Right Angle Die Grinders for Surfboard Glassing

I have worked in the air tool business for the past six years.... When it comes to pneumatic tools there are two different grades of quality to keep in mind... In the business we seperate them into quality classes by the terms "Vehicle Service / Maintenance Grade" and "Industrial Production Grade".


Vehicle Service / Automotive / Maintenance Grade Die Grinders:


Typically your vehicle service / automotive type tools are imported from Asia. These types of tools frequently feature lower quality cast parts and are essentially "disposable" once they break. Not to say that these aren't okay for sanding the occasional lap, but keep in mind that once they break, they are virtually non-rebuildable. A few examples of decent "throw away" die grinders are the Ingersoll Rand #301 and the Ingersoll Rand #3102. Both spin at 20,000 RPM's and feature 1/4" collets that accept quick lock sanding disc mandrels. The #301 is ultra no frills, but is super light and compact. Don't pay much more than $50 bucks for it. What seperates the #3102 from the #301 is a slightly higher horsepower motor (.33 HP vs. .25 HP) and a composite handle which features better ergonomics and less cold transfer to your arm. The #3102 also has all ball bearing construction. A fair price for the #3102 is about $140.00. Both tools are made in China for Ingersoll Rand. I would stay away from the Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic private label brand unless you are really really on a tight budget... Here is some more info on the #301 and #302:


http://www.intlairtool.com/products/Ingersoll-Rand-%233102-Die-Grinder.html

http://www.intlairtool.com/products/Ingersoll-Rand-%23301-Right-Angle-Die-Grinder.html


Industrial Production Grinders:


For any of you hardcore production glassers out there that want a 100% rebuildable American made tool for the long haul, go with the Ingersoll Rand G1A200RG4. This tool features all ball bearing construction and machined steel components.These are the same grinders they use in the ship yards and machine shops. The G1A200RG4 spins at 20,000 RPM's, has a 1/4" collet and puts out .33 HP. When it's time to rebuild it, you simply put in a new set of composite phenolic motor vanes and possibly some new bearings available from any industrial distributor. You can literally tear down the motor section of this tool in 60 seconds. Here's the bad part... One of these bad boys will run you close to $500. Check out this link for more info:


http://www.intlairtool.com/products/G1-Series-Industrial-Angle-Die-Grinder.html


In summary, you can either choose to buy throw away tools and replace them frequently or cry one time and buy the dank goods... Either way, to ensure maximum life, be sure to place a few drops of oil in the air inlet of the tool each day before use... Lastly, be sure you are running good clean air at 90 PSI so you get maximum horespower...


Hope this was useful...

Ace King (mark)

San Diego, CA

Not here for a long time, just a good time...