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The Best Angle Grinders For Woodworking: 2024 List

Brandon Forder
  Mar 29, 2024 6:33 AM

Angle grinders can be used for a wide variety of tasks, from cutting tiles or iron pipes to eliminating grout between tiles and beyond. These implements serve crucial functions in woodworking, including carving and furniture making. But to get professional results, you need the best angle grinder for woodworking.

A protection between the disc and the handle prevents debris and unintentional cuts from flying up and hitting you in the face while you work. Furthermore, the powerful motor in these grinders makes short work of any job. The ergonomic, soft-grip handle keeps vibrations from reaching your hands for stress-free use.

As an added bonus, their lightweight and compact construction makes them ideal for use even while reaching for high shelves or other places in the ceiling. The market is saturated with models, and picking the right one might be difficult for many people, especially newcomers. I took the initiative to look into the top models currently on sale. I've included a handy reference for making the right decision quickly and easily.


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Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Disc Size

The maximum diameter of the grinding wheel or disc that can be used with a given size of angle grinder is designated by the angle grinder's size. A 4-, 4.5-, or 5-inch disc will do the trick for the vast majority of Do It Yourself tasks. These light and small discs are perfect for do-it-yourselfers, as the heavier and larger ones can be cumbersome to handle.

In the workplace, experts typically utilize larger discs (up to 9 inches) when sawing through thick materials. A larger disc requires a larger grinder to withstand the increased cutting force. This means you'll have to use a bigger and heavier tool for as long before your hands start to tire as they would with a light angle grinder.

Power Source

Angle grinders come in both corded (which require an electrical outlet) and cordless varieties (which use a battery).

Corded grinders, being directly connected to the outlet, often produce greater power at a steady level. However, without an extension cable, corded devices have a limited range and are thus more confined to one specific spot. The cords are a nuisance since they get in the way of progress on the project and provide a tripping hazard.

A common drawback of cordless grinders is that they can't compare to their corded counterparts in terms of raw power. Also, the battery's capacity determines the device's functioning; if the battery dies in the middle of a project, it could cause significant delays. Angle grinders that are cordless are more convenient to move about with and work better in confined areas.

Speed

RPM is the standard unit of measurement for the speed of an angle grinder (rpm). Most grinders operate between 5,000 and 10,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), however the highest-powered models can achieve 12,000 rpm. Keep in mind that the rpm rate is for "no-load" settings, which means the disc isn't doing any cutting or grinding but is instead just spinning in the air. As soon as the disc starts cutting or grinding, that speed drops dramatically.

The greater the rpm, the more swiftly and easily the tool will be able to cut through the material. However, there is an increased risk of injury due to disc rupture as temperature increases with speed. Use the right disc for the job, and pay attention to the disc's stated top speed limit. A disc designed to spin at 7,500 rpm that is being run at a higher speed risks shattering under the extra stress, sending grinder wheel fragments flying.

Motor

The motor is what makes these tools so powerful. However, motor ratings can vary widely between models. It's possible to get motors with amperage ratings anywhere from 5 to 8 Amps, with the higher number indicating greater efficiency. Because of this, I advise thinking about the motor's model number while deciding which unit is appropriate for you.

Voltage/Amperage

The voltage (V) and current (A) of an angle grinder indicate its power output capacity (amps). Battery power is measured in volts for cordless angle grinders, with most models utilizing 18 or 20 volt batteries but others ranging from 7.5 to 24 volts. Most cordless power tools have a "magic number" of 18 to 20 volts, which provides the optimal balance of cost and performance.

Power supply compatibility is only shown for 120-volt and 220-volt outlets on corded angle grinders. The amperage spans from 5 amps to 15 amps, giving consumers a good idea of the possible power output of corded devices. Power output should be greater for a 7- or 9-inch grinder due to the bigger disc size required for use.

Cooling system

The optimal cooling temperature of 47 degrees Celsius is maintained with the help of the fresh air supplied by the well-tuned ventilation system. The motor's temperature will rise less quickly as a result, which is especially helpful for the toughest tasks.

Protective wheel guard

With the disc spinning at such high speeds, you need a grinder with a robust and secure wheel protection to protect you and your loved ones. Protects you from getting cut by flying sparks and splinters.

Blades and Accessories

The problem with utilizing an angle grinder for wood carving is that they were not designed for that purpose. When we say "discs made for metal," we mean they can be used to sand, cut, and polish metal. When using an angle grinder for wood carving, you'll face various difficulties that you won't encounter when using other tools.

The need for wood carving discs for your grinder becomes clear. When attempting to carve wood using conventional grinder discs, the blades often become entangled. Not only would this destroy your work, but you risk losing control of the grinder and maybe injuring yourself.

In the case of discs, this includes polishing and sanding. After the bulk of the carving is complete, you'll need to have the dexterity to smooth and sand with an angle grinder. Some discs are more suited to working with wood than metal, and there are many different disc kinds for different jobs.

Durability and Construction

If you're a serious woodcarver, you need a grinder that can withstand years of regular usage.

The structure of the grinder is critical, and finding the right balance between weight and durability is essential for keeping it under control. Grinder housings made of metal may be too heavy for use in woodworking.

Most modern grinders have better sealing around their vital components to keep out dust and debris, which could otherwise damage the machine's inner workings. Investing in a model with additional wear-prevention features is also a good idea.

Also worthwhile is the time and money spent maintaining your grinder by keeping it clean and stocking up on replacement discs. Your grinder will last longer if you keep it clean, and you can avoid injury to yourself or your workpiece by not using a dull blade.

Additional Features

There are a few other qualities that a grinder may have that would be helpful for making wood carving simpler and less of a hassle.

Having a handle that can be adjusted to fit your hand perfectly is a great addition for when you need to work on shaping delicate components. Because of how crucial it is to maintain command of the grinding device, a handle that can swivel and pivot as you work is an excellent investment.

Having a spindle lock on hand is also helpful before entering into any carving project. Disc blades may be switched out quickly and easily using a spindle lock. This is especially helpful when switching from one step to another, such as carving to sanding. A worn or damaged disc should never be used again because doing so can lead to serious injury.

Finally, the ability to adjust the speed of the tool helps improve accuracy and detail, particularly when working with more complex materials. Having more control over the rotational speed allows for more precise sculpting of your piece and reduces the risk of the grinder escaping your control in the heat of battle.


FAQS

What is an angle grinder used for?

When it comes to home improvement and industrial work, angle grinders are indispensable. In particular, they come in handy if you frequently deal with metal or masonry materials like concrete, brick, or stone. To do so, you need just acquire the proper cutting edge or add-on.

Burrs, flaws, and rough edges on metal may all be ground away with this handy tool. You may use an angle grinder to carve straight or curved lines, buff or polish metal, and even remove paint and rust.

Use an angle grinder to break up building materials like brick, stone, or concrete. When laying a new floor, counter, or tub surround, it works wonders for slicing tiles and scraping away mortar between bricks.

How do you cut metal with an angle grinder?

Lead, iron, copper, and other metals can be easily cut using an angle grinder and a metal cutting disc. However, due to the large number of sparks generated by the moving blade during the grinding operation, safety goggles and gloves are required.

How does an angle grinder operate?

Safely and securely hold the angle grinder in two hands after you've attached the appropriate disc (the tool's initial torque will cause it to jump). If you depress the trigger or flip the switch, the disc will begin to spin. The cutting or grinding process begins when the rotating disc makes contact with the material.

As a result of the friction generated during operation, the disc will still be hot when you're done with it, so be sure to wait until it stops spinning entirely before putting it somewhere safe. It is recommended to remove the battery or power source and let the tool cool down before storing it.

How do you properly recycle an old angle grinder?

Recycle your old angle grinder instead of throwing it away. Some big-box hardware stores, like Home Depot, also have tool recycling programs, although typically it is the local government that offers such services.


Conclusion

Hopefully, the reviews above have convinced you that most of these products have what it takes to get the job done. However, the output varies with the particulars of each model. Make advantage of the supplied instructions before making a purchase, and you won't ever second-guess yourself again.


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