Makita angle grinders

[AndyStobbs]

Anybody have any experience of the Makita grinders that boast a smaller gear housing. Such as in this advert http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?sbk=1&nav=SEARCH&itemId=321167121290

Is it at the expense of longevity? I don't really need a smaller gear housing, having managed up until now without that feature. The price is keen though.

Thanks

 

[chunkolini]

The other thing is do you need a nine inch jobbie?
Fnaaar fnaaaar.
I have never needed a nine inch grinder, and from what I have picked up they are nasty things to use. I have three 4.5inch grinders and use all of them. Grinding, cutting anf finishing.
My theory would be go that way.

 

[julianthegypsy]

I have a 9" and its been sat under the bench for the last three years. I should have spent the money on three more aldi 4.5" jobs. As Chunko says, they do pretty much everything except wear your arms out. I only have two small ones at the minute and really ought to get another one to save changing from cutting to flapwheel. I have been thinking of getting one of those finger belt sanders though....

 

[AndyStobbs]

I've got a 115 already. I am definitely after a 9".
I know what you mean RE: them being a big weight to control and plenty of pull when you dig in, but that's what I'm after.

Should add, I've been using one for years, I'm not a newbie to them. Just don't own my own yet.

 

[Shedendman]

I'm a big fan of makita esp the grinders,why my 4.5'' hasn't walked out and left me with the abuse i've given it over the last 3 years i dont know

 

[Hitch]

9" grinders have their place. Some things they get used for, a 4.5" just wont do.

At work we use 5" and 9". For stock removal, and cutting bigger stuff, a 9" is hard to beat, a 5" has a limited cutting depth, okay if you can get right around, but things like open mesh flooring, a 9" is easier.

The Makita grinders, the gearboxes are usually the weak link. Blue Bosch or Hitachi is about all that seem to last us.

 

[AndyStobbs]

Thanks guys. Think I will swerve these compact gearbox jobbies. Almost seems like they're trying to get rid of them at the price they are. Will go for either a Bosch, Hitachi or normal Makita one. Will go and see my local tool people. In truth the grinder will hardly get used, but I'm not one for buying cheap gear just because it won't get much use.

 

[DuffyBB]

9" is handy...when you need it. As said by others, ive found it useful when cutting stuff. Its all your ever gonna need/use it for tbh.

On the make front...i'd throw metabo into the ring. Prefer my 4.5" metabo to my Makita one.

 

[Keith 66]

I have a big 9" hitachi, the bloody thing scares me & i have had two close shaves with it. I far prefer the smaller 4.5" ones. Best one i have is a Metabo.

 

[pedrobedro]

I have a 5" and 9" Metabo, not the cheapest but definitely the best. I have a couple of cheap 5" grinders from Aldi/Lidl to save changing discs all the time, the 9" usually has a diamond disc in it for slab and block cutting.

 

[mike 109444]

I have a 9" and its been sat under the bench for the last three years. I should have spent the money on three more aldi 4.5" jobs. As Chunko says, they do pretty much everything except wear your arms out. I only have two small ones at the minute and really ought to get another one to save changing from cutting to flapwheel. I have been thinking of getting one of those finger belt sanders though....

Could always make your own! Just don't run at full speed ( I use mine via a 110 v transformer) Have since fitted roller bearing in place of the small roller at end. Works a treat, can change bar for longer/wider and use bigger belts even made one for a 4" wide belt sander belt !!
30 seconds and it's back to being an angle grinder.

 

[julianthegypsy]

Now that's just showing off!
Great idea but sadly I don't have time, it would take me hours of scratching my head and fiddling then worrying about all the customers waiting for their stoves while I mucked about with it!
Has anyone tried the b&d ka902? Or any of the others?

 

[brewdexta]

115mm
I just had a second hand Bosch GWS 7-115 until about 6 months ago when it started to sounds like needed some TLC so I've parked it before destruction and I bought a Metabo W680, cheap and light, only slight drawback is the guard is moved by undoing a screw. I also bought a Metabo W8 115, this is a bit more powerful and heavier but with a better adustable guard. Both are nice to work with and from memory got a good deal on. Then a couple of weeks ago my dad gave me a no-brand 115mm, heavy and a bit awkward to use and the guard only moves a few degrees.

230mm
I have an Hitachi G23SF, I used it for building work, slitting blocks and paving when the neighbours Stihl saw was busy elsewhere. Doesn't get much use now but never let me down and was powerful and comfortable to use.

 

[normspanners]

I,ve got 5 x 9" makitas well actually 4x9" and 1x 12" I modified from a 9" and love them, 1 with heavy wire cup or flap disc on it, 1 with thick cutting wheel, 1 thin cutting disc, 1 with heavy grinding disc, the 12" I use for cutting contrete or big steel sections .
I think you can get a better finish with a 9" because of the larger grinding area
I have had them for 25-30yrs and they are still going strong.

 

[AndyStobbs]

I bought a s/h makita 9069 in the end, 110v. The label is missing so I have identified it from pictures.
Today I'm using it for the first time and its absolutely gutless. The members who expressed concerns over the savage nature of a 9" grinder needn't worry themselves.

It certainly doesn't run like the description I have found here
http://www.toolstop.co.uk/makita-9069-9-230mm-angle-grinder-110v-p1488

I'm wondering whether some prat has put a 110 plug on a 240v machine. Just clocked the rpm at 4200ish rpm with a disc fitted but unloaded - its not the 6600rpm as described in the above link.

Does it sound plausible its a 240 machine - any true identifying features?

 

[chunkolini]

I have a B+D power file, not the latest one and it is bloody rubbish.
I had the first model years back and it was great this one is a waste of space, it does not have the fancy dust collector just a bag on the bag.
I use it occasionally for cleaning up corners on soft wood shelves, meaning to buy the makita version.

 

[BuiltnotBought]

I have just got a 4.5" Makita one from my local trusted tool shop and it cost as much as the two listed on ebay which is interesting.

pedrobedro - Do you really rank the Metabo that highly? I have been using a 4.5" one for a few months and killed it, that's why I went to Makita. I don't like the chassis size ( no I don't have diddy hands :/ ) location of the power button and the disk lock button. not to mention it seems to lack the umphhh the Makita has. Though I guess to a degree its personal preference is it not!?

I love my 9" though. Its a definite to the must have list I reckon.

 

[BuiltnotBought]

I bought a s/h makita 9069 in the end, 110v. The label is missing so I have identified it from pictures.
Today I'm using it for the first time and its absolutely gutless. The members who expressed concerns over the savage nature of a 9" grinder needn't worry themselves.

It certainly doesn't run like the description I have found here
http://www.toolstop.co.uk/makita-9069-9-230mm-angle-grinder-110v-p1488

I'm wondering whether some prat has put a 110 plug on a 240v machine. Just clocked the rpm at 4200ish rpm with a disc fitted but unloaded - its not the 6600rpm as described in the above link.

Does it sound plausible its a 240 machine - any true identifying features?

Just out of utter curiosity, how did you find out the speed it was spinning?

 

[BuiltnotBought]

Now that's just showing off!
Great idea but sadly I don't have time, it would take me hours of scratching my head and fiddling then worrying about all the customers waiting for their stoves while I mucked about with it!
Has anyone tried the b&d ka902? Or any of the others?

I have the B and D one, cant say its definitely the ka902 but its a beast of a tool. I have given it such a hard time over the years we have had it and its still going strong. Managed to break the roller out of the end of the finger a while ago but it was only a few quid for a new arm. Brilliant bit of kit and would definitely buy another one when it packs in.

 

[AndyStobbs]

Just out of utter curiosity, how did you find out the speed it was spinning?

Better not to discuss it on a public forum, I will get blasted I suspect. If you really must know I will PM you. We've actually got one of those rpm gadgets but my dad has that - would have been far easier to use that.

RE: your 4 1/2", I have also just bought one from my local tool shop mine was £48 plus VAT.