Mastering the art of wood carving is not a walk in the park. It can take years to learn, making it a bit daunting to get into. If you’re looking to start carving, then having a good set of power tools can be a blessing.
Having the best angle grinder for wood carving is essential when learning to wood carve. Angle grinders can be extremely useful tools for every type of carver, from beginners to professionals. They allow you to cut precise pieces of wood into shapes you might struggle to achieve otherwise. But choosing the best one to buy can be challenging.
In this guide, we will talk about the best angle grinder for your next DIY project.
Best Angle Grinders For Wood Carving
Angle grinders come in various sizes, power levels, and price points, but they all share two things in common – high quality and ease of operation. To make your job easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best angle grinders that you can use to kickstart your woodworking endeavors. So without further ado, let’s get grinding.
1. Makita 9557PBX1 Angle Grinder
Makita’s 9557PBX1 angle grinder is an affordable way to get started with your professional-grade grinders. This powerful tool has a smaller footprint than most competitors and can be used as a bench top grinder or mounted on a workbench for extended service.
The ergonomic handle provides excellent control over the tool, while the lock-on feature ensures continuous, uninterrupted performance. These tools are built to withstand heavy-duty applications, providing reliable long-term performance.
When it comes to weight, Makita is much lighter compared to other quality grinders on the market, weighing only 4.5 grams. This makes it one of the best options for beginners.
It is powered by a 7.5 amp electric motor with an RPM of 11,000. For woodworking, these stats are more than enough, allowing you to shape and smooth the wood surface efficiently.
In terms of advantages, Makita has a lot to brag about.
- Its compact design, made of aluminum and plastic, makes it quite easy to handle, all the while preventing any dust or debris from entering the internal components.
- If something does enter the internal components, then the Makita has a solution for that as well. You can buy a Makita dust extraction shroud (sold separately). For heavy-duty projects, this can be a good option to go with.
- To top it all off, Makita’s lightweight and high RPM make it one of the best deals on the market.
- While Makita’s 9557PBX1 is quite good in most aspects, its main issue is the barrel grip.
- Being made of plastic and aluminum means that it can build up too much heat if used for a long time. As a result, you will need to either take a break or risk getting burnt.
- It does not support the option to vary the RPM. This can be a major issue when working on intricate details of design, where you wouldn’t want to accidentally over-smooth the surface.
Specifications
- Corded Electric
- Maximum Rotational Speed: 11,000 RPM
- 1-year Warranty
- 120 Voltage
Includes
- 4-1/2″ Diamond Blade Turbo
- 4-1/2″ Grinding Wheel
- 4-1/2″ Wheel Guard 4-1/2″
- Cut-Off Wheel Guard
- Lock Nut
- Lock Nut Wrench
- Side HandleInner FlangeCase
2. Craftsman V20 Angle Grinder
Craftsman power tools are known worldwide for their quality and durability. They have been engineered specifically to work on a wide variety of tasks. These include demanding, high-volume environments like construction sites, factories, or shops where they can be used day after day without sacrificing performance.
The Craftsman V20 angle grinder has been built to exacting standards, providing superior power and control for aggressive grinding and cutting jobs around your home. It comes equipped with a cast iron housing, which protects the motor and gears from heat build-up, ensuring long-lasting performance.
The V20 is also the only cordless angle grinder on our list, making it not only durable but also extremely versatile and easy to carry.
In terms of motor, the Craftsman V20 has an 8500 RPM motor with a battery that can last up to two hours.
- Perhaps the biggest advantage of the Craftsman V20 is its cordless design. Compared to standard angle grinders, it can be much more versatile and easier to carry, thus allowing it to be used in places without a power supply.
- The cast iron housing works well to prevent heat from building up.
- While having a battery-powered angle grinder is useful in terms of versatility, it needs to be charged. This essentially compromises the ability to work for long sessions as it won’t work more than 2 hours.
- The 8500 RPM motor isn’t as strong as the other products on this list, which gives them an edge.
- The biggest issue with it comes in terms of accessories. This is because the battery and charger are sold separately, instantly making it a questionable product to buy.
Specifications
- Cordless electric
- Maximum rotational speed: 8500 RPM
- 1-year warranty
- 20 voltage
Includes
- (1) CMCG400 small angle grinder
- (1) Grinding guard
- (1) Grinding wheel
Note: Spanner Wrench Battery and charger sold separately.
3. Metabo HPT G12SR4 Angle Grinder
Metabo’s angle grinders are built to last – designed with a rugged cast aluminum body and powerful motors with heavy-duty bearings. If you are looking for a power tool that doesn’t blow a hole in your pocket, then the HPT G12SR4 could be a good choice to opt for.
The HPT series has been tested to withstand over 40,000 cycles and can be used in harsh environments like concrete, asphalt, brick, mortar, steel, and more. With its unique diamond-cut ground cutting edge, it provides high performance, low maintenance, and long life.
Weighing only four pounds, the Metabo HPT can be a good choice for using at home. Additionally, its rubber grip makes it quite optimal when used for long sessions.
The Metabo HPT G12SR4 angle grinder comes with a carrying case, wrench, handle protector guard, and extra cutting wheels. In terms of money to value, Metabo is the way to go.
- The Metabo HPT is exceptionally good for handling due to its rubber grip. This also means that you won’t risk getting a burn by using it for extended periods.
- In terms of money, it is a pretty good option as well, costing only $39.
- The main issue with the grinder is its spindle housing. Since it is made of plastic, there is a risk of overheating which may affect its working.
Specifications
- Corded electric
- Maximum rotational speed: 10,000 RPM
- 5-year warranty
- 120 voltage
Includes
- (1) G12SR4 grinder
- (1) Wheel guard
- (1) Side handle
- (1) Spanner wrench
- (1) Case
- (5) Abrasive depressed center wheels
4. Black + Decker BDEG400 Angle Grinder
Black Decker’s BDEG400 3-Position side handle angle grinder is compact and built for heavy-duty use. The frame design includes three position handles and a spindle lock system for convenient access to accessories and components. This model’s small size includes a handy metal case, which protects the tool while making it easier to store when not in use.
The included 4.5-inch steel blade is neither too big nor too small. This makes it ideal for cutting through stubborn materials like concrete or plastic while still being easy to use in tight spaces.
It also includes an innovative safety guard feature for maximum protection while performing this job.
The Black + Decker BDEG400 4.5-inch angle grinder tool offers high performance for your toughest jobs around the home or shop. The compact design makes it easy to store and transport. A convenient side handle allows you to work comfortably while standing up. This model has a powerful 10,000 RPM motor with an extra long spindle lock for easy accessory changes. The product comes with a metal grinding wheel, spanner wrench, and wheel guard.
- The adjustable side handle provides a lot of control when working on small projects. Similarly, its three-position handle placement is great for those who may need to work in tight spaces.
- In its essence, the BDEG400 offers an exceptionally good experience while only costing around $29. Now that’s a steal.
- Although on paper, the BDEG400 has few issues, users often report heating issues when using it. This isn’t likely to be a problem, but if you’re using it for a long time, then you’d essentially risk burning the motor.
- Additionally, the build quality seems to be compromised in terms of power cables, but considering the price tag, it should be expected.
Specifications
- Corded electric
- Maximum rotational speed: 10,000 RPM
- 2-year warranty
- 120 voltage
Includes
- 4-1/2″ small angle grinder
- Metal grinding wheel
- Spanner wrench
5. Bosch 1375A Angle Grinder
Designed with extreme functionality and durability, the BOSCH 1375A compact angle grinder is an excellent addition to your shop. It weighs approximately 3.75 pounds and is wired for safety.
The angle grinder tool has a powerful six-amp motor that provides up to 11,000 RPM. This makes it perfect for all types of jobs, such as grinding, cutting, sanding, and polishing materials, including wood, plastic, and tile.
With a two-position side handle, this quality grinder can be used both vertically and horizontally. In terms of convenience, it uses a “Brush System” that essentially stops the tool when it requires maintenance. This is quite useful when working for lengthy sessions.
All in all, the 1371A model is steady, durable, and powerful. The package comes with a burst protection guard, auxiliary handle, flange kit, wrench, and a 4.5-inch abrasive grinding wheel. In terms of quality, Bosch is the way to go.
- Although the angle grinder is a bit expensive compared to other options, it makes up for it due to its features. These include a lock-on button, an adjustable side handle, and a contoured handle, all the while being easy to grip.
- To top it all off, it also comes with a one-year warranty.
- Bosch 1375A’s main issue is the fact that it cant be used for tasks that require a lot of work.
Specifications
- Corded electric
- Maximum rotational speed: 11,000 RPM
- 1-year warranty
- 127 voltage
Includes
- (2) 4-1/2-Inch angle grinders
- (2) grinding wheel guards
- (2) Auxiliary Handles
- (2) inner (clamping) flanges
- (2) outer (round nut) flanges
- (2) spanner wrenches
- (2) 4.5-inch abrasive grinding wheels
Best Grinding Wheel Disc for Angle Grinder
A grinding wheel disc is a key accessory for your angle grinder tool. Without it, you won’t be able to cut anything properly.
To make your job easier, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best grinding wheel discs to get for your angle grinder.
1. OBA Grinder Wheel Disc
OBA’s disc wheel is a 4-inch wood shaping wheel that is the ideal replacement for your old metal grinding discs. It is essentially made for angle grinders with a 5/8” Arbor.
The disc itself is made of high-quality titanium steel that is both strong and durable. It will provide long-lasting service and give you the best results possible while maintaining value over time.
The unique shape of the disc wheel allows for maximum grinding capacity to reduce the amount of material loss. The surface texture of the disc wheel provides superior grating, making it easier to control and maneuver when cutting through materials like wood, granite, concrete, tile, etc.
- The OBA grinder disc wheel’s durability, shape, and use of premium materials make it an absolute steal in terms of quality.
- Because the disc has a large surface area, it can be quite difficult to control for beginners. Many times, it can cut off extra chunks of wood, thus requiring a steady grip.
- The biggest con, however, is its price as it can be quite expensive in comparison to other wheel discs.
Specifications
- Compatible material: wood
- Material: Titanium
- Compatible with all angle grinders
- Size: 1’4 inch
- Compatible Arbor: 5/8 inch
Includes
- (1) OBA Grinder wheel disc
2. Graff Wood Carving Disc
GRAFF’s 4-inch disc is a unique shape of semi-flat design that allows you to easily level the uneven surfaces of your workpiece.
This disc can be used to create a precise edge between two pieces of wood, make a decorative notch, or simply remove any rough edges on your piece. It also works extremely well for flat surfaces.
In terms of compatibility, the Graff wood carving disc works with nearly all the angle grinders, including the M10 arbor, 5/8, and 4 1/2”.
- Graff’s unique design makes it ideal for a multitude of purposes, including smoothening and sharpening.
- In terms of compatibility, it can work with nearly all the angle grinders out there.
- While the carving wheel has very few negative reviews by users, safety concerns stand out with it.
- This is especially true when working at high RPMs of 12000 and above, as it can cause severe injury if mishandled. We suggest using safety goggles and going over all the necessary safety precautions when working with this abrasive disc.
Specifications
- Compatible material: wood
- Material: Tungsten carbide
- Size: 4-inch (100 mm) – Flat+Curved
- Compatible Arbor: 7/8’’, 5/8’’
Includes
- (1) Graff Wood grinder wheel disc
Conclusion
When starting your woodworking journey, having a handheld power tool is a must, and you’ll want the best angle grinder you can find. However, depending on your needs, the choice can vary. What would the correct disc size be for your project? And more importantly, should it be a corded angle grinder or a cordless one?
Similarly, consider the motor power as well. Some angle grinders have a 7.5-amp motor while others have an 11-amp motor. Depending on your needs, the power will vary. We suggest you don’t go for the largest motor, however, but for the one that fits your needs.
Also, always consider the safety features that the angle grinder tool comes with. That brings us to the end of this guide, where we talked about the best angle grinders to choose from. Thank you for reading.