Steve B wrote:

I just returned home after spending my Christmas Home Depot cards. I picked
up a Makita grinder. Usually, the first thing I do is remove the safety
shield. I find it tends to get in the way. However, on this grinder, I
notice that my fingers are pretty close sometimes. I have another, I just
like two so I don't spend time changing from grinder wheel to wire wheel. I
will get a third for sanding.

I have one of those el cheapo muffler hanger air cutoff tools which is basically
a die grinder equipped with a mandrel. It came with a sturdy Lexan guard. I used
it that way for years, then for one job it got in the way. I took it off, had to
destroy it to get it off. Never looked back.

I have a Ryobi G-1155C dating from about '86 which I bought new. It is a real
nice tool. I used it for a real long time with the guard, one time it got in the
way. I took it off, and carefully saved it in the drawer. I have never put it
back on.

I have two Makitas. One has a guard and one not. I haven't monkeyed with those.

I guess I can summarize: I take 'em off sometimes and would put them back on if
I had an awkward job where the grit would fly in my face if I didn't. No big deal.

GWE