Anyone have a preference for electric versus air angle grinders?  

I've rented an electric a few times, sometimes to grind metal and sometimes for use with a cut-off disk.  I would think that an aluminum-body air grinder would be higher speed, lighter, simpler and sturdier.  But they seem to be more expensive for some reason, and dragging a compressor inside may be a pain (and loud!) if I ever need to use a grinder inside the house (again).

Both are loud, both make nice messes. each has portability shortcomings.
Air is smaller and lighter, but the hose can be a pain, the electric is ok but could tire the hand faster being heaviyer. Ear and Eye protection is recommended when using either one.

Plus with the air die-grinder you need a compressor with quite a bit of flow/volume to operate it for any period of time. But air die-grinders seem to be a bit more long-lasting than electric from my experience. Love the little Baby and this forum.

C......

I prefer electric ... the added power and speed and torque and the virtual un stoppable power of the air ... and its heavier ... or my welders one is old ... isn't actually an advantage ... It will eat through things so fast ... you get a little off course in your attempting to grind and it will cut 1/2 way through the piece ... If you have one of those grind/cut discs ...
Cool.
Srinath.

how about gas-powered? :nana:

I really like my new angle grinder.

Blue in color. Sparks are orange with a twinge of yellow and white.

Smells of brimstone.

Love it.

Depends on the Job.

bodywork on a car=air grinder
anything and I mean anything else=electric

electric is faster because of the simple fact that it produces way more torque then air.

One grinder fits all jobs.  A mid 40's IR "multi vane" V-handle in the 9" size. 

DON'T bind the wheel up.  That 30lb contraption will be wrenched from your hands with the force of 10,000 mule kicks.   

Quote from: GeeP on June 20, 2008, 10:23:37 PM
One grinder fits all jobs.  A mid 40's IR "multi vane" V-handle in the 9" size. 

DON'T bind the wheel up.  That 30lb contraption will be wrenched from your hands with the force of 10,000 mule kicks.   

yup

I have both a 45 degree angle grinder from Matco Tools and a electric grinder?cutter from harbor freight they both work great but the electric lastlonger cause I dont have to wait for the tank to fill in my compressor. The air is for finishing and cleaning

i took the oldest post on this section i could find, and resurrected it. if the original post date was listed on the forum, there would be less of this.


sorry, couldn't resist. trying to prove a point, spur some action...