buying a grinder...need advice

Malibu97 · 12-09-2008, 10:16 AM

From my previous posts, most know that I have some small repairs to do. The surface area on the largest repair is than a 1/2 square foot and features some corners.

Going to go with 2" or 3" discs to grind prior to retabbing a section.

Should I use my dewalt drill, buy are smaller air powered angle grinder, or buy an electric grinder.

I do have a compressor. The electric seems kind of big to me for the job I am doing.

Thanks for the response.

Here is the area I am grinding:

http://i509.photobucket.com/albums/s...h/DSCN0281.jpg

stageharbor · 12-09-2008, 10:28 AM

I would suggest a small air powered right angle grinder. You can buy mandrels for 1 2 or 3 inch discs.

johnny g · 12-09-2008, 01:51 PM

I changed the transom and stringers on a 15 foot. I went through three grinders from Harber Freight. They were cheap though, like 10 bucks each. They were 3" electric and very light. Your gonna tear up what ever you use so the cheap ones worked for me.

phragle · 12-09-2008, 02:27 PM

yep, get a right angle die grinder from harbor frieght. mine is going on 6 years trouple free. then get the mandrel and 3m twist lock discs, while your at harbor frieght get a decent respirator/mask, you dont want to be breathing the dust. pick up some of the twistlock scotchbrite pads for it too, you will find it a very handy thing to have around.

Malibu97 · 12-09-2008, 04:14 PM

Thanks for all the responses.

I am going to head over to Harbor Freight this weekend and pick up an "angled mini air die grinder" for $19. You can get a pad and 36 grit discs for another $10.

I will pick up a respirator also.

I think I am going to document and post pics as I go.

320es · 12-09-2008, 09:37 PM

GO buy a Ryobi 4" grinder at Home depot. I have mine for several years and have ground on ALOT of fiberglass, and metal and it just won't die. It was only $30 too.

320es · 12-09-2008, 09:38 PM

I didn't look at the picture. a little air grinder would definately work better there.

monstaaa · 12-10-2008, 10:33 AM

dont forget to lather yourself with baby powder before you start . this will greatly reduce the aftermath of itchyness that comes from grinding fiberglass.

Malibu97 · 12-10-2008, 11:00 AM

I am planning on running a vaccuum right next to the grinder to minimize the mess. I will be covered head to toe and have a good respirator.

Malibu97 · 12-17-2008, 12:09 PM

Well I bought a Central Pneumatic angled grinder for $14 and tested it out this weekend. I am glad I bought it and looking foward to repairing a portion of the tabbing in my boat.

Just waiting for a warm weekend.