Tool Dilema

[Dennis]

I pretty much need (like I "need" any tools) a die grinder to finish my poor welds on my xs650 hardtail.  I have a small and noisy air compressor which comes on with the slightest drop in pressure in the tank.  I was at Prince Auto today and they have a 1/4" pneumatic die grinder kit (whole bunch of bits etc)  on sale for $17.  Thats right.  Its on sale for $16.95.

I have fallen into the cheap tool trap more times than I care to admit, and I am tempted to do it again.

I also have the latest KMS Tools catalogue.  They have an electric Makita (good make) die grinder on sale for $159 (down from $199).

Pro & Cons?  Sucumb to temptation or do what I beleive is right?

Peace & Dilemas, Dennis

[fj1200]

Air grinders tend to be quite small where-as electric ones are pretty big.  I have both and tend to use the air for most things.  But if I really want to push hard then it's the electric. So in the end, I guess you should solve your dilemma by buying both. 

[MaximX]

I understand your question....If you plan doing a lot of grinding the better tool is probably the way to go as it should last.  However when the PA item blows up you can simply take it back for another over and over again as that is their policy by the looks of it...If you like visiting PA that may work out well...and who knows you may even get one that works for a while.

[benwaechter]

I on occasion buy Princess Auto air tools (die grinder, and a air hammer) and use them fairly regularly at work. So if this is for one project, or even two, and you may use it for an hour or two then save the cash and grab the $17 one. You can get 5 for the price of the good one and I doubt you will ever burn up that many.

[Rusty Bucket]

The compressor, of course, is key;  if you are balanced precariously on the edge of buying a big(ger) compressor, then the air tools make sense;  no air, no air tools.  Jeff and I have been debating this (electric vs. air grinders)  for some time now - I like the cable driven electric 1/4" and 1/8" pencil grinders;  Jeff likes the pneumatic versions.  Unsurprisingly,  Jeff has a big compressor, and I have a small one.  If I was choosing exclusively between the CHEAP versions of each tool - and I had the air - I'd get the air versions, imagining they would last relatively longer than the electric versions.
 

[fast1]

  P.A. die grinders are actually pretty good. My step son who works in the body shop swears by them. That being said I have a very good Mac one you can borrow.  Your current compressor has no hope of keeping up. Mine is the same size as Russ' and a lot of time is spent playing hurry up and wait. This summer I bought an electric 1/4 that worked well until it went down in flames. P.A. gave me my money back. Awkward and bulky, it was however quiet and did away with the aforementioned waiting. Buy both and a bigger compressor-you can never have to many tools. Perfect timing with the wife out of town! CHEERS.

[fj1200]

Lots of comments about not enough air. I have 3 eighty gallon tanks in series. No problem with volume or water. If you have the space behind the shop there are plenty of 60 gallon propane tanks kicking around or you might get lucky and come across a 500 gallon pig, if you are looking.

[Qball]

 as per Fj's comment Ive also had some success when in a pinch instead of buying a bigger compressor just add more storage capacity (large 100 lb propane tanks help, i would love to rig a pig tank!) to store more air.  eventually running like this is likely to burn out you compressor but can sometimes help get you thru till the budgeting dept (aka wife ) approves the expense.  Compressor will kick on and run for a long time but at least you can run your tool for a couple min before you run out of air.  My dad ran this set up for years and my neighbour has a series of them hooked up to an archaic barn find compressor.  honestly it works surprisingly well.   

PS if you go this way, watch your pressures  can turn into a bomb if your not careful.

[british bulldog]

     The old saying is when when you rob Peter you are going to pay Paul some where down the line.

                                                         
                                                           British Bulldog

[Kaw-meister]

its ok, keep your money. or give it back to Peter. I get the feeling that you are nowhere close to giving up Motorcycle building at or near this time in your life. My suggestion would be to indulge yourself with an air comp having no less than 12cfm@90+psi. then all the wonderfull air tools at P.A. will work awesome. and they are inexpensive. if you put a few drops of oil in them once in a while, they will last for years. you will also be able to power a sandblast cabinet, when you decide to expand your toolbox further. Go forth and spend my friend. you aint taking it with you. Happy tool shopping.

[fj1200]

Hey Qball, cool Avatar.     

[Donovan]

My brother who is a mechanic in southern Ontario for a transit company said that they are converting to mostly electric from air.  Maybe they feel saving money on compressors or such is worth the change in machinery. The electric tools also would be much quieter in a busy shop.

[Dennis]

I made the decision to buy the Makita electric.  I went to Amco Wholsale instead of KMS and paid $167.  I also bought a set of crabride bits for $90.  Those were really tough to pay for. 

[Qball]

Hey Qball, cool Avatar.     

Thanks,  long story about it...  will tell all when I see you guys next.  Hopefully I will make it out before vernon.