Types of Angle Grinders

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If you like the idea of having an angle grinder but don’t know which type to get then this is the article for you. There are many different types of angle grinders depending on your needs. 

If you’re going to use it primarily for grinding, then you’ll want a metal body. A steel body has a better level of durability than aluminum, and keeps its sharpness longer. 

A ceramic body is best for woodworking and metalworking, while a plastic body is best for wood and metal, carpentry, and gardening.

We’ll be taking a look at several types of angle grinder with this article and going over which one does what. Let’s get started. 

What Is an Angle Grinder?

BLACK+DECKER Angle Grinder Tool, 4-1/2-Inch, 6 Amp (BDEG400)

The angle grinder is one of the most common types of grinding power tools out on the market. It is used for removing material from things like wood, metal, plastic, and stone. 

It can also be used for sanding, engraving, grinding, polishing, cutting and more. In fact, with a little research, you can find a lot of uses for this type of tool.

Things To Consider When Choosing an Angle Grinder

  1. Motor Power 

When it comes down to it, the principal goal of any angle grinder is to cut metal. Whether it’s steel, copper, aluminum, or other metals, think about a three-HP motor as a minimum.

  1. Power Source 

Think about what you’ll be doing with the grinder. If you’re using it for work, consider a dual voltage grinder that uses 110-220 Volts. 

  1. RPM

Depending on what you’ll be doing, make sure you have enough RPMs to handle the job. At least 3000 RPM is good.

  1. Arbor Size

Although most US sizes for grinders are around 4.5 inches, your arbor size will always depend on your task.

Different Types of Angle Grinder

1. Cordless Angle Grinder

PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Angle Grinder Tool, 4-1/2-Inch, Tool Only (PCC761B)

This power tool that can get you through a variety of tasks without the need for a power cord. These tools are compact and light, and they have plenty of power to get the job done.

2. Corded Angle Grinder

Milwaukee Electric Tool 6142-30 Electric Small Corded Angle Grinder 120 V

Corded angle grinders are the most common type of angle grinders. They are lightweight, compact, and most all have a corded power source. 

3. Pneumatic Angle Grinder

Angle Grinder, 4-Inch Air Angle Grinder by Autolock, Pneumatic Angle Grinder

A pneumatic angle grinder is a tool that can grind discs, wheels, and other types of metal. This grinder is powered by compressed air. 

You can use this tool to sharpen tools, remove rust, and perform other metal grinding tasks. 

4. Variable Speed Angle Grinder

Bosch 5 In. Variable-Speed Angle Grinder with Paddle Switch and Dust Guard GWS13-50VSP-DG

There are two main types of angle grinders: fixed speed and variable speed. A fixed speed angle grinder will have a speed dial on its side that controls how fast it runs. 

A variable speed angle grinder has a dial/tooth that can be turned to set the speed of the grinder.

5. Straight Angle Grinder

Gedu Air Die Grinder with 1/4" and 1/8" Collets Air Compressor Tool, Air Straight Grinder and Air Angle Grinder (angle grinder)

A “straight angle grinder” is the more technical term used to describe an angle grinder with a wheel sitting at 90 degrees. These tools are often used to sharpen woodworking tools used in the creation of woodworking projects.

Different Wheels and Disc Types

1. Silicon Carbide Grinding Discs

Mercer Industries 313036 Semi-Flexible Discs Type 27 Silicon Carbide, Hole Grit 36 (10 Pack), 4-1/2" x 7/8"

An abrasive used for grinding many different types of metals that need precision grinding

2. Cutoff Grinding Discs

3" Cutting Grinding Discs for Air Cut-off Tool Grinder Cutoff 25 PACK 75mm AT823

Cutoff grinding discs are typically made of carbon fiber cloth and mounted on an aluminum oxide grinding wheel to give you the option of using a variety of cutting discs.

3. Sanding Pads and Discs

HongWay 300pcs 2 Inches Sanding Discs Pad Kit for Drill Grinder Rotary Tools with Backer Plate Shank and Soft Foam Buffering Pad, Sandpapers Includes 60-3000 Grit

A sanding pad is a surface that you can use to hold down or protect an object while you sand it. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are often made from foam. There are disc and belt sanding pads, and disc and belt sanding pads. 

4. Grinding Wheels and Discs

4 Pieces Tungsten Carbide Grinding Wheel Disc 5/8 Inch Bore Angle Grinder Wood Carving Disc Grinder Shaping Abrasive Disc Grinding Wheel Shaping Disc for Woodworking

Let’s get this out of the way: grinding wheels are not “discs”. They are flat, wheel-like shapes, like metal discs, that are used to grind metal.

5. Wire Brush Wheels

TILAX Wire Brush Wheel Cup Brush Set 6 Piece, Wire Brush for Drill 1/4 Inch Arbor 0.012 Inch Coarse Carbon Steel Crimped Wire Wheel for Cleaning Rust, Stripping and Abrasive, for Drill Attachment

Wire brush wheels are designed to provide a variety of options, ranging from cutting, grinding, cleaning and polishing. They can be used to remove rust, paint, paint sealant, grease, and other contaminants from metal surfaces. 

They are usually used to maintain and adjust the accuracy of grinding machine wheels.

6. Diamond Cutting Wheels and Discs

50 Pcs Diamond Cutting Wheel Cut Off Discs Coated Rotary Tools With 10 Pcs 3mm Mandrel and 5 Pcs Cross Screwdriver for Cutting Gem Stones, Ceramics, Glass (25/22/20/18/16mm)

Diamond cutting wheels are the most common cutting wheels for angle grinders. A diamond cutting wheel is made up of a series of very sharp diamonds arranged to form a continuous surface.

7. Aluminum Oxide Cutting Wheels and Discs

PFERD 63341 Duodisc Combination Cutting/Grinding Wheel, Type 27, Aluminum Oxide A, 6" Diameter x 1/8" Thick, 5/8-11" Thread, 10200 Max RPM (Pack of 10)

A tempered type of metal that lasts longer and cuts steel much faster than some other wheels and discs.

8. Flap Discs and Wheels

WORKPRO 20-Pack Flap Discs, 4-1/2-inch, Arbor Size 7/8-inch, T29 Zirconia Abrasive Grinding Wheel and Flap Sanding Disc, Includes 40/60/80/120 Grits

Flap Discs and Wheels are parts of an angle grinder that are used to adjust the angle of the wheels and to create a wheel that looks more like a disc than a wheel. 

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our article about the  types of angle grinders. As you can see, angle grinders have a lot of really cool features and perform different types of tasks. We can’t wait to hear what you’ve managed to create!

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