Angle Grinder (wet/dry)

[Topazdan]

I just bought a 4.5" variable speed angle grinder from Lowes for $23.
(competitive grinders are $175).
The directions and warranty specify "no wet applications".

Does anyone know what problems might arise if I used is sparingly in a wet application? At the price, I am prepared to risk damaging the grinder.

Dan D

[thistle]

Originally Posted by Topazdan

I just bought a 4.5" variable speed angle grinder from Lowes for $23.


Does anyone know what problems might arise if I used is sparingly in a wet application? At the price, I am prepared to risk damaging the grinder.

Dan D

I believe that from reading other posts the main problem you may encounter is the possibility that you may be ELECTROCUTED.

[cx]

Do tell us what the hell that thing is, Dan.

Other than the safety issue, I see no reason not to use it wet. Buy several.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[MrNightly]

Originally Posted by cx

Do tell us what the hell that thing is, Dan.

Other than the safety issue, I see no reason not to use it wet. Buy several.

My opinion; worth price charged.

So, cx.

Do you have a grinder w/ diamond blade you recommend? I've been looking at getting one, and thought maybe you could point in the right direction.

Also, what is the approx. price I should be spending on it?

Thanks.
David K.

[cx]

I recommend you buy 8 of whatever is them things Dan found. That's what my recommended Makita variable speed's gonna cost you.

Depending upon what he found, I can't give fair odds which is gonna last longer, but I'm still likely to bet on the one good grinder over the basket full.

But if you have only one project to do, that cheapo sounds cost-effective if it makes it though the whole job.

That's for an angle grinder. If you want a little hand-held wet saw, the little Felker thingee in our store costs less than a hunnert bucks. I forget the model number, but it's in there.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[MrNightly]

Originally Posted by cx

That's for an angle grinder. If you want a little hand-held wet saw, the little Felker thingee in our store costs less than a hunnert bucks. I forget the model number, but it's in there.

No, it won't be for just one job. I want it to last for a while that's for sure, and I've been putting down quite a bit lately, so for what its worth, It'll get it's use that's for sure. Is your hand-held wet saw comparable with a grinder? Never heard it called a "Hand held" before that's all.

I'm looking for it to obviously cut out holes in tiles, as discussed here before. I think.

Thanks

[Rd Tile]

I've had this one for years now, beat the heck out of it, just keep changing the blade.

[GraniteGirl]

Originally Posted by cx

I recommend you buy 8 of whatever is them things Dan found. That's what my recommended Makita variable speed's gonna cost you.

I agree with cx, for what it's worth.

The Makita is bound to outlast anything you can buy for $23 by at least 2 years. We have about 8 at the shop and 4 in the van and use the heck out of all of them. I have yet to see one fail. They have outlived many Flexes and a good few other hand tools too.

If you are earning your living by your tools, you might 'swell opt for quality. It will serve you well in the long run

The older I get the more I sound like my MOM ugh...

On wet environments - nothing wakes you up quite like the occasional jolt. Good for cardiac arrythmia too A good ground fault circuit iinterruptor does wonders for your health too.

[Davy]

David, what brand is your 23 dollar variable speed grinder? If it'll last any time at all, it's worth it.

[Mike2]

My own curiosity got the best of me so here it is, hot off the Lowes website.

GMC model AG458UL, 4 1/2" variable speed (1,000 - 10,000 RPM's), 5.8 amp, $29.95.

Prolly not german engineering, eh?

[MrNightly]

Originally Posted by Davy

David, what brand is your 23 dollar variable speed grinder? If it'll last any time at all, it's worth it.

I don't have one yet... I think you were refering to Dan from above. I was asking which to get, since i didn't have on. I have a Makita cordless drill, and it's lasted me for well over 7 years. Still fairly good shape too.

I just didn't know which one you guys were using, hence my askin'.

Thanks for the replys.

David K.

[MrNightly]

Originally Posted by Rd Tile

I've had this one for years now, beat the heck out of it, just keep changing the blade.

That EXACTLY why i need one of those i think. Toilet holes, and Shut-off valves from the floor. Very nicely done, I might add. I cheated and read the thread where you did that tile so nicely.

I appreciate the $.02's. It will be a purchase after the holidays that for sure. DeWalt, and Makita both make good grinders.

Cheers,
David

[Topazdan]

I appreciate all your responses on my posting re: using a wet application with a grinder not approved for wet applications.

A couple of thoughts:

1. Davey, I bought it on the internet on the Lowes website and had it delivered to my local Lowes store (learning later that it was a stock item).
4.5" GMC (Global Machinery Co.) 5.8 amp variable speed angle grinder Item no. 149192, Model #149192. $29.88 + tax (sorry, not $23 as I posted) (I hope I am not out of line here with the free adv. for Lowes)

2. I am using this for only one kitchen counter project. Therefore I am not trying to get 2 years of hard use out of the grinder.

3. I am concerned only about the issue of safety. I use a GFI. I just have a little heartburn about paying $200 extra for the advertised 'wet application' approved grinders.

4. I think I am looking for some technical feedback on what is the significant manufactured difference in the hardware approved for wet applications. Is it the safety? or is it the durability?

thanks to all.

Dan D

[kwangtzu]

My brother burned out a $30 Loewe's grinder while wet polishing concrete...in a day. Safety is the main issue, though. I think grinders for wet work are double insulated (don't have the third grounding prong) and at least one we looked at advertised sealed windings and switch, etc.

So I guess durability and safety are both issues. Using the GFCI probably kept my bro from a nasty shock. He still managed to grind a bit off his finger working without the guard, though.

FYI, the grinder went out when he was working a verticle surface and probably got water into the cooling intake at the front.

[Davy]

Sorry David and Dan, got y'all mixed up.