On Fri, 15 May 2009 18:42:47 -0400, Wes wrote:

My utility trailer's powder coat is flaking off and I was thinking of repainting it. An
angle grinder with a wire brush seemed like the plan for preparing the surfaces.

I don't do a lot of welding at home, my Miller 35S has been borrowed out for 3 years and
any small welding I can do at work. Someday that may change.

So what I'm looking for is an angle grinder that would be decent if welding at home comes
back on my agenda. If I just wanted to strip the frame, the Home Depot Ryobi at 40 bucks
would get the vote.

Some have side switches, other lever deadman types. 5/8" arbors seems to be the common
denominator.

We have a few Dewalt angle grinders that have lived on with the lever type switch, seem a
bit noisy but work.

So, what models that I can find at home depot, menards, or amazon would you recommend? 90
bucks top price. I'm part Dutch. (cheap)

Wes

I've used a bunch of different types and quality of 4" grinders over
the years. I'm generally a big fan of cheap stuff, especially for
low-use tools. But my angle grinders get used a lot, and the premium
for a good one is relatively little and well worth paying in my
opinion. I have two makitas, one an oldy that's had at least two
bearing and brush replacements, and one switch replacement. The other
is newer, only about 10 years old, and it's the smaller diameter, oval
barrel design. Both are side switch types. The lever switches are
horrible. They make the body bulkier and force you to maintain a
sometimes uncomfortable grip. Homeowners seem to love them though, and
maybe they're no worse if all your work is downhand. They also might
be a good idea for companies with careless employees.

Wayne