care and feeding of angle grinders

[dondougan@zzzzzzzz]

Paul,

You've already gotten good replies about checking the brushes, but I would
add that YES blowing out the grinder with the air nozzle is a good thing (I
always try to do it at the end of the working day while the grinder is
running without load).

After a couple of years (maybe sooner if you only have the one grinder) I
will dissassemble my grinders and re-grease the gears, apply some 20weight
oil to the bearings, and generally clean the caked-up stuff out of the
housing. The switches go bad also, but they usually either work or not
(although sometimes the get so dirty they don't want to spring off when you
release them).

If I do that maintenance, replace those parts as necessary, then I will take
it to a repair shop - but usually they are going to charge a minimum fee
($50 and up in my experience at different service outlets)just to take it
apart, plus sometimes any further repair charges.

A couple of times with a Heavy-Duty Industrial grade 7½" Black & Decker I
bought new back in 1972 I have taken it in for repairs and they have
replaced the entire motor, a new cord, a new switch all for their minimum
fee (the last time I think it was about $85).  This was less than I could
replace the tool for by about half.  They would have charged the same fee
for a cheaper grade of tool as well.

Hope that helps, Good Carving to You . . .

Don
http://www.dondougan.com