Best Electric & Pneumatic Angle Die Grinders

Now, let's cover some of the key capabilities of the tool. The Makita GD0601 is powered by a 3.5A motor and delivers the speed of 25,000 RPM. This speed is constant, therefore, the tool is suitable for handling only hard materials. Should you need to buff weld joints, polish surfaces or cut burrs on workpieces, the Makita GD0601 will cope with the task. It's worth saying that any power tool, when used at a high speed, entails noisy operation. So, the norm noise level to expect will make around 73 dBa. As for the capacity, the Makita's collet will take the bits up to 1/4" in diameter and can be fitted with the cutting wheels of up to 1-1/2" in diameter. This angle die grinder comes with two wrenches for handling the collet and fixing attachments.

Speaking of the convenience features, we'd like to mention its narrow grip with a removable rubber casing. So, if you work without a side handle, it's advisable to keep this casing on to have a better grip on the tool and protect your hands from the generated heat after long use. In addition, we'd like to note a paddle switch which is typical of angle grinders. To trigger the tool, you should slightly push the switch and then slide it. When doing this way, you will protect yourself from injuries that can be caused by accidental starting. The Makita GD0601 is pretty long and is a good fit for reaching narrow and awkward places. The weight of the tool, though, isn't big at all and makes 3.7 lbs only. 

On a whole, this grinding machine can be recommended to all users needing to process and enhance home articles. It will also suit those handymen for whom electric power supply won't be an issue. 

As for the performance characteristics, the speed of the spindle works at the constant 25,000 RPM speed. This means it is suitable only for working with metal, stone work and hardwood. If you decide to grind softer materials, it may easily fuse and ruin them, so better not. Powered by a 4.2A motor, the DWE4887 die grinder boasts pretty long operation time and can work almost continuously without stops. The collet here is compatible with the bits up to 1/4" and can take all grinding attachments within 1-1/2". Just like most die grinders, this one comes with two wrenches for the collet.

Let's examine the convenience features. The first thing you will notice is the button near the paddle switch which, as we've mentioned before, locks the switch, preventing the tool from unexpected starting. This way, you can either fix it for continuous grinding or keep pushing it for brief jobs. A good thing about the DWE4887 is that it works equally well from both AC and DC current. This comes especially handy for those who use power generators. What's more, despite rather high power, the model is pretty light, weighing only 3.65 lbs. The overall length of the tool is 14" and it's enough for reaching cavities and distant work spots. 

We presume that this model can become a great option for a household use like touchups of cut or welder metalware, as well as for buffing hard materials with attachments up to 1-1/2".

The power of the Ingersoll Rand 301B angle die grinder totally depends on the supplied air pressure and may reach up to 90 psi. Thus,  the machine is able to run at 21,000 RPM sufficient for buffing wood and metal. To start removing the burrs, though, you will need to install the bits up to 1/4" in diameter. That's what the collet can take. And that's actually the same number for the capacity of the air intake valve. Mind that all pneumatic tools tend to consume air quite fast. The Ingersoll Rand 301B takes 6 CFM of air on average but this figure may grow up to 24 CFM under higher loads. We should also add that air-operated machines are quite noisy; the sound level of the grinder is 105 dBa.

Covering convenience features, we'd like to note an all-metal throttle lever with a spring loaded lock to prevent the tool from accident triggering. When you press the lever, the lock folds up and returns automatically when the lever is released. Another advantage of the Ingersoll Rand 301B is that its body isn't prone to chopping or peeling and will look intact for many years of use. Given that the tool isn't equipped with a motor, its weight is also incredibly small, only 1.02 lbs. The total length is 5.27".

This die grinder will be useful for large polishing projects. It may also come handy for those, working in fairly big workshops, garages, etc. 

To operate this grinder, you need an air compressor that delivers at least 90 psi to provide the speed of 25,000 RPM. The machine is faster than some pneumatic models but is less expensive. Still, DeWALT has always attracted customers with top quality products and affordable prices. The grinder is fitted with a 1/4" collet and the air intake valve of the same diameter. By the way, the average air consumption is within 2.2 CFM which isn't a lot at all, considering the high-performance specs. The manufacturer recommends using the hoses at least 3/8" in diameter.

As for the convenience of use, you get a variable speed control, adjustable with a screwdriver. Might sound like a lot of work but not when you try it. Still, the advantages of using a grinder with a spindle speed are worth a little bit of effort. With the DeWalt grinder, you will be able to handle all types of materials, from hard metals to fragile organic glass and plastic. The option to use the tool on low settings will let you perform more accurate grinding. Backed by 3 years manufacturer warranty, this DeWalk DWMT70783 offers you robust performance, quality design and long service life.  

It's time to consider the capabilities of this model. Forced by a compressed air, the spindle gyrates at 22,500 RPM which is a medium rating. To operate properly, the pressure of the air fed to a grinder should be within 90 psi. This is a common requirement for a pneumatic tool, though. The collet is consistent with the bits up to 1/4" in diameter. This capacity is enough to use attachments for polishing and dressing. Furthermore, you can use small grinding wheels and bits for cutting fine metal parts or expanding holes. In any case, this kind of the tool is irreplaceable in your home workshop. Speaking of the air consumption, this machine consumes 11 CFM and this number can reach 22 CFM when the tool is used under higher loads. So, choosing the compressor, consider its output pressure to provide the required air flow.

Now, we'll review the features of this grinder. The most obvious one is the lack of the speed control, which isn't typical of air-powered tools at all. This might seem rather strange at first, as you will need to adjust the speed by pushing the trigger. But as the time goes, you'll get used to it and won't consider as a problem. The length of 4.88" and 1 lbs of weight makes the Chicago CP875 very mobile. Even though we didn't find its operation loud, we'd still recommend you to wear some hearing protection. Working with power tools isn't quite safe, therefore you should take care of your health and play safe.