Need recommendations for air die grinder and bits

g.hayduke

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Hey all.

I would like to get a decent 90 degree die grinder for general use around the garage. I want something that will perform well and last forever but don't want to spend over $100 if I can help it. I'm considering the Astro Pneumatic Onyx or possibly their blue handle tool but willing to spend more to get more. I've never owned or used a die grinder but there have been plenty of times I wish I had one.

I also want to get a decent set of burr bits and other accessories to make the die grinder more useful. So looking for recommendations there too.This set of butt bits has decent reviews on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087293VNK/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
Ingersoll is the only one I would spend money on. I work in a machine shop and we use 90 grinders hard. Ingersoll is the only one that last. Whichever kind you buy make sure to use air tool oil.
 
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Ingersoll is the only one I would spend money on. I work in a machine shop and we use 90 grinders hard. Ingersoll is the only one that last. Whichever kind you buy make sure to use air tool oil.

I read some reviews on the IR 1/2 hp unit. Some say the speed control is poor, either full on or off, basically. Not sure if that is an issue in practice since I haven't had the opportunity to use one.

Any comments on that?
 
I read some reviews on the IR 1/2 hp unit. Some say the speed control is poor, either full on or off, basically. Not sure if that is an issue in practice since I haven't had the opportunity to use one.

Any comments on that?

I've never had a need for variable speed. But you can control the speed by how much you press the handle. I typically run mine wide open. Mine has lasted at least 8 years. Like I said keep it oiled and the first thing I did is get rid of the safety lever on the handle.
 
Project Farm did a review on YouTube on burrs that was helpful. Also, i haven't found the 90 degree die grinders as useful as i had thought. Finally, I've been using the low cost HF grinders for a long time with an auto oiler. No signs of problems yet.
 
I know you asked about air and have already thought that part through…. For me, unless there is a size constraint, I prefer the convenience of m12 die grinders over my air powered version. My carbide burrs are usually found on my straight die grinder. My 90 degree is most used with a roloc sanding disc for weld prep, rounding corners, etc.
 
I know you asked about air and have already thought that part through…. For me, unless there is a size constraint, I prefer the convenience of m12 die grinders over my air powered version. My carbide burrs are usually found on my straight die grinder. My 90 degree is most used with a roloc sanding disc for weld prep, rounding corners, etc.

Next time you swing by for a visit, bring that M12 with you and I'll give you some comparisons between die grinders.
 
As a side note, I know you have recomended the sait cutoff and grinding wheels in the past. What do recommend as a sawzall blade for metal and wood?
We use a few different cut off discs. We have Sait for aluminum. Sait for steel, some Merit for steel, and some Pearl. For die grinders, nothing so far has worked better than Jimmy's.

I don't have a metal and wood blade that works for both. I do like the Diablo wood blade that works on something like a pallet with embedded nails and it is specifically called out for that. It is a good demo blade. Any of their wood specific blades are good for wood. Their carbide tipped thick metal blades are also tough to beat.
 
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Hey all.

I would like to get a decent 90 degree die grinder for general use around the garage. I want something that will perform well and last forever but don't want to spend over $100 if I can help it. I'm considering the Astro Pneumatic Onyx or possibly their blue handle tool but willing to spend more to get more. I've never owned or used a die grinder but there have been plenty of times I wish I had one.

I also want to get a decent set of burr bits and other accessories to make the die grinder more useful. So looking for recommendations there too.This set of butt bits has decent reviews on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087293VNK/?tag=wranglerorg-20

So what bits did you end up getting?
 
Here is my cutoff air grinder, ingersol

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67596867171__6C3E3CD1-6DE9-4237-AF56-A6D9F10A83CE.jpeg
 
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