3" Cut off tool query

[Little Jerry]

Gents

Probably a very obvious question but I'll ask it anyway. With regards to automotive work - cutting sheet metal on cars for rust repairs etc:

I own this pneumatic 3" cut off tool which works really well.

But I was interested in an electric version for better portability (as I have multiple sheds). Closest I could find are models like the pic below (is there an electric die grinder with the safety shield designed for this function?). Functionality / Ergonomically wise, is there any reason why a tool like the below would not be as suitable for above mentioned purpose on cars? I'm not sure if the electric one has the ability to vary the speed like the pneumatic version which may be one drawback. Are there corded version of these 3" small cut off tools?

 

[Little Jerry]

This Ryobi die grinder might be the go....no safety shield but can cut sheet metal as well as replace my pneumatic roloc sander

https://www.ryobi.com.au/products/d...ess-right-angled-die-grinder-tool-only-rdg18c

 

[dan.taylor.1]

I think milwaukee make one in the m12 range.

 

[8ob]

Like all these things its worth adding one to the arsenal, when it comes to tearing down sheet steel I don't think a 3" grinder would work out very economical on the disc front. I use them for cutting off ubolts and the like in awkward places.

Bob

 

[dan.taylor.1]

I used to use them for getting the bits the mains grinder couldn't, or the top of exhausts (before I had a recip)

 

[MattF]

Bosch Professional GWS 12 V-76 Cordless Angle Grinder

https://amzn.eu/d/2kxhqrK

Milwaukee do similar too.

 

[Wildefalcon]

Standard battery grinder would do the job, I'd thought. Whatever system you've already got.

 

[hotponyshoes]

I've got the bosch one. Needs good condition battries.
The genuine bosch Cutting discs last very well. (Not tried any others)

 

[MetalMonkey]

I can't offer an opinion on the cordless ones as I don't have one, but I would say that other than their size, the big advantage of the pneumatics is that they stall when jammed.

Typically I find myself using one for awkward cutting tasks where the compactness is useful, and therefore because I’m not optimally positioned I will occasionally get a panel pinching the disc in the cut, or it otherwise jamming up.
When that happens it just stalls out, it is pretty drama free. I suspect an electric one would snap the disc, so you would need to be quite a bit more careful.

 

[Erie Fred]

I thought the OP wants a corded version, I agree with the above about 3" wheels and sheetmetal.
Any standard 4"-5" angle grinder will take cut-off wheels, and approximate what you have there now as an air tool, albeit with more working clearance needed.

 

[MetalMonkey]

I thought the OP wants a corded version, I agree with the above about 3" wheels and sheetmetal.
Any standard 4"-5" angle grinder will take cut-off wheels, and approximate what you have there now as an air tool, albeit with more working clearance needed.

I missed that if he meant corded, I assumed cordless.
The 3" cut off discs are usually a 3/8" or 10mm bore, while 4/5" grinders are usually 22mm bore with an M14 thread, although occasionally you may run into a M10 and M16 (or a 5/8-11 in the U.S).

 

[Erie Fred]

I missed that if he meant corded, I assumed cordless.
The 3" cut off discs are usually a 3/8" or 10mm bore, while 4/5" grinders are usually 22mm bore with an M14 thread, although occasionally you may run into a M10 and M16 (or a 5/8-11 in the U.S).

I don't see how the center hole will affect anything, unless the OP has a large stock of 3" wheels already purchased.
You purchase the correct cut-off wheels to fit the machine:

Cut-Off Wheels - Harbor Freight Tools

Get super fast, clean cuts with a cut-off wheel from Harbor Freight. Designed to slice through steel, stainless steel and more. Durability, performance and cutting power.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[tigdlo]

Are katsu tools available in Australia? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Katsu-Mini-Angle-Grinder-75mm/dp/B00KDEVQQ0 There is also a lower powered variable speed version here too, https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003774777467

I have no experience or either of these but just found them while looking for similar a while ago.

 

[Little Jerry]

Appreciate the replies.

I'm just a weekend hobbyist, but I'm not so sure how accurate and clean I would be cutting into my car with a 5" angle grinder. The smaller tool at the right angle with variable speed and 3" wheel allows me to get in close with more control.

Cordless or corded I'm not too fussed, although I get a little nervous that the battery technology will have changed in 10 years etc and my tool will be obsolete.

 

[MetalMonkey]

I don't see how the center hole will affect anything, unless the OP has a large stock of 3" wheels already purchased.
You purchase the correct cut-off wheels to fit the machine:

Cut-Off Wheels - Harbor Freight Tools

Get super fast, clean cuts with a cut-off wheel from Harbor Freight. Designed to slice through steel, stainless steel and more. Durability, performance and cutting power.

www.harborfreight.com

I think we might be talking at cross-purposes.

Chap wants an electric version of a three inch cut off tool, which takes the 3 inch cut off discs with 10mm bore.
4.5 inch grinder takes 115mm mm slitting discs with 22mm bore.

Can't put 3 inch cut off discs on a 4.5" grinder.
I would assume he doesn't want an 115mm disc on a 4.5 grinder otherwise he wouldn't be asking for a 3 inch cut off tool, he'd just use a standard angle grinder!

The mini angle grinder which tigdlo posted might be an option, 3" disc with an M10 spindle, takes a 16mm bore as standard, but it appears it can accept a 10mm cut of disc with the supplied adapter.