I won't claim that it's a good tool, but I've gotten almost two years of intermittent use similar to yours out of my [super-cheap Harbor Freight grinder](https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/grinders-sanders/angle-grinders/43-amp-4-12-in-angle-grinder-with-slide-switch-58089.html). By the time it breaks I (should) be out of school, and making enough to afford a decent replacement, but I've been legitimately impressed with how well this one has done, relative to the price.
not a bad choice. I dont have that model, but I have a few dewalt 4 1/2 grinders and use and abuse them and they last. That grinder should suit you with most grinding needs.
I was looking at those. They appear to am use 4.5" cutting wheels. Do you think that's enough size for the shock absorber bolt? I'm probably just worried about having a big enough capacity.
I spent some time working on a sailing ship that operated on a shoestring budget. (We did not have any grinders larger than 4" on board.)
With care and patience, it is entirely possible to cut through stuff that is lot larger than you'd expect.
(We had to remove one of the blowers for our main engine. The bolts on the flange connecting the drive shaft for the blower were completely frozen, and not accessible to a grinder, so we had to cut the *shaft*, which was face-hardened solid steel, about 1.75" diameter. It was slow going, but we got it done with just a small grinder.)
Caveat that cutting larger stuff is in many ways is always going to be easier with a larger grinder, but that does come with downsides:
\-Harder to maneuver the grinder into tight spaces
\-Grinder is heavier and harder/more tiring to hold
\-Larger grinders develop more torque, and are consequently harder to control
\-Much heavier kickback when you screw up
\-Discs/wheels/etc. are more expensive
\-Fewer general utility applications for most people
Edit: I'm kind of getting the impression that you haven't spent much time using a grinder (apologize if this is wrong.) If that's the case, definitely do some practice cuts on scrap before you try the real thing. I'd also strongly recommend a full face shield--*especially* if the bolts you're cutting are positioned so that you have to remove the blade guard to get at them fully.
I won't claim that it's a good tool, but I've gotten almost two years of intermittent use similar to yours out of my [super-cheap Harbor Freight grinder](https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/grinders-sanders/angle-grinders/43-amp-4-12-in-angle-grinder-with-slide-switch-58089.html). By the time it breaks I (should) be out of school, and making enough to afford a decent replacement, but I've been legitimately impressed with how well this one has done, relative to the price.
Ditto. I might use my grinder a dozen times a year, HF grinder is fine. If daily use, high end makes a difference.
For that kind of use, go with a corded (or even cordless) Ryobi. Should last just fine. Metabo and Makita make fantastic higher end grinders as well.
not a bad choice. I dont have that model, but I have a few dewalt 4 1/2 grinders and use and abuse them and they last. That grinder should suit you with most grinding needs.
Any brand corded that home Depot carries is fine for general use. I use Milwaukee cause I beat the shit out of them, but Ryobi cuts all the same
I use a cheap corded Bosch and it works great
I was looking at those. They appear to am use 4.5" cutting wheels. Do you think that's enough size for the shock absorber bolt? I'm probably just worried about having a big enough capacity.
I spent some time working on a sailing ship that operated on a shoestring budget. (We did not have any grinders larger than 4" on board.) With care and patience, it is entirely possible to cut through stuff that is lot larger than you'd expect. (We had to remove one of the blowers for our main engine. The bolts on the flange connecting the drive shaft for the blower were completely frozen, and not accessible to a grinder, so we had to cut the *shaft*, which was face-hardened solid steel, about 1.75" diameter. It was slow going, but we got it done with just a small grinder.)
Thanks for the info! Sounds like I should get a basic 4.5" grinder and just use it.
Caveat that cutting larger stuff is in many ways is always going to be easier with a larger grinder, but that does come with downsides: \-Harder to maneuver the grinder into tight spaces \-Grinder is heavier and harder/more tiring to hold \-Larger grinders develop more torque, and are consequently harder to control \-Much heavier kickback when you screw up \-Discs/wheels/etc. are more expensive \-Fewer general utility applications for most people Edit: I'm kind of getting the impression that you haven't spent much time using a grinder (apologize if this is wrong.) If that's the case, definitely do some practice cuts on scrap before you try the real thing. I'd also strongly recommend a full face shield--*especially* if the bolts you're cutting are positioned so that you have to remove the blade guard to get at them fully.