Angle grinders are a relatively new power tool with a somewhat murky past. There are conflicting reports about who actually invented them, with some giving credit to the German company Ackerman and Schmitt in 1954, while others give credit to Thomas Joseph and claim it was invented in 1973. Either way, they are a newer invention than many of the other commonly used power tools. Angle grinders also go a by a couple of different names. They may be referred to as disc grinders or side grinders.

1. Angle Grinder Vs Sander Tools

Depending on the model, an angle grinder may be powered by compressed air, gasoline, or an electric motor. They are a versatile tool that can be used to cut, grind, sand, or polish materials. For each of these different applications, a specific type of disc will be used. These discs include polishing pads, sanding discs, cut off discs, grinding stones, abrasive discs, wire brush wheels and more.

The disc will be mounted on a geared head that spins at speeds ranging from 4,000 RPM to 12,000 RPM. Most will have an adjustable guard to keep the user safe, and allow for two handed operation. Angle grinders make use of large bearings to counter the side forces generated during cutting.

An angle grinder, also known as a side grinder or disc grinder, is a handheld power tool used for grinding (abrasive cutting) and polishing.Although developed originally as tools for rigid abrasive discs, the availability of an interchangeable power source has encouraged their use with a wide variety of cutters and attachments.

Angle grinders are commonly found in a range of settings from workshops and construction sites to auto garages and emergency rescue situations. Some common uses include grinding rust off of a metal object, cutting through metal or concrete, removing paint, and polishing a range of metal objects. They can also be used for cutting through bricks, tile, and removing excess mortar.

Due to their high versatility rate, angle grinders have become indispensable in industries across the board. To run smoothly, heavy duty industries require power tools that are robust enough to withstand both the task at hand and the tough working environment, yet flexible enough to work in tight spaces.

Electric vs. Pneumatic Angle Grinders

Similar in what they can do, electric and air-powered angle grinders differ safety, versatility, and lifespan. The most notable usage differences between the two are the following:

Easier to Work Withh

As the name suggests, electric tools require electricity to run. These may be helpful with the small workshops where one grinder per outlet is enough. Pneumatic, however, powered by air pressure, allow for a far more convenient usage. One air compressor can be used to power multiple, up to a hundred different pneumatic tools.

Safety

Electric tools mean trouble if coupled with explosive environments. Pneumatic angle grinders are an obvious choice here, particularity with our new sparkless, ignition-free Ex certified tech development. And not just explosive areas, industrial air tools have the edge over electric in many extreme environments, say, an outside rain.

Safety-wise, electric angle grinders are also susceptible to motor burning due to high pressure. Pneumatic ones, on the other hand, make use of a stalling mechanism that prevents any tool burnout.

See a pneumatic angle grinder in action

In this video, you can see how the FCD-6X-51 works. We’re using a Steel Milling Disc, which is also one of our best products. Notice how the entire operation is fast, sparkless, and safe.

Specialization issues

Another notable difference between the two types of grinders is the level of specialization displayed by both types, pneumatic angle grinders being a vastly superior option. Each industry, shipyard, oil, or foundries, has its specific requirements on how they need their metal manipulated, and air grinders can angle towards each of the heavy-duty industry in question.

Versatility

An angle grinder is a multi-layered power tool in that it offers different solutions to different tasks. With a simple wheel adjustment, it completely shifts the scope of its usage. Though different, each blade is applied at a certain angle with an even amount of pressure.

Pneumatic grinders are so widely used precisely because they do so much. That, and their cost-effectiveness. Though pricier initially, air tools more than make up for it down the line by not relying on constant electric energy.

Maintenance

Lasting much longer than electric, there is a way to extend the air grinders’ lifespan from the usual 7-15 years. Heavy industrial usage in a dirty environment will wear them down eventually, but at much slower pace if grinders are oiled daily. Removing the moisture from the air supply will also help greatly.

For Use in Risky Environments

Pneumatic angle grinders are best suited for large, heavy-duty industries where risk-free high power tools are a must. These may include any industry that requires highly specialized working equipment. Some of the industries are:

• railcar manufacturers
• offshore oil platforms
• foundries
• airline sectors
• shipyards
• power plants

Take the shipyards for instance. They present a rather challenging working environment. They mostly require 4″ wheels that can operate in tight spaces while maintaining the power necessary for working.

And speaking of specialized equipment, we recommend the FA-30X-2F air-powered angle grinder as a shining example of a tool tailored towards specifics of shipbuilding use. It’s small, it’s sturdy, with an impressive rotation speed at 13,500 rpm. Working at difficult angles is further supported by a very low vibration that FA-30X-2F exhibits, emphasizing the control operators enjoy handling it.

Get The Right Tool for the Job

Compared to their electric counterparts, air-powered tools are way more flexible and can be used for an extended period of time without the risk of motor burnout. Our angle grinders from TFT Pneumatic are ignition-free and perfectly safe to use in explosive and other extreme work areas.

At TFT-Pneumatic we want to help you get the best tool for your project. Contact us now to talk about ways we can make your job easier.

Angle Grinder Vs Sander Tools

Malwarebytes install with license key. You can rent or purchase any of the tools in our catalog. We also have full work kits so you get more than one tool for a better price. We ship worldwide.