Grinding equipment is an ideal tool for processing problematic surfaces: removing rust from a car body, pipes, cleaning paintwork, etc. In addition, some types of such equipment can cut brick, concrete, slate, the same pipes and other materials.
The modern market offers a huge range of equipment of this kind. Experienced consumers already know what exactly they will need in this or that case, but beginners ask a lot of questions: “Which grinder should I choose for a car, for furniture, for cutting?”. We will try to consider all the nuances that may arise when buying such an instrument.
From our article you will learn how to choose the right grinder, what to pay special attention to and how not to miscalculate with a purchase. We also give as an example some of the most successful models in different directions. So let's get started.
Features of using the tool
To answer the question of how to choose a grinder, first let's look at some of the features of the applicationtool. Here we will focus on household and professional appliances. The difference between the first and second is very significant both in price and in features.
Professional equipment
Let's take a simple example. Answering the question: “Which grinder to choose for a car?”, You need to know who asks it. If this is a car mechanic working on a stream in a service station, then he needs a professional tool that can withstand serious loads.
The quality of materials in advanced technology, as well as the reliability of components and electronics, is noticeably higher than that of household counterparts. Also, if you want to go for a professional level grinder, then be prepared to look at bulky as well as powerful models, because a modest tool simply cannot accommodate a high-performance engine on board.
Home Appliances
Such a tool involves work from time to time. If you want to choose a grinder for the home, then pay attention to the equipment that is small in size. Such a tool has less power, lower performance, a modest set of additional functions, but is much more attractive in terms of cost.
Household grinders are designed for an average of 10 hours of work per week. In addition, after 10-15 minutes of work, they need to rest for about the same time. You can choose a household-type grinder if you have your own summer house, a garage with a car, or you are doing some kind of work ontree, of course, without regard to the flow.
Next, consider the classification of the instrument.
UGSh/Angle grinder (Bulgarian)
This is the most common type of this type of equipment. In the people, this type is most often called the "Bulgarian". This is a universal grinder with a narrow cylindrical body, on the front of which there are holders for attachments.
Larger models have a special handle for a comfortable grip. Most of the tools have a mirror mount for the handle - left-handed and right-handed. Inside the structure is an electric motor with an angular gear.
The tool can be equipped with special wheels, or otherwise abrasive discs, as well as brushes for polishing various surfaces. All this is mounted on a dynamic spindle, and the cutting wheels are additionally held by a flange with a nut.
If you are in doubt which grinder to choose for grinding, then the grinder in most cases will be a universal option. This tool does a very good job of peeling and cleaning a wide variety of surfaces.
Angle machine is used for leveling walls, removing paint, as well as for other construction and finishing work. You can also choose a grinder for the facade of a frame house: remove protruding elements, cut and smooth corners, align something, etc. In this case, the grinder will definitely not let you down.
Despite the versatility of the tool inin some cases, it is still better to stop at highly specialized equipment described below.
Eccentric (orbital) machine
As the main working tool, a special disk is used here, securely fixed on the case. It simultaneously performs both reciprocating and circular movements. Unlike a grinder, polishing and grinding becomes more efficient, high-quality and, importantly, convenient.
Expendable sheets can be attached to the sole in two ways - a special clip or Velcro. The first ones are noticeably cheaper, and more consumables are produced for them. But it is much more comfortable to work with Velcro, or rather, to change sheets. The whole process takes place in seconds, not minutes like with a clamp. The sheets themselves can be made of felt or foam sponges. Also, many use fur discs with this tool.
The answer to the question of which orbital sander to choose depends on the type of surface to be processed. If you are working with wood or plastic, then you can stop at simpler models. It can also be used to finish finished surfaces (paints, varnishes, putty, etc.).
If the question is which eccentric grinder to choose for metal and stone, then you will find the answer to it on the shelves with powerful, large, as well as expensive equipment. Using a cheap wood and plaster tool in this case, you will simply burn it.
Tape machine
On the wide sole of such a tool is a body with an electric motor inside. The working area has, as a rule, a rectangular shape. The center of gravity of the equipment is shifted slightly down, which minimizes operator effort. The tool is designed to work on both vertical and horizontal surfaces.
A ring-shaped tape, which is a sandpaper, acts as a snap. Due to a pair of end rollers, the belt is set in motion and ensures not only the processing of the base material, but also the removal of dirt and dust from the object.
To answer the question of which belt sander to choose, you will also need to find out which surface to work with. Metal requires a serious tool, while wood and plastic can get by with less powerful and more affordable.
Many professionals advise choosing a belt sander for primary, that is, rough processing: removing putty from walls, old paint, as well as cleaning windows and door frames from foreign elements. Such equipment will greatly save time and effort to prepare for the final procedures.
Also, professionals advise buying a narrow-profile tool of this kind, and not a more powerful one - a universal one. That is, it is better to choose a belt sander for wood and use it for its intended purpose - furniture, windows, floors, etc., and not splurge on expensive universaloptions, the power of which will simply not be in demand.
Vibrating machine
Here we have a tool with a soft base, where the body with the motor and controls is located. The unit makes the eccentric mechanism move in a reciprocating manner and acts on the next part of the structure - the sole. The latter spins at high speed and vibrates at the same time.
Sanding sheets are attached to the body with Velcro or clips. The advantages with the disadvantages of the first and second we have covered above, and in this case they remain the same. Sheets are available in different grit levels to suit the respective materials.
A lot of "garage" craftsmen are wondering: "What kind of grinder to choose for furniture?". Professionals in this field unanimously declare that it is better not to find vibration equipment. It is an ideal tool for finishing surfaces: plastics, soft metals, natural stone, even finicky furniture. If you need to choose a wood sander, then this is just your option.
In addition, such equipment is very often used in car workshops for meticulous bodywork, where gentle polishing is required.
Next, consider several specific options for the tool. This will help you navigate a little in the variety on the market and choose the right grinder for walls, metal, wood and other surfaces.
DeWALTD26410
This is a professional yet high performance eccentric model. Due to the decent weight, the machine sits well on the surface and does not strive to slip out of the hands. Powerful 400W motor ensures confident handling of coarse sandpaper sheets.
The functionality of the machine allows you to switch from a rough 6 mm oscillation amplitude to 3 mm for finishing polishing surfaces. A variety of settings suggests using the tool on a variety of objects. You can grind even concrete, even plastic, and without any risk of overheating the latter.
The machine behaves equally well both at 4000 rpm and at 10,000. The same can be said about the amplitude - from 8000 to 20,000 vibrations / minute. The well-thought-out design has received reliable protection of the operator from dust, where the latter neatly goes into a special filter bag. The cost of a professional typewriter is appropriate - about 15 thousand rubles.
Model benefits:
- excellent performance;
- large variation in vibration and RPM settings;
- good ergonomic performance;
- Reliable protection of the user from dust;
- full modes for rough and finishing surfaces.
No deficiencies identified.
BOSCH GSS 230AE
This is a vibrating machine from a well-known brand, and this series comes exclusively in a branded Swiss assembly. On the market you can find rare options from China, butthe price, and at the same time, the effectiveness of the tool will be almost two times lower.
If you want to choose a wood sander, then you should take a closer look at this professional model. The lower part of the body is equipped with a universal platform (92 x 182 mm), which allows you to attach sheets with both clips and Velcro.
The machine works with an amplitude of 2.4 mm with a frequency of up to 22,000. Judging by the user reviews, the tool fully justifies its rather big cost (about 15 thousand rubles) and is rightfully called professional.
In terms of ergonomics and protection, everything is also good here. Despite the almost bare handle, it does not vibrate during operation, and dust and dirt do not fall on the operator. The grip is equally comfortable for both right-handers and left-handers. The only thing that some users complain about is a very modest package, where, unlike other similar equipment, there is no interchangeable platform for bottlenecks and spare sanding sheets.
Model benefits:
- good power (300W) and performance;
- vibration during operation is practically absent;
- comfortable main handle and an additional front handle;
- reliable protection against dust;
- low noise level.
Flaws:
ascetic equipment
Makita 9404
This is a belt type sander from a famous Japanese brand. Just like in the two previous cases, thisthe professional model fully recoups the funds invested in it (about 15 thousand rubles) with its efficiency, reliability and high ergonomic performance.
Separately, it is worth noting a particularly good moment in the design of the tool. Here we are talking about a stabilizing system for the tape, or rather its position. You can work with the machine from any angle, but the emery sheet will always have the same effective tension. Belt speed adjustable from 210 to 440 rpm.
There are no complaints about the build quality. Products from Makita have always been distinguished by well-fitted parts without backlash, gaps and other shortcomings. The same can be said about ergonomics. Japanese engineers have taken into account almost everything, and working with the tool is a pleasure.
Model benefits:
- good performance;
- tape stabilization system;
- Reliable protection of the operator from dust;
- high ergonomic performance;
- great build quality.
Flaws:
- non-standard tape size;
- outsole wears out quickly.
Metabo SXE 425 TurboTec
This is a semi-professional eccentric type sander. The 320-watt motor provides a 5 mm oscillation amplitude. The headroom is enough for both rough work and more noble finish polishing of surfaces.
The model also got quite interestingfunctionality. At increased loads, you can turn on the "Turboboost" mode, which finds reserves in the engine and significantly increases its power. Long-term operation at higher speeds is not provided, but for difficult cases this is a very good solution.
Judging by the reviews, users are generally satisfied with the model and its work. Some, however, leave complaints about the build quality. The handle of the tool vibrates noticeably during operation, and the wire "walks" in the grooves.
Nevertheless, all concerns about build quality are offset by a decent warranty period of service - three years, which is more than enough for tools of this kind. The cost of the machine ranges from 11 thousand rubles.
Model benefits:
- ideal for rough work;
- good ergonomic performance;
- excellent operator dust protection;
- design well balanced;
- 3 year warranty.
Flaws:
- build quality is not the best;
- short cord.
AEG FS 280
This machine is closer to the amateur segment than to the professional one, so you can't count on the capabilities of the above models. But the price tag doesn't help either. Nevertheless, the tool works out its cost, and this is about 8 thousand rubles, as it should.
Unlike other amateur tools, this machine is reliable enough for frequent use. The only thing you have to pay special attentionplatform and clips holding the sheet: do not forget to twist and straighten.
The 440 W motor is enough for any rough work, as well as for finishing polishing some, not very fastidious surfaces. Technologists with designers have worked on the appearance of the tool and its ergonomics, but you still won’t work on it for a long time. It's all about vibration. Here it manifests itself very noticeably and the hands themselves ask to rest after a while. Nevertheless, home and garage craftsmen do not complain about the ergonomics of the model and consider it acceptable for its price.
It is also worth noting the lack of Velcro on the platform, so professional sheets, alas, will not work. The clamps, although they wear out quite quickly, are worth a penny, without hitting your pocket hard. As for the build quality, the owners do not leave negative reviews. There are no backlashes, no gaps, or any other shortcomings that are inherent in amateur and inexpensive models.
Model advantage:
- good performance;
- great build quality;
- good ergonomics;
- good operator dust protection;
- attractive value.
Flaws:
- perceptible vibration;
- fixing sheets for clips only.
