Who has the best die grinders??? Variable speed?

[Rojodiablo]

I need to polish stainless. I have a die grinder that runs on air. But my power supply is already getting taxed. And, I hate the sound of my compressor. So, does anyone know of a die grinder that is electric, and has variable speeds? Mypolishing bits fly apart at 25,000 rpm. I need something in the range of: a 1/4" mandrel/ chuck. Ability to turn from 3000-15000 rpm. Prefer something making 5-10amps. Little motors just make power through rpm. I need more torque, and lower speed. Help me out guys. Thanks. Paul.

[halbritt]

I know that Dewalt makes two different electric die grinders, the DW887 and DW888. They're very expensive (DW888 lists for $300) and I believe they run at 19k and 25k RPMs. I've got the DW888 and found that it's generally not a very useful tool except for certain specific applications. Given that it only runs 19k (no load), it might work for yours.

Here's a couple links to specs:
http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/to...?productID=155
http://www.dewalt.com/us/products/to...?productID=156

[Ries]

The electric ones cost a lot more than the air ones. And are heavier, and dont last as long.
But the two I have had the best luck with, at reasonable prices, were the Bosch, and Milwaukee. I would totally skip the low end stuff, like Makita and Ryobi.
I have burned out two of the Bosch 1210's over the years, but we work em real hard, and they tend to last 5 years or so at least-
http://www.maxtool.com/index/bosch/Die_Grinders.asp
I currently have a Milwaukee 5192- it seems a bit better than the Bosch, but heavier and bigger as well. But they cost 50 bucks more, as well.
http://www.tools-plus.com/mlw-die-st...-grinders.html

Now if you want a real good one, you might look at Fein- all their tools are incredibly well made, and priced to match.
http://www.feinus.com/p/newgrinder/newmsh636-1.htm

[halbritt]

Metabo, which has an excellent reputation also makes an electric die grinder that has a variable speed control which might be more suitable to the task. The model is GE700.

[scsmith42]

The high end Dremmel tools are nice too. They have a stationary motor with a 8' or so flex-wand with the collet on the end.

[cassidy]

Ries, why you're saying that the Makita is low end? Would like to hear your reasoning behind that one coz I bought myself a Makita one the other day after
dismissing the Metabo and completely ignoring the Bosch range. But it was a close call betw the Makita and Metabo tho.

I agree with you on Fein - they do make very good tools.

Rojo, just be careful because most manufactures have got a low speed and a high speed model, both sometimes variable. AFAIK the high speed models can
be damaged when running at very low speeds for prolonged periods of time.
Maybe blowing smoke but just look into that before buiyng.

I've had good experience with Dremmel as well - still going strong after years of
abuse but am using it more for very delicate jobs nowadays.

[Ries]

I just know that the makita tools I have used in metalworking have crapped out pretty easily. And the Bosch tools I have last forever.
I have a bunch of Makita woodworking tools, and for that, they are great. But I dont trust their little die grinders or 4 1/2" grinders to hold up to day to day hard use.

Metabo, Bosch, and sometimes Milwaukee, are the tools that last in my shop. But we are really hard on stuff- 3 man shop, and we can break just about anything.

I have found most variable speed grinders to be more susceptible to breaking than fixed speed models. KISS, you know.

But really, polishing stainless with a die grinder- isnt that like washing a semi with a toothbrush?
We electropolish all our stainless- about 4 or 5 tons of it last year.
We send it out to a commercial shop, and it is cheaper than any other finish- cheaper than powder coat, waaay cheaper than hand finishing.

[chicksdigwagons]

Originally Posted by Ries

I have found most variable speed grinders to be more susceptible to breaking than fixed speed models. KISS, you know.

Agreed. I've been considering getting a external variable speed unit myself. They usually market them as router speed controls, but they'll work on any brush type motor up to 15amps. It would really come in handy for different wire wheels on the grinder. Plus they can be had relatively cheap and just plug in whatever tool you're using.