angle grinder size

["George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>]

Hi Norman,
I bought a new grinder yesterday. Old faithful died happy, doing it's best
to turn stone to dust.
The grinder that works best for me has to have the 5\8ths X11 arbor because
all of the grinding and cutting blades that I use , are made to screw onto
that size arbor.
I've gotten used to 5000 rpm's, and don't see any reason to go any faster.
It's fast enough to keep the carborundum grinding wheels level as I use
them. The diamond saw blades and grinders also seem to last a very long
time. I haven't had a problem with glazing or burning off the diamonds.
The amps size of the motor is very important to me. 15 amps gives me enough
power to put pressure on the stone and not loose rpm's. My grinder is not a
variable speed model. The heavy work this tool does does not need that kind
of light touch. I want it to go full speed all the time.
The weight is also a factor. I like to have the weight of the tool helping
me. 10 pounds of grinder helps counteract the push and pull of the blades
when you are cutting.
I have a sander\polisher that does all the delicate work. RPM's is 1300 so
it doesn't tear up sanding discs. It also has the standard 5\8thsX11 arbor,
so I can screw on a hard felt polishing wheel. Even though it has a much
slower rpm, the 15 amp motor,(i think) has enough power to keep moving when
I'm putting a lot of pressure on it.
The smaller grinders can be real handy if you are doing  light work in tight
places. The big grinder will really tire you out after a few hours.
It is very important to have wheels that are made for the rpm's that your
grinder runs at.
The beast II cost me $201.00 on sale. Regular price was $350.00. I got lucky
and got a great deal. It pay's to shop around!
I hesitate to drop brand names, but if you talk to any of the big stone tool
dealer, you can't go wrong.
Good luck,and hey,,, it's only money!
George Graham
http://www.grahamsculpturestudio.com