The use of angle grinders and the influence of wireless technology-PTR

2021-12-14 23:53:15 By : Ms. Kate Zhu

Professional tool reviews for professionals

If angle grinders are part of your daily work, you may have noticed the rapid transition of the tool from wired to wireless. Whether you are a novice in the industry or a DIYer, you may want to know the different uses of angle grinders and whether wireless is a reasonable choice.

I spoke with Kevin Gee, senior product manager of Milwaukee Tool, and studied this indispensable tool carefully.

Angle grinders are divided into three categories according to the diameter of the grinding wheel: small (4-1/2 to 5 inches), medium (6 inches) and large (7 to 9 inches). The size of the motors for these levels has been increased from 11 amps to 13 amps, and then to 15 amps.

Cordless grinders only have higher requirements for batteries. In Milwaukee's case, their high-output battery provided them with all three categories on a cross-compatible battery system.

Professionals may just like one size over another, but this is not the only consideration. If so, most grinders may be 4-1/2 to 5-inch models because they are the smallest and lightest. but it is not the truth.

Research in Milwaukee shows that MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) contractors generally prefer small angle grinders. These 4-1/2 – 5 inch grinders are perfect for occasional use by MEP professionals. When the job requires a grinder, the task usually takes a short time. So it is not a daily tool. Relatively few MEP personnel who frequently use grinders usually choose the 6-inch model.

The 6-inch grinder is the tool of choice for manufacturers who need to grind every day. These professionals need to clean up welds, perform cutting and other difficult grindings. Medium-sized angle grinders are capable of accomplishing these tasks, while smaller angle grinders do not.

It is not uncommon for manufacturers to have several grinders of different sizes, switch styles (paddles or sliders) and accessories on hand. These professionals only need to grasp the pre-installed grinder that is most suitable for the job, instead of switching the wheels in every task, thereby greatly increasing productivity. This also helps them to work in the workshop instead of moving from site to site.

Large angle grinders belong to the professional field of shipyards and oil/gas pipelines-in other words, daily, all-day grinding work. These grinding and cutting take longer. Professionals want them to remove as much material as possible as soon as possible and reduce the frequency of changing wheels. In addition, these grinders can be larger because these tasks are usually not done in a small space like MEP or manufacturing professionals.

Many large angle grinders can accommodate 7-inch and 9-inch wheels, but some are dedicated to one diameter. In the US, professionals seem to prefer 9-inch grinders, while the global market tends to favor 7-inch wheels. Part is preference, part is the diameter wheel that is easiest to grasp.

Angle grinders and almost all major power tools are cutting power cords. Of course, there are still runtime tradeoffs: manufacturers and oil/gas pipeline professionals must charge multiple batteries and be ready to go to work throughout the day. It is very convenient to have no rope to drag behind you, but you still need the runtime to complete the work.

Even so, Milwaukee has seen significant adoption of cordless angle grinders in all size classes. Angle grinders are used in boiler rooms, large-diameter pipelines and confined spaces, etc., without power cords, making it safer and easier.

Not surprisingly, Kevin told us that professionals expect wireless tools to mimic the power and runtime of wired tools. However, what is less obvious is that they want a cordless feel in the cordless packaging: the cordless grinder should rotate like a corded grinder.

The cordless angle grinder does not deviate from its corded design basis to maintain a familiar feel. However, some consistent feedback is that the balance of the cordless model is better because the weight of the battery and the motor are on opposite sides.

Interestingly, Milwaukee can program its cordless grinder to spin faster than corded tools. It's not that the cord grinders spin slowly, but they maintain the cordless feel.

Expect to pay more for the cordless grinder than the corded version. Keep in mind that you may need a heavy-duty extension cord long enough to reach the nearest outlet. Fragile and/or long wires can cause voltage drops, especially for 15 amp grinders. When you add up the cost of wires and (possibly) generators, the cordless premium is likely to disappear.

The wheel brake of the angle grinder can protect the workpiece, the operator and colleagues in the area like the brake of a circular saw. This is very important because the falling wheel may break and throw shrapnel into the air. Milwaukee engineers braked to stop the grinding wheels of small and medium grinders in two seconds or less. Due to the mass and centrifugal force, the 9-inch wheels will take a little longer to stop.

Many brushless angle grinders do not use a clutch to stop the grinding wheel, but rely on electrical and electronic equipment to complete the work. It has created a very consistent security system and we have been impressed so far. It also eliminates the need to replace worn clutches-honestly, this rarely happens.

Surprisingly, wheel brakes are not a standard safety feature, nor are they required by OSHA. However, larger and more advanced construction sites and government projects have required contractors to use brake grinders. If you bid as a subcontractor, make sure to check for braking requirements.

A safer working environment is not the only benefit of wheel brakes. Believe it or not, all the time saved by not having to wait for an unbraked grinder to slow down can increase real productivity.

Milwaukee expects that the adoption of cordless grinders will continue to move forward, and is launching new products, such as 6-inch grinders, to complement its small and large models based on this expectation. Kevin and his team are dedicated to understanding the entire workflow and processes of grinder operators of various sizes. Their goal is to continue to improve their grinders and other cordless tools so that you can increase your work efficiency from start to finish.

We also talked about using a Milwaukee one-touch grinder. Currently, this feature is still limited to tool tracking and inventory. Most professionals who use variable speeds in grinding want a physical dial on the tool, not a control in the application.

On the clock, Kenny deeply explores the practical limitations of various tools and compares the differences. After get off work, his faith and love for his family is his top priority. You will usually be in the kitchen, ride a bicycle (he is a triathlon) or take people out for a day fishing in Tampa Bay.

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Cordless technology has improved, but it is not good enough for daily use in the manufacturing workshop. Wired grinders are still the king of most welders. I agree with other comments that Metabo is usually the number one brand in angle grinders. I don't know why they were excluded from this article.

They need to make a cordless 4/5 inch speed changer, and they will sell like crazy in the tile trade. Oh, there is no stupid toggle switch, I understand security reasons, but everything I do hinders user flexibility!

Milwaukee fuel works within 6 months of use... Dewalt, I started using it in 2012, it is not brushless, but still very strong!

The only disadvantage of a cordless grinder is that it helps increase the number of tool break-ins and thefts on the job site by approximately 100 times

Why is this an advertisement in Milwaukee? There are several companies that produce cordless grinders, and Metabo is the king of angle grinders, no doubt.

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