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Spectacular Grinder Failure

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by Danefraz, Feb 21, 2018.

  1. Feb 22, 2018
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    12,529
    Don't compare tools you purchased 20plus years ago to stuff available nowadays. I have hobo Freight air tools I purchased 10 years ago that is far superior to the junk now available (some electric grinders too). I have quality backups for when they break or wear out (getting close on most of it).

    To compare older tool quality to newer tool quality is like comparing a 1986 car to a 2017 car. Worlds apart.
     
  2. Feb 22, 2018
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
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    I had the same thing happen to a HF grinder. I let it burn and laughed the whole time.

    I used to really like the paddle switch milwaukees. They got bought out and now they are not so great in my opinion, so I bought a couple Dewalts. Yeah. I like them a whole lot.
     
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  3. Feb 22, 2018
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    Using them to cut 1/2” plate.

    Sure beat using a hacksaw.

    These are roughed out for the ‘thru the bumper’ mounting plates that will go 8” down the frame, working on how to make it work for a clevis pull point.

    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]





    this is where a porta band would shine ;);)
     
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  4. Feb 22, 2018
    TIm E

    TIm E Aggressively average

    NW Arkansas
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    Mar 2, 2017
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    683
    Waiting for Focker to say how a plasma cutter would shine...
     
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  5. Feb 22, 2018
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    :rofl::rofl:
     
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  6. Feb 22, 2018
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    Probably 15-$18 a piece on my buddies plasma table. Would have had both of them finished in less than 20 minutes including programming time.
     
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  7. Feb 22, 2018
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    There are a couple of members here with CNC plasma tables, maybe some of you should contact them when needed. Jason (nepco19) has a large one and builds buggies and parts as a side job. Does awesome work.
     
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  8. Feb 22, 2018
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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  9. Feb 22, 2018
    Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chico CA
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  10. Feb 23, 2018
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    I use it dry.
     
  11. Feb 24, 2018
    Rick Whitson

    Rick Whitson Detroit Area 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I live South of...
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    I would use my torch on 1/2" plate, then clean it up with my Metabo. Metabo's cost the most, but last forever, my Son is an ironworker too, so he gets blades for me.
     
  12. Feb 24, 2018
    Danefraz

    Danefraz Well-Known Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Chico CA
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    that's sort of a separate thread, but I have a great set of torches, etc., prolly 20 years old and are bran' spankin' new in their own toolbox. I have two ~80-100cf bottles of acetylene that are prolly less than 1/4 full each. I have been searching for a decent O2 bottle in a complimentary size for a while, and not super interested in paying for one at the moment. Everyone says 'go propane', acetylene is $$$ but I need an O2 bottle, propane is a separate problem than I have ... I also assume that the cost on acetylene has come down since last year or so (didn't the plant go kabooom?)? IDK.
     
  13. Feb 24, 2018
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Yep, plant went boom about five years ago, just when I was starting a big steel job.

    My supplier forced me to change gases, which meant replacing hoses and tips. By the time I did, acetylene was available agin. :banghead:

    Dunno about prices coming down… do they ever return to normal after a spike?
     
  14. Feb 24, 2018
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    You really appreciate propane when you have a full weekend of shop work planned and you run out of fuel on a Saturday morning.
     
  15. Feb 24, 2018
    3b a runnin

    3b a runnin Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    virginia
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    We have a few Metabo grinders at work and they outlast everything else.
    Think I have 2 D Walt, 1 Craftsman, and 1 Milwaukee here at home.
     
  16. Feb 24, 2018
    73 cj5

    73 cj5 Not ready for the junkyard yet

    Clinton, Mississippi
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    I went to wally world and bought a $20 grinder and it's still ticking surprisingly. My buddy cut some 1/2" rebar with it today and probably left it out in the rainstorm that just rolled in:rolleyes:
    I've had good luck with these cut off wheels.
     
  17. Feb 25, 2018
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    yeah but cutting with propane is terrible...
     
  18. Feb 25, 2018
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    How is it any different than acetylene? The oxygen is what's actually doing the cutting after it's heated. You could shut your fuel after the cut has started and continue with no flame at all.

    The hottest point in a propane flame is in a different location than in an acetylene flame. Once that is realized, it really is hard to tell a difference, even though the propane flame is technically 300° cooler.

    [​IMG]
     
  19. Feb 25, 2018
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    I find it takes longer to start the cut and harder to cut a smooth edge perhaps we have a ****ty torch same torch different tip and acetylene seems to cut better. The boss thinks it’s cheaper but I find we use three times as much propane thus negating the difference in price.
     
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  20. Feb 28, 2018
    jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    Upstate NY
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    actually i find propane uses more oxygen. Maybe its just my tip or technique. But if Danefraz wants to go propane Id suggest trading in your acetelene tank for an oxygen. Iv been using milwaukee grinders for 15 years. Iv got 4 on the bench right now all the same model iv aquired over the years at flea markets and such. And Iv got one extra for parts and all my good parts are about used up. Iv replaced brushes many times. Usually i just extend the wire on the brushes because they only let you use like 3/4 of them before the wire stops it. Iv run out of spares so now i make my own brushes from discarded power tools because the milwaukee ones are too expensive. Iv recently picked up a dewalt and use this one now mainly because its smaller and lighter. Also Iv found dewalt brushes dont wear out nearly as fast because the springs are weaker. I usto hate on dewalt but they have proven to be as good or better than milwaukee even though they make the Dewalt smell from time to time they just keep going. For long cuts on thick steel I use a cut off wheel on a circular saw. They have them at hf i think theyre 7"? I use the saw only for metal its an old one all aluminum. the metal grit will clog up the guard and stuff so not a good idea to use a good saw. But it definatly saves on grinder wheels and the grinders dont like it either as you know
     
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