Angle grinder...........Air or Electric

[Bullitt-]

Planning on getting a Angle Grinder to cut sheet metal & grind welds & was wondering if the Electric might be better to have than the pneumatic.   I have a small pneumatic die grinder that spins like crazy but has no torque so it bogs down so I'm thinking a slower stronger electric might be better.
   What are your experiences?

Thanks  Wade
 

[Travis72]

For a larger angle grinder, electric is the only way to go.  I've used the crap out of my 4.5" Dewalt one.  IMO, unless you have a very large industrial air compressor for any constant duty tools like grinders, electric is always better so you're not sitting there waiting for the air compressor to pump up or having to listen to it run all the time.

That being said a pneumatic right angle die grinder is also very useful for getting in tight areas that a larger grinder can't get in to.

Travis
72 Cuda

[NoMope Greg]

Funny you should ask.  I have an electric grinder and I love it except for one thing - getting into tight spaces.  I've been thinking about supplementing it with a small air grinder that my relatively small compressor can keep up with for the smaller spaces.  

If I were only going to buy one, I'd buy a good air grinder - supposing I had a good enough compressor.  The mechanics at work only use air for working on the buses.  Of course, they aren't cutting sheetmetal - but they sometimes cut thick wall tubing.

[Chryco Psycho]

Electric unless you have a Big compressor even then I would pick electric

[Bullitt-]

Thanks .....I'll start with an electric.

Wade

[IMNCARN82]

I use cordless    The benefits of a construction co. It's my favorite tool. With a thin cut-off wheel. Dewalt 18  volt.It lasts a long time.Having 8 batteries helps too.    electric for sure.

[ksierens]

I would also vote for electric.  The other problem with an air grider, no matter what type, is that since you have to oil them, you get that nice oil splatter on what ever you are working on.

[Bullitt-]

Think I got a pretty good one from Tractor Supply, 4 1/2"  8 amp variable speed for $35.00
The similar cheapies were 25-30 & were only ON/OFF, lower amps, & did not have as comfortable a handle.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_44247_______14151%7C14192%7C14201%7C44247?listingPage=true

I picked up at the local store but they have free shipping on purchases over $25.00