Angle grinder Vs. Dremel

M

mpj13

Joined
Oct 5, 2001
Messages
108
I just found a Angle Grinder for only $14 locally at the flea market. Currently I have been using a dremel to cut out the steel on my knives, while this does work fine I am wondering if I would be better off using and angle grinder with a cut off wheel instead for a faster, easier cut. The dremel has many more uses other than just cutting steel so even if I use a angle grinder they will both still be useful. So basicaly.....
1- If I buy an angle grinder will it be worth the extra speed and
ease of use?
2- What other uses are there in using an angle grinder other than
cutting steel?

I had a thread open before similar to this but it was geared torwards a dremel. I am happy I bought the dremel because there are many uses for it and it cut the steel but takes a little bit of time to do so. I don't really knw the specs on the angle grinder and I have never even used one so I don't know what to look for in it. Are there minimum speeds for it to work well? I don't mind dishing out the money if it is worth it. Thanks for any advice. I am trying not to waste too much money on tools I don't use. Merry Christmas Everyone.
 
Well the first thing I've got to say is that the angle grinder is about a thousand times more dangerous than the Dremel. However with a thin (1/16") cutoff wheel the angle grinder will slice through steel like butter. Long straight cuts are all you can do with it and I have cut up several large L6 saw blades with one (these long straight cuts are the most dangerous also). Wear protective gear! Especially protect your face. I'd hat to think of one of the discs failing at nearly 11,000 rpm!
That said, many knifemakers started with an angle grinder however. Using the grinding discs you could grind away most of the profiling of a blade faster than using the Demel to cut. We are talking huge showers of sparks and sprays of abrasive disc dust and ground steel so you have to rethink your work space. I have set myself on fire at least once by getting in the way of the spark stream so being aware of what you are doing is much more important. Even though I mostly profile with hack saws and files I wouldn't give up my angle grinder!
 
I hate to admit this......I do almost all of my profiling using an old rockwell circular saw and an angle grinder!

PS.. everything used in knife making is dangerous with the buffer at the top of my list. ( I use the spilled blood chart)
 
There happens to be one of these monsters laying dormant in the shop space that I share with another craftsman. I have been cautious about just going out, getting some discs and going at it. This thread makes me glad I thought twice!
All I can say is thank goodness for the Shop Talk Forum. I have spent alot of time learning about knifemaking without a painful learning curve.
At this point I figure I have spared myself several digits, at least one eyeball and both of my lungs.
Not bad for a few hours of research and a couple of questions.
Thanks!
 
I used to put a cut off wheel on my buffer. :D I stopped as soon as I noticed a piece of the wheel flying off. Probably not very safe.
 
I burned out my dremel trying to cut down steel. Getting an angle grinder tomorrow for Christmas, I have used them before, they are great! Work quick, too. U can also get the grinding discs fgor them for roughing bevels and stuff, too. Dremels burn out way too quick for me.
 
Well I never used an angle grinder as such but I have used many, many cut off wheels in an old very small table saw set up. When the original motor which was also attached to the saw arbor burned out I installed A all metal Makita skill saw under there. Sure I did have to do a little customizing to the saw but boy has that thing done serious work for me!! I now also use a home made friction cutting band saw but the cut off saw still gets work--especially hard work. If you get a chance with a second hand skill saw(all metal or you will just melt it to a frazzel) and you can even build a box with a tin or metal lining and install the saw in that. 1/16 blades can be fast and useful at times but 3/32" and 1/8" stay together far better. Don't forget a full face mask of some sort. This is just a GREAT way to cut a rough outline befor conture grinding on your belt grinder. This set up is NOT for conture and I believe could be an extremely dangerous thing to try even with a good face mask. You could however use this system if you change your cut OFF disc to a GRINDER disc. So you see could be and IS very handy and usefull. Frank Niro
 
mpj13, The angle grinder you are talking about is probly a cheap Chinease model that won't take much abuse, but will work within reason. Just don't drop it or realy hog it, and use good disks and wear a face shield. Also don't remove the gard unless nesisary and always engage brain first, forgeting that is what generaly get's me hurt.

I normaly use a Milwakie porta band band saw clamped in a vice for profiling stock.(not of caution, make new platen for it or it can suck you into the blade)

I havn't used an angle grinder much for blad work, but wouldn't know what to do with out one in the shop. I have worn 3 out so far, and one was a Milwakie.

Anyway you can never have to many tools.;)
 
I have used an angle grinder for years in fabrication work. One time I forgot to respect it enough and it came loose from my grip and cut my belly open on the way to the floor. 11 stitches. Yes it hurt!
 
Bruce,
Eleven stitches? Oowwww! At least you didn't spill your guts!:)

When I was in the Navy and stationed on the tender in Holy Loch, Scotland there was this guy that was grinding the paint on a bulkhead (wall for all you landlubbers). The angle grinder (a big 'un) bounced back and sliced his face and took one nostril almost completely off. The term "it hurts to breath" takes on a whole new meaning! Believe it not, he healed up OK. I thought that you would appreciate the story.

C Wilkins
 
CL, Yeah thanks for sharing that war story. I always enjoy comparing scars. The angle grinders dont leave a nice clean cut like a blade will ya know, they cut a wide gapeing trough that needs extra long stitches to sew it only partially closed. It takes a long time to heal and fill that crater with new fatty tissue and skin. At least I didnt snag an intestine, I could see white colestral in there.
 
I use a 1/4" electric valve grinder, with cutoff discs. It allows for 2 handed operation and I beleive it is safer than an angle grinder. I also use the green 3M cutting discs.
KEN (WWJD)
 
Thanks everyone,
I think I will very carefuly try the angle grinder for cutting the steel, I have a bench grinder so that should take care of the rough grinding. If anyone has had accidents while using a angle grinder or any other tools that you think would help other people out so we can keep away from accidents please post it so we can read it. Thanks.
 
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