Angle grinders are portable tools that are often used in different industries such as construction, woodworking, and metalworking, among others.
When it comes to operation, the angle grinder size and power are important features that go a long way in determining its effectiveness.
The power used in the operation of an angle grinder can be generated from a petrol engine, an electric motor, or an air compressor.
The speed is also an important feature. The speed at which you operate your machine depends on the type of material that you are working on.
Angle Grinders Sizes
As already mentioned above, there are different sizes of angle grinders. There’s the small angle grinder, medium size angle grinder, and the large angle grinder.
Small Size Angle Grinder
Small angle grinders typically come in 4 inches or 4½ inches. These angle grinders work for wheel diameters that go up to 7 inches and the smaller versions have 3-inch diameters.
These small angle grinders feature brushless motors so there’s no need to constantly change the brushes. Cordless types are also available.
It minimizes heat build-up thus promoting the tool’s durability. They also have kickback brakes for safety. Some of them also have two-stage triggers for extra safety leaving no room for accidental starts while changing discs.
Medium Size Angle Grinder
7 inch angle grinders are the medium size angle grinders. Most medium to large size angle grinders are corded and require electrical power to operate.
When getting a medium size angle grinder, ensure it comes with a motor that has at least a 3 horsepower capacity.
Large Size Angle Grinders
The ones with discs up to 9 inches are in a large category. The large ones are your best pick if you will be taking large or substantial cuts.
They can also properly cut considerable surfaces in just a single pass and have the very strong horsepower. Large grinders are mostly used to cut asphalt and other dense materials. A large angle grinder typically features motors that have 5 horsepower capacity.
Angle Grinder Power
An angle grinder’s wattage is what indicates its motor’s power. The value is usually dependent on the size of the angle grinder.
Those with larger grinding and cutting discs need more power, which is why they have a higher wattage.
An angle grinder with a higher wattage is more widely used for heavy-duty applications or tough cutting tasks.
Normally, angle grinder’s wattage ranges from between 500 to 2,500 watts. Usually, 500 watts is recommended for sharpening or auto body work.
If you will be using your angle grinder for grinding, pick the 1000 watts one.
For cutting through those simple materials, you should go for the 1500 watts angle grinder. 2500 watts is recommended for strong metal cutting.
When it comes to angle grinder wattage, the input power of any corded type is rated in terms of amps (A). That said, cordless ones it is rated in terms of volts (V).
Note that in most cases, the amperage of these tools is not indicated as part of the product specifications. However, you can work these out yourself by dividing the wattage it comes with by the voltage.
As mentioned above, corded angle grinders have their power indicated by amperage while cordless ones indicate these by voltage. Thus the higher the voltage of the cordless angle grinder the more powerful it is.
How does Wattage Influence the Capacity of Angle Grinder?
Wattage is the amount of power that is required for one to get an angle grinder to work. The wattage value usually reflects the grinder’s size.
Typically, higher wattage grants you more power to cut through materials that are denser. The larger the grinder you have, the larger the wattage.
If you are going to be handling a task that is simpler such as polishing, you will need lower wattage. For grinding, you will have to raise the wattage to an extent since the task is a bit heavier.
However, when it gets to cutting, you should go with 1500 to 2500 wattage. The latter is best if you will be cutting through metals and other very strong materials. A high wattage angle grinder can even cut cast iron.
However, if you will be cutting on simpler materials, like wood or drywall, the former works just fine. So when you set out to buy an angle grinder make sure you keep in mind what you want to use it for.
Its wattage will tell you just how effective it will be, keeping in mind it’s all proportional. The bigger the wattage the more power you’ll get.
What is a Good Amp for an Angle Grinder?
The amp of an angle grinder is the measure of its power output. More powerful angle grinders will usually draw around 5 and 9 amperes of current.
If you have a heavy-duty angle grinder the amp rating could even be as high as 15. Generally, these are meant for tougher grinding and cutting applications.
If you will be using your angle grinder for jobs that are less intense then an amperage rating of about 3 or 4 will be sufficient.
What is the most common angle grinder size?
There are different angle grinder sizes. The one you settle for should typically be according to the amount of work you will use it for.
Out of all these existing sizes, the most common disc sizes are the 4 inch and the 4 ½ -inch angle grinders.
These can handle wheel diameters of up to 7 inches. They can be used for a variety of applications.
How do I choose an angle grinder?
As mentioned above, there are many different options, so the best one for you depends on what you will usually use it for. To help you out, I’ve written some example uses and what angle grinder may work best.
General Household Tasks: Most households will only use angle grinders for small tasks, like removing a lock, cutting copper plumbing pipe or cutting wood. Corded grinders are often preferred for household tasks, since electrical outlets are plentiful and not every has an angle grinder. For these types of tasks, a common angle grinder size like 4 inches or so will be appropriate. The 6 AMP Makita GA4030K 4″ Angle Grinder* may be a good fit for this application.
Tile Cutting: While this is a specific use for an angle grinder, it will require certain characteristics. We reviewed angle grinders for tile cutting. Our favorite was the DeWalt DCG413B 20V MAX Brushless Grinder*.
Most Versatile: If you want more capability than a 4″ angle grinder, we’ve reviewed the best 6 inch angle grinders. Our favorite was the DeWalt 6 inch angle grinder*. The high amperage (13A) made it an effective tool above and beyond typical household tasks.
There are many excellent options out there for angle grinders. The key is knowing how you will most likely use it and what power and size are the best fit for your needs.
*Paid Link: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Should you decide to purchase a tool through this link, I will get a small commission. The price of the tool won’t be any different to you.
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