An angle grinder is definitely an indispensable tool for a wide range of jobs. Few home craftsmen know that this tool is also needed during welding. Grinding and cutting is typically preparatory step before welding, which helps to quickly remove rust, paint residue, or slag from the metal surface.
After welding, you may also need an angle grinder to give the weld a neat look. All these operations require a powerful and high-quality tool. If you are looking for the best angle grinder for welding, read my article for an overview of 8 top models and a buyer’s guide.
Contents
- 1 Top 8 Best Angle Grinders for Welding Reviewed
- 1.1 1. Makita Angle Grinder: Top Pick
- 1.2 2. CRAFTSMAN Angle Grinder: Runner-Up
- 1.3 3. Metabo Angle Grinder: Premium Pick
- 1.4 4. DeWalt (DCG405B) Angle Grinder: Compact and Lightweight
- 1.5 5. Milwaukee Angle Grinder: Best Ergonomics
- 1.6 6. BOSCH Angle Grinder: Long Battery Life
- 1.7 7. DeWalt (DWE402W) Angle Grinder: Best Dust Protection
- 1.8 8. PORTER-CABLE Angle Grinder: Budget Choice
- 2 Buyer’s Guide: Angle Grinder for Welding
- 3 FAQ on Angle Grinder Welding
- 4 Angle Grinder Will Make Your Welding Perfect
Top 8 Best Angle Grinders for Welding Reviewed
- Makita Angle Grinder ― Top Pick
- CRAFTSMAN Angle Grinder ― Runner-Up
- Metabo Angle Grinder ― Premium Pick
- DeWalt (DCG405B) Angle Grinder
- Milwaukee Angle Grinder
- BOSCH Angle Grinder
- DeWalt (DWE402W) Angle Grinder
- PORTER-CABLE Angle Grinder
Below you can read a detailed review of each of these products. The list was created based on my experience, feedback from my friends, and hundreds of customer opinions on the Internet. All options have high performance and good build quality.
1. Makita Angle Grinder: Top Pick
Specifications:
- Brand: Makita
- Material: Polymer
- Item Dimensions: 8.4 x 13.3 x 5.5 inches
- Style: Grinder, Tool Only
- Power Source: Hand Powered
Makita is a well-known brand that offers high quality at a reasonable cost. I have tested many models from Makita, and this cordless grinder has been one of the most useful for my requirements. To begin with, this angle grinder has the power of a corded tool. You can grind and cut a wide variety of materials, from concrete to steel. Of course, this machine copes quickly with preparing metal for welding and grinding the weld.
The motor has no brushes, which means longer life and less heat. The grinder has a soft start function, and AFT technology turns off the motor when the disc jams. This model fits 4 1/2″ and 5″ wheels.
The no-load speed of this tool is 8,500 RPM. The tool is compatible with Makita 18 V lithium-ion 3, 4, or 5 Ah batteries (with a Star symbol). The more amp-hours, the longer it will work. I have two 3 A batteries, and this volume is enough for me to do different jobs during the day.
- Energy-efficient motor;
- Average weight (5.6 lbs with battery);
- Ergonomic design;
- There is a battery indicator;
- Automatic speed adjustment during operation for optimal performance.
- Battery and charger are sold separately.
2. CRAFTSMAN Angle Grinder: Runner-Up
Specifications:
- Brand: Craftsman
- Item Dimensions: 12.27 x 3.45 x 4.43 inches
- Item Weight: 4.56 Pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
This is a great option for home repairs and small loads in workshops. It’s reasonably priced and does the job for which it’s designed. No frills, just decent quality.
My friend uses this corded tool in his small garage workshop for a range of jobs, including sanding welds. He likes that this grinder has a 3-position handle as he is left-handed. The 6 A motor makes it possible to reach speeds of 12,000 RPM. You can use standard 4 ½ inch wheels with this model.
A friend noted that changing wheels is very easy and requires no tools. Overall, the model has amazing build quality for such a low price. Customer reviews on the Internet also say that this angle grinder is reliable for grinding and cutting various materials. The only significant disadvantage is a fairly strong vibration under load.
- Affordable price;
- Decent build quality;
- Ergonomic design.
- Strong vibration under load.
3. Metabo Angle Grinder: Premium Pick
Specifications:
- Brand: Metabo
- Material: Polyamide PA6GF35 and die-cast aluminum
- Item Dimensions: 11.4 x 2.88 x 12 inches
- Style: Angled
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Angle grinders from the Metabo brand are popular among both home craftsmen and professionals. I know a team of craftsmen who work in the welding/fabrication shop. Their collection of tools is subjected to daily challenges: heavy workloads, dust, and metal shavings are everywhere.
Also, many craftsmen often drop tools and step on them. In this regime, this corded Metabo grinder continues to work like new, withstanding all the loads. This can be explained by the fact that the model is made in Germany, an indicator of high-quality and successful engineering solutions.
The grinder provides a speed of 10,500 RPM. This model fits 4 ½” discs. During long use, the motor does not heat up, which guarantees a long service life.
My friends from the workshop noted the convenience and ease of use of the switch. The manufacturer has also added a safety feature triggered when it gets jammed and protects you from injury. Wheels can be changed quickly, even without using tools, which is very important for professionals.
- Does not heat up during long use;
- Easy wheel change;
- Runs smoothly and relatively quietly;
- Made in Germany.
- High price.
4. DeWalt (DCG405B) Angle Grinder: Compact and Lightweight
Specifications:
- Brand: DEWALT
- Material: Blend
- Item Dimensions: 12.9 x 6.3 x 4.9 inches
- Style: Angled
- Power Source: Battery Powered
The DeWalt brand always offers its customers decent quality models at a reasonable price. I tested this angle grinder for a month. It has excellent performance for a 4 ½” tool with a battery.
The speed is 9,000 RPM. I’ve sanded wood and cut 3/4″ bolts with no problem, so any sheet metal work will be a joke. Please note that this is a great option for daily use if you have several 20 V 5 Ah batteries. The options with a lower capacity will have a very short battery life.
The model is compact and lightweight (3.75 pounds without a battery). The build quality is top: the motor has no brushes, which increases the service life and prevents overheating. The gearbox gears are made of steel. The manufacturer has added safety features.
One is a kickback brake that quickly stops the grinder when a bind-up or pinch is detected. Also, after a power failure, your instrument is protected against accidental restart. During testing, I did not have to observe the protection action. However, I know some people who have been spared a trip to the hospital due to these features.
- Small-sized;
- There are safety features;
- High-quality details.
- For intensive loads, you need to have 2-3 high-capacity batteries;
- Battery and charger are sold separately.
5. Milwaukee Angle Grinder: Best Ergonomics
Specifications:
- Brand: Milwaukee
- Item Dimensions: 15 x 8 x 3 inches
- Style: Angled
- Power Source: Cordless
This fuel model is excellent for those who prefer cordless options. It’s powerful enough to handle tough wood, metal, concrete, and more jobs, while still allowing you to work anywhere without being tied to a power source.
You will need to buy an 18 V battery and a charger separately; they are not included in the kit. My sister bought this instrument 5 years ago as a gift for her husband. The grinder is still working properly, thanks to the brushless motor and decent build quality. The side handle is comfortable and dampens vibration, keeping the user’s arms healthy.
This model is compatible with 4 ½” and 5″ discs. The machine’s weight sits in the middle: it’s neither too light nor too heavy (5.3 pounds). The performance is quite high, as the angle grinder speed is 8,500 RPM.
- Comfortable anti-vibration handle;
- Brushless motor;
- Reliable tool at a reasonable price.
- Battery and charger are sold separately.
6. BOSCH Angle Grinder: Long Battery Life
Specifications:
- Battery Amp Hour: 2.6
- Cut-off Disc: 4-1/2″
- RPM: 10000
- Battery Chemistry: Lithium Ion
- Battery Voltage: 18-Volt
If you are looking for a proven and reliable brand, BOSCH is definitely one of them. This model is powered by an 18 V lithium-ion battery, and its main advantage is a longer service life compared to similar tools.
My friend, who has been a metalworker for many years, prefers this angle grinder to others for cutting and grinding metal. The motor with 4 brushes provides a speed of 10,000 RPM. The manufacturer has added restart protection, which is an important safety feature. The handle can be set in 2 positions for ease of operation.
The discs with a diameter of 4 ½ inches are compatible with this grinder. The disadvantage of this option is that the guard is not very convenient to install and adjust.
- Model from a reliable brand;
- There is restart protection;
- Longer BOSCH battery life compared to other models;
- Compact size.
- Battery and charger are sold separately;
- Uncomfortable guard.
7. DeWalt (DWE402W) Angle Grinder: Best Dust Protection
Specifications:
- Brand: DEWALT
- Material: Heat-Treated
- Item Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 15 inches
- Style: Angled
- Power Source: Air Powered
Another reliable model from the DeWalt brand. Suitable for both home craftsmen and professionals. The 11 A motor provides high performance and 11,000 RPM speed. The manufacturer has also equipped the grinder with a dust ejection system, significantly increasing the tool’s life.
This is especially important for workshops and large factories, where tools often break due to dust and metal particles accumulating. My friends use this model for heavy grinding and cutting work in a workshop. For three years of use, they did not have serious issues. However, the cord is a bit short, and you should buy an extension cord.
The paddle switch works well, and the guard is easy to adjust and remove. This model comes with a hex wrench, which is used for faster wheel changes and saves professionals a lot of time. Any disc with a diameter of 4 ½ inches is suitable for the tool.
- Dust protection;
- Easy wheel change;
- Powerful and solid.
- The cord may be short for your needs.
8. PORTER-CABLE Angle Grinder: Budget Choice
Specifications:
- Brand: PORTER-CABLE
- Material: Metal
- Item Dimensions: 15.31 x 6 x 6 inches
- Style: Grinder Tool
- Power Source: Battery Powered
A grinder is a tool needed in every home to perform different tasks. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a professional model, check out this option from PORTER-CABLE. It has a minimum price but, at the same time, decent quality.
The grinder perfectly copes with grinding and cutting different materials. The tool speed is 8,500 RPM. It is compatible with 4 ½” wheels. Heat is dissipated by the die-cast metal housing of the gearbox.
I bought this product for my relative 8 years ago, and it still works. I do not think that it is suitable for professionals and heavy workloads. The tool is relatively quiet, and its 3-position handle makes operation easy for both left and right-handers.
- Low cost;
- Decent build quality;
- Suitable for jobs with different materials.
- Little bulky;
- Battery and charger are sold separately.
Buyer’s Guide: Angle Grinder for Welding
Preparing the metal for welding and finishing the weld are important steps to obtain a quality result. With a wire brush and sandpaper, all your projects can take forever. Therefore, pay attention to the following characteristics when choosing your ideal angle grinder.
1. Power
Generally, corded models have more power than battery-powered tools. The output power potential of a cordless grinder is expressed in Volts (V), while a corded model’s power is expressed in Amps (A).
Most corded angle grinders on the market have a motor with an amperage from 6 to 11 AMPs. The voltage of battery models is usually 18-20 V, but it can be more. The larger the angle grinder (the size depends on the diameter of the disc), the more powerful it is.
2. Size and weight
The grinder size is the diameter of the wheel that can be used with the tool. The 4 ½” and 5″ models are suitable for most polishing, grinding, and cutting tasks. They are not too heavy (about 4–6 pounds), maneuverable, and powerful enough to work with concrete and metal. Huge models up to 9″ are commonly used in the industry.
Think about how long you need to work with the grinder. The lower weight of the model gives more control and is important if you work for several hours a day.
3. Control
Working with metal requires complete control over the actions. You must minimize accidental situations to maintain your health, avoid tool breakage and not deform the material. Some details, such as the paddle switch and charging indicator (in battery models), give you control over the process.
Ergonomic design is an advantage that allows for increased control as such tools are more comfortable to use. Some automatic functions (restart/overheat protection) are part of the electronics and are your helpers.
4. Accuracy
Accuracy is essential for the best results and safety. The too-heavy and bulky tool is also inconvenient if you need to do delicate work. The grinder should not vibrate too much. Minimal vibration guarantees not only accuracy, but also the health of your hands.
5. Blade
Standard grinders have a speed of 5,000 to 10,000 RPM and are designed for grinding and cutting. Different applications will require different wheels (wire, flap, diamond cutting, wood carving, wood cutting, concrete grinding, cut-off, and grinding discs) for different applications. The polishing disc is not suitable for grinding. Also, note that smaller diameter discs (4-4 ½”) are safer at high speeds.
6. Safety
Safety functions are one of the priorities for power tools, especially when working with metal. Manufacturers offer many additional features, such as a protective cover and soft start.
Brushless motors tend to overheat less, which means there is less chance of the tool smoking at high loads. Look for models with restart protection. Many options also turn off when a jam is detected. These features can protect you from injury.
7. Disc speed
Disc speed is measured in revolutions per minute. Please note that you cannot exceed the recommended maximum speed for a particular disc. Violation of this safety rule can lead to heating and, as a result, deformation of the material with which you work.
Part of the wheel can also break off and injure you. If the maximum speed of the disc is 8,500 RPM, and your grinder is running at 11,500 RPM, you cannot use this disc for safety reasons.
FAQ on Angle Grinder Welding
What should be an angle grinder for welding: I answer the most common questions.
How to use an angle grinder for welding?
The grinder is used for preparatory work before welding, for example, for cleaning metal from old paint and rust. It’s also an indispensable tool if you need to sand down a messy weld.
What size of angle grinder should I get for welding?
The 4 ½” and 5″ tool is suitable for welding workshops. It is more maneuverable, lightweight, and powerful enough for heavy workloads. Larger sizes may be needed in production, where it is necessary to process many metal sheets.
How powerful is an angle grinder for welding?
The best angle grinder for welders is a tool with sufficient speed and power to cut and grind metal. Its wattage should be about 1,000 Watts or more.
Angle Grinder Will Make Your Welding Perfect
The number of tasks that can be solved with the help of a grinder is very large. It is indispensable for welders, carpenters, plumbers, and locksmiths. I recommend the Makita XAG04Z Angle Grinder. This is a model of exceptional quality from a well-known brand.
Below are the main characteristics of the top models in the form of a table.
Best angle grinder for welding ― Comparison table
| Best Angle Grinders for Welding | Power Source | Weight | Disc Diameter | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita Angle Grinder | Battery | 4.8 pounds | 4 ½", 5" | 8,500 RPM |
| CRAFTSMAN Angle Grinder | Corded | 4.56 pounds | 4 ½" | 12,000 RPM |
| Metabo Angle Grinder | Corded | 5.28 pounds | 4 ½" | 10,500 RPM |
| DeWalt (DCG405B) Angle Grinder | Battery | 3.75 pounds | 4 ½" | 9,000 RPM |
| Milwaukee Angle Grinder | Battery | 5.3 pounds | 4 ½", 5" | 8,500 RPM |
| BOSCH Angle Grinder | Battery | 5 pounds | 4 ½" | 10,000 RPM |
| DeWalt (DWE402W) Angle Grinder | Air-powered (corded) | 6 pounds | 4 ½" | 11,000 RPM |
| PORTER-CABLE Angle Grinder | Battery | 7 pounds | 4 ½" | 8,500 RPM |
What grinder features are essential for you? Share your opinion in the comments.
“A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”
