Cordless Grinders

[Dachshund]

I have been thinking about buying a Cordless 4 1/2" grinder. I live in Amish country, and am starting to do a lot of welding for them. When they bring the piece to me - grinding is no problem. When I go to them, it is. Been able to muddle through so far, but really need to have a grinder. Anyone have any experience with one? Are they worth buying?

 

[big a]

Hi fellow Nebraskan! No experience with cordless grinders, but what I'd do is buy a small portable generator. I see useable ones in the 2.5-3kw size on Craigslist all the time for $100 or so. This way, you are not limited by battery capacity, and can use for other things too.

 

[charlie n]

I agree.Either a small generator or power invertor. I had a dewalt that was a pita.The rpm was slow and ate batteries like candy.

 

[Grampy]

I foolishly bought a 4 1/2", 18volt Makita. The rest of my batt. op. tools are Makita and are very good. That grinder is worthless !! Looks good sitting in the bottom of the tool box - that's the best I can say for it. KEN

 

[Eldo case]

I use a power inverter for my grinder. Use it to sharpen my disc mower and other grinding jobs in the field. Works good and don't need another grinder and can use inverter for other tools.

 

[Mike M]

You cjust need a Honda generator.

 

[mkirsch]

How do you power your welder?

Must be an older engine drive that doesn't have a generator.

 

[JD Seller]

I agree with the earlier posters. They work but they are not even close to the corded ones. They cut slower and eat batteries. An inverter or generator would be much better.

I have a little Wen 3500 generator that gets used a whole lot for portable stuff like this. It is pretty quite too. I gave $150 for it years ago. You can buy them new for around $325.

 

[Dachshund]

The welder is a Lincoln SAE 300 Pipeliner. The
outlets were removed by a previous owner. I'd like
to put them back, but they would be DC only. Not
sure about compatability.....

 

[Russ from MN]

I think any portable grinder would run on 120v DC.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

I carry an 18v dewalt in truck, 4 batteries w/ truck charger. Also have a geeny. I carry 2 120v dewalts in truck. If you use any grinder doing heavy work for 10-15 minutes, the gear box gets very warm. I trade off and let them cool down. Also carry an old B&D. Usually the B&D has a wire brush, one dewalt has a cut off wheel and the other a grinding wheel. That way I don't have to stop and replace wheels.

George

 

[Ultradog MN]

I'm thinking they would be like the little cordless circular saws you can buy.
I've had a couple of Ryobi ones that came with a drill driver.
I've used them a couple of times but find them not much good for anything except cutting 1/4" plywood, etc.
They are in the garage somewhere pretty much brand new. Some day I'll clean the garage and toss them.

 

[RodinNS]

If you're just using a 4-5" grinder then go buy one of those 1500W Ducar or similar portable generators. For that much it will run a grinder for 150 bucks. I can't imagine my patience lasting more than about 5 min with a cordless grinder. I can't hardly tolerate a drill never mind something that draws much current.

Rod

 

[Dachshund]

Ok. I hope to go the generator way, just figured I'd ask opinions first! Thanks, guys!

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Agree, saws are junk. 1/4 inch impacts are the best thing invented for setting screws. Grinders are good with the right battery, Ni-Mh.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Nope, you need and AC/DC grinder but those are available. Look on the data plate.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Battery power is nice for small jobs. My Ryobi, will just sharpen 2 bush hog blades, on 1 charge, though. 120V and a genny sounds better for your operations.