I don't have a welder, and I'm not working with metal any thicker 1/8". I also don't have a compressor or any air tools.

So it's time for an angle grinder...or a die grinder...or a jig saw?

The brackets I'm making can get pretty detailed with tight radius turns on hard to reach spots. The Dremel's small cutting wheels worked pretty well for this. I've also got a reciprocating saw, but that vibrates so much it wastes more energy shaking than cutting.

I thought about a jig saw, but they don't work on angle iron or tubing.

Should I be looking at a die grinder?
Jan. 31, 2012 10:56 a.m. mndsm SuperDork

I'd say air powered angle grinder with a cutoff wheel, but that's me. I'm not known for doing things in the safest fashion. Barring air- I got a REALLY swanky Dewalt electric one for $50 on some random sale on Amazon a while back. Love that thing. Little big for tighter cuts, but it does the trick.
Jan. 31, 2012 10:56 a.m. MG Bryan Dork

Am I correct in the assumption that you don't have a compressor?
Jan. 31, 2012 11:13 a.m. PHeller Dork

Correct
Jan. 31, 2012 11:23 a.m. Woody SuperDork

How about a bench grinder?
Jan. 31, 2012 11:51 a.m. stumpmj Dork

I had a cheapy grinder for years but I bought a Dewalt when I started my Locost. It's nice.
Jan. 31, 2012 12:03 p.m. Dr. Hess SuperDork

For an angle grinder, I suggest Makita. I have some HF angle grinders too, but the Makita is the king. The HF ones are OK for lighter stuff and brief on times.
Jan. 31, 2012 12:14 p.m. spitfirebill SuperDork

And get name brand cut off wheels. The cheapy deepy ones aren't nearly as effective
Jan. 31, 2012 12:15 p.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork

I am rocking a HF one so far no problems.
Jan. 31, 2012 12:29 p.m. TRoglodyte HalfDork

Rotozip with attachments may be the most versatile.
Jan. 31, 2012 12:32 p.m. DILYSI Dave SuperDork

Can you post a pic of what you're making?
Jan. 31, 2012 12:48 p.m. BBsGarage HalfDork

I was going to say an Italian, but then I realized you want a tool and not a hero type sandwich.
Jan. 31, 2012 12:51 p.m. PHeller Dork

Many are suggesting an angle grinder.

My worry is that the angle part of the equation may get in the way of producing detailed cuts. Seems like you cut out a square...the shape the square into a circle by grinding, but could you make the letter "S" with a angle grinder?

Again, I'm not cutting huge tubing or large metal plates...I'm making brackets for gauges, turn signals, battery boxes, etc. Stuff you'd normally do with CAD router or laser cutter. Maybe the thickest and longest cut I'd make would be cutting apart a seat pan or cutting apart scrap metal from an old appliance.

I just discovered that Dremel actually makes 1 1/2" metal cutting blades.
Jan. 31, 2012 2:37 p.m. foxtrapper SuperDork

Those Dremel quick lock wheels are pretty good. They last a while , don't snap easily, and do cut. Something to consider, especially for smaller cuts.

In the world of 4-4.5 grinders, for cutting steel, I've found the DeWalt cutoff wheels to be about the best. Cut well, last a long time, and are almost impossible to break or grenade. Something I'm disconcertingly good at doing with cheaper wheels.
Jan. 31, 2012 3:02 p.m. 93EXCivic SuperDork

foxtrapper wrote:

Those Dremel quick lock wheels are pretty good. They last a while , don't snap easily, and do cut. Something to consider, especially for smaller cuts.

How do you put those quick lock wheels on? I spent 15 minutes yelling at those things.
Jan. 31, 2012 3:13 p.m. MG Bryan Dork

93EXCivic wrote:

foxtrapper wrote:

Those Dremel quick lock wheels are pretty good. They last a while , don't snap easily, and do cut. Something to consider, especially for smaller cuts.

How do you put those quick lock wheels on? I spent 15 minutes yelling at those things.

Pull down on the collar thing, slip wheel on, turn wheel 90 degrees, and then release the collar.
Jan. 31, 2012 3:20 p.m. Otto Maddox SuperDork
Jan. 31, 2012 3:23 p.m. PHeller Dork

Anyone have opinions on jigsaws for cutting brackets from sheetmetal?
Jan. 31, 2012 3:51 p.m. ditchdigger Dork

Jig saws work. Good blades help. It is noisy and time consuming. 0.125" Aluminum takes about 8 minutes per foot to cut.

I use mine all the time for small stuff.
Jan. 31, 2012 4:59 p.m. mad_machine SuperDork

stumpmj wrote:

I had a cheapy grinder for years but I bought a Dewalt when I started my Locost. It's nice.

When my last cheapy broke.. I swallowed my pride and bought a dewalt... best purchase ever.
Jan. 31, 2012 5:52 p.m. pinchvalve SuperDork

Harbor Freight just released a 3" high speed cutoff tool for $25. Perfect for this job, check your circular.
Jan. 31, 2012 7:59 p.m. jamscal Dork

I'd do the above with an angle grinder. A dremel, has it's uses, but would drive you crazy trying to cut any sort of metal.

I can make curves with an angle grinder.

Metabo for me...I weld cut and grind daily though.

Bosch is fine too.

For brackets less than 1/8, one of these is hard to beat:

Plate shear:

http://www.use-enco.com/1/1/5272-enco-12-blade-1-8-capacity-plate-shears.html
Feb. 1, 2012 5:45 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

You can find inexpensive or used versions of this. It'll turn on a dime.

Like Dave said, what the heck are you making? XS 650s you're supposed to add lightness, not take it away.

Dan

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