Today there are many different construction tools. This is a drill, hammer drill, screwdriver. It is impossible to imagine this list without the grinder. This is an integral element in any field of construction. Its main purpose is polishing (which is why the tool has a second name - angle grinder). Thanks to removable disks, this unit can perform not only grinding work, but also cutting, cleaning, and polishing of various materials.
Now there are many models on the market, but which grinder to choose for construction and repair? Useful recommendations and rating of models will be considered in our article today.
Disk size
A key feature of this tool is its versatility. Due to the possibility of using different disks, the grinder can work with such materials:
- tile;
- glass;
- brick;
- tree;
- plastic;
- steel;
- cast iron;
- china.
There are several types of grinders. They can be designed for the following disk size:
- The most compact models are 115 mm. Before choosing a grinder for the house, you need to decide what tasks it will be bought for. And if you need to carry out minor work, this option will be very useful. It is very convenient to cut compact parts and materials in a small circle. However, it is worth remembering that such a grinder is not suitable for large works. After all, it does not have high power and high speed. In addition, the disk itself will be faster to grind.
- The option of 125 millimeters is the most optimal and is suitable for most types of cutting and grinding work. Such a machine has good power, but not too heavy. If you don’t know which grinder to choose, a 125 mm tool would be a good choice.
- A less popular option than the previous one is 150 millimeters. However, it has a large cutting depth. This tool is also actively used in everyday life and household.
- And tools for 180 millimeters are relevant already for construction. With the help of such a grinder, you can cut both a brick and a thick pipe.
- The largest model among all existing on the market is 230 millimeters. Its main advantage is that large objects can be cut at a time, and not in several approaches, from different sides. But then for polishing it is no longer suitable. In addition, such a tool is very weighty and has large sizes. In everyday life, this machine is not useful - it is too clumsy and heavy.
So, which is better to choose a grinder? Experts say that the most optimal option for the economy is a machine with a diameter of 125 millimeters. If you plan to carry out larger work, you can purchase a tool for 150-180 millimeters.
How to choose a grinder for home: what is important to know
Today, there are various models of the described instrument: both at 500 and 2500 watts. Moreover, this parameter does not always depend on the size of the disk. Therefore, before choosing a grinder (angle grinder) by power, it is worth deciding where exactly the tool will be used. For example, if there is no need to cut metal or concrete, then a 600-800 Watt machine is enough. For more difficult work, it is worth increasing this parameter to 1000-1500 watts.
Before choosing the power of the grinder, the influence of this characteristic on the stability of the tool should be taken into account. Simply put, the higher this parameter, the more stable the machine operates under load. A high power reserve will not allow it to burn. Also note that the higher the diameter of the disk, the more powerful the machine should be. So, for 230 mm tools, this parameter should be at least 2000 watts. If you purchase a small 115 mm machine, but for complex work (for example, stripping welds), this parameter should be about 1000 watts.
Revs
Some consumers argue that an important criterion in how to choose a grinder for the home is the spindle speed. But experts note that this parameter does not play a significant role in the selection. Also note that the rotation speed will depend on the diameter of the disk itself. The smaller it is, the higher the speed.
Number of pens
There are two varieties of the described tools:
- with one handle;
- with two.
The main handle is near the spindle. Absolutely on all models, it can be screwed in from different directions, depending on whether you are left-handed or right-handed. The second handle is on the end (but not on all models). Thus, the instrument can be held firmly with both hands.
Therefore, advising how to choose the right grinder, experts say that if the tool is bought for grinding, it must have two handles. It will be more convenient and safer. But compact models may not be equipped with a second handle, since the dimensions of the case allow you to grab the instrument with your palm.
Soft start function
Surely every owner noticed how the Bulgarian jerks at the start. So, some models have a function of a smooth set of revolutions. This allows you not to hold the tool tightly in your hands at startup.
Often, models from the middle price category and above have a smooth start function. Before choosing a grinder, you should definitely check with the seller for the availability of this function. By the way, it is aimed not only at the usability of the machine, but also positively affects the safety of the wiring in the tool.
Dust removal system
The dust removal function is not found on all models, but it is, according to users, very useful.
So, this system has a positive effect not only on reducing the concentration of dust in the room, but also helps to increase the resource of the grinder herself. Also thanks to this function the resource of a cutting disk increases.
The ability to automatically turn off the brushes
The mentioned function is needed for professional tools. The system helps to increase the resource of the Bulgarian components and gives the tool the opportunity to work in extreme conditions. The essence of the system is a short-term power outage. This allows the engine not to burn out at high loads and revs.
Auto Disk Balancing
This feature is also not present on all machines. It is needed mainly to smooth out beats in case of uneven wear of the disk. This usually happens when grinding. If you buy a tool purely for cutting metal or wood, such a function may not be needed, and there is no point in overpaying for it.
In order to make it easier for you to understand how to choose the right grinder, we will list the most popular models on the Russian market and consider reviews about them.
DeFort DAG-900-R
It is a leader in the line of budget angle grinders. Among the advantages of this grinder, buyers note:
- compact dimensions;
- quite powerful electric motor at 900 watts;
- high rotational speed (up to 12 thousand revolutions per minute);
- the presence of an additional handle;
- switch lockout function;
- ability to adjust spindle speed.
But this model has several drawbacks. So, reviews note the presence of a short power cord. Its length is only 2.4 meters. The maximum size of the working disk does not exceed 125 millimeters. Also, the tool is delivered without a transport case.
In general, the list of shortcomings is not so huge. In view of this, the DeFort DAG-900-R angle grinder is in high demand. But before choosing a grinder, it is important to pay attention to the availability of a guarantee. This will allow the instrument to be returned back in the event of a malfunction.
Energomash 9515P
This is already domestic products. This tool can be used both in everyday life and during construction work. Among the advantages of this machine, reviews note:
- High power of the electric motor (1400 watts), which is the key to the stable operation of the tool.
- Low cost.
- The ability to lock the start button from unauthorized inclusion.
Among the shortcomings are worth noting:
- A large mass of the tool (about 3.3 kg). Because of this, it is impossible to hold the device with one hand. And with prolonged use, it causes fatigue.
- Low rotational speed of the disk (up to 8 thousand revolutions per minute).
- Lack of transport case and soft start function.
In general, the Energomash angle grinder will be an excellent acquisition for those who plan to clean the walls or cut metal structures. By the way, the handle can rotate 360 degrees. In addition, the device can work with disks up to 150 mm in size.
DeWALT DWE4051
This tool has decent technical characteristics. User reviews note the following benefits:
- Light weight (its weight is slightly less than 2 kg).
- Compact size.
- Presence of overload protection.
- Switch lockout function.
- Powerful 800 watt motor.
- The presence of an extra handle. The DeWALT DWE4051 angle grinder has a nice design and is very easy to use.
But there are also disadvantages. Due to its small size, the maximum disk size cannot exceed 125 mm. The tool kit does not have a transport case.
Reviews say that the DWE4051 model is one of the best in the middle price segment. The machine is easy to use and very versatile. However, if you need to cut large materials, you need to get to them from two sides.
"Bosch GWS 18-125"
A key feature of this German grinder is the presence of a battery, which is created using lithium-ion technology. Its capacity and power is enough to perform metal cutting work for a very long time. The engine spindle spins up to ten thousand revolutions. The mass of the tool is 2.3 kilograms. There is also a second handle and an overload protection function.
Thanks to the built-in battery, the Bosch grinder boasts high mobility. With it there is no need to purchase extension cords and the search for outlets. A charged device will last for a long time. Includes a transport case.
Among the disadvantages is the limited diameter of the disk. As in the previous case, its size can be no more than 125 millimeters. Many people advise taking this device with two batteries, since during long repairs you need to spend time waiting for charging. But the trouble is that the second battery is sold separately, which significantly increases the already high cost of the machine.
INTERSKOL USHM-125 / 1100E
This is one of the most powerful cars in the budget class. The tool is produced by the Russian company Interskol. The engine has a power of 1100 watts, and this characteristic is enough to carry out the cutting of not only plastic pipes, but also fittings, profiles, as well as tiles. By the way, the Interskol angle grinder has a smooth start function. This reduces voltage surges and reduces the load on the engine itself, positively affecting its service life.
Among the shortcomings, reviews note a large weight of 2.2 kilograms, which is too much for such sizes. The tool is designed to use discs up to 125 millimeters. Also, many complain about the ill-conceived location of the start button. During cutting the material, a huge amount of dust gets on it. Because of this, she does not move well with time. But, in general, Interskol is a very good option for its money.
"Makita GA5030"
This is a Japanese brand. However, the Bulgarian herself is produced in China. Makita is the lightest angle grinder on the list. Its mass is less than one and a half kilograms. But it is worth noting the disadvantage. This is a small electric motor power of 720 watts. In view of this, the tool can only be used for cutting thin metal, plastic pipes and ceramic tiles.
And among the pluses, reviews note compactness and ergonomics. The machine is convenient to hold in your hand and you can work with it from different angles. In addition, Makita does not have excessive vibrations, as is often the case with many Chinese grinders.
"Board BWS-905-R"
This is a German Bulgarian, also produced in China. She is one of the leaders among budget cars. Reviews note such advantages:
- Convenient location of the power button.
- Good equipment (there is a key for changing the disc, a protective cover, an extra handle and a set of brushes).
- The ability to adjust the speed.
The device has good power and is suitable for a wide range of applications. The tool is convenient and lightweight - it can be held with one hand. Thanks to its compact dimensions, you can get to complex areas. However, there is no soft start function. Because of this, the grinder jerks sharply when turned on.
Conclusion
So, we figured out how to choose a good grinder. When buying, you should pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the characteristics. Among the main ones are the power and size of the disk used. If you need a simple and compact machine for farming, then you should choose a 125 mm grinder. Well, for large works, you need to pay attention to 180-millimeter and larger models. But it is worth remembering that with an increase in the diameter of the disk, the main factor is lost - mobility. Large grinder can not be used for cutting in hard to reach places. The same goes for grinding.