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When it comes to working in fabrication or any other industry that requires the use of power tools in order to get the job done right, there are several different options out on the market for you to choose from. Power tools give mechanics, machinists, welders, and more the ability to optimize the rate at which they produce and the quality of items that they produce.
There are a lot of different power tool options available on the market all of which will vary in terms of power and precision. Depending on the specific type of industry that you’re in, certain power tools will better for you when compared to others. Many power tools can serve the same purpose and achieve the same results which can make deciding on which one is right for you a difficult task.
Before you purchase any power tool, you need to make sure that it can handle your intended workload and capacity so that you’ll be making a long-term investment that will operate smoothly for years to come.
Before buying any power tool, you need to make sure that you look at all of the various aspects and components that it uses in order to function. There are several different components that various cutters and grinders use to function as well which is why you should also pay attention to the signs of quality before buying any power tool.
Main Differences Between Cut Off Tool vs Angle Grinder
The main differences between Cut Off Tool vs Angle Grinder are:
- Cut Off Tool is used for cutting surface, whereas Angle Grinder not only cuts but also shapes surface.
- Cut Off Tool is operated with one hand, whereas Angle Grinder is operated by using both hands.
- Cut Off Tool is less powerful and its motor is 1hp, whereas Angle Grinder is a powerful machine whose motor goes from 3-7hp.
Given all of these various elements at play, it can be quite tiresome trying to read through every instruction manual and feature list just to see which power tool will be the best option for you. Cutting metal is a very intricate process that requires immense attention to detail if you expect to get the quality results you need.
The best power tool fitted for your particular needs will vary depending on the type of metal you’re cutting. Thicke sheets of metal will require more powerful cutters and grinders when compared to thin more malleable pieces of metal.
There are several different cutter and grinder options out on the market that you can select from all of which will help you create the right cut in virtually any piece of metal.
Given all of the different brands and configurations that many cut off tools and grinders come in, there are a lot of different directions that you can go in when it comes to which tool, you’ll use to achieve your ultimate end goal.
This is why it’s so important for you to clearly define your intended goals before buying any power tool. By doing this, you’ll be able to make the correct purchase decision the first time you go out to shop for the right power tools to help you cut metal. Aside from what we’ve already mentioned, there are several other factors that play a role in how efficiently your selected cut off tool will perform.
In this guide, we’re going to go over all of the essential features that you need to look for when choosing whether or not you need an angle grinder or cut off tool.
We’ll go in-depth about every single aspect that you need to consider before making a final purchase decision about which type of tool is optimal for your particular needs as it relates to metal fabrication or cutting. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to confidently shop for the right tool that fits your shop’s needs and it will last a very long time.
Use all of the information in this guide to help lead you in the right direction when it comes to choosing which tool selection is perfect for you.
To begin, we’re going to look at the main differences between angle grinders and cut off tools. While both of these tools essentially perform the same function, the way in which they accomplish those end results vary significantly depending on the specific usage purpose.
Angle Grinders vs Cut-off Tools
Angle Grinders
If you’re fabricating large pieces of metal, angle grinders are the perfect solution for you because they offer the versatility and power that you need. Angle grinders can be fitted with various different attachments expanding the number of possibilities that you have when it comes to fabricating metal the exact way that you want.
While grinding and sharpening are the primary functions of angle grinders, they can make some pretty deep incisions into metal for the purposes of making designs and other sorts of art like pieces. Angle grinders heads are placed at an angle to the driveshaft so that you can easily adjust your cutting angle and power any time you want while still getting a precision cut.
Angle grinders can have horsepower ratings going from 3-7 horsepower so you can cut some very thick metal pieces. Angle grinders can even cut masonry bricks which is why they’re such a great tool to use.
In order to use an angle grinder, you must use both hands which is a pretty standard procedure for many metal cutting power tools. If you need to cut large pieces of metal fast and efficiently, and angle grinder will probably be the best option for you.
Cut-Off Tools
Cut-off tools must be mounted perpendicularly to the driveshaft in order to operate properly. Cut-off tools can be operated by using one-hand and they come in many versions included cordless and corded. Cut-off tools typically use rather lightweight motors that run around 1HP which is perfect for small pieces of metal.
Cut-off tools are great for cutting things that need to be precisely flushed and can be used single-handedly which is great for efficiency and results. Cut-off tools are great for cutting hard to reach places like car bodies and more, that’s mainly due to its overall size which is relatively small when compared to other options.
Now that you know a little bit more about angle grinders and cut off tools, it’s time to look at all of the critical factors that you need to pay attention to when purchasing either an angle grinder or cut-off tools. Read the following section to learn more about how angle grinders and cut-off tools can help you create the perfect metal fabrication.
Angle Grinders vs Cut-off Tools: Which one is better?
If you need to cut large pieces of metal or brick, you probably want to use an angle grinder however cut-off tools also have very useful purposes.
There are particular benefits and disadvantages to both angle grinders and cut-off tools. Below, we’re going to take a look at all of these various factors and elements in order to help you make a more informed purchase decision about which tool option is best for you.
When it comes down to which tool selection will be best for your intended use, you’ll have to look at factors including the size of the materials that you’re going to be working with and how much space you have in your work area to use.
By reading the following section in full and thoroughly, you’ll be able to find out which tool option is best for you in no time. We’re going to cover the advantages and disadvantages of using both tool types so you’re fully equipped with all the information you need.
Angle Grinders
Angle grinders are very versatile and adaptable so you’ll be able to work on various projects using one metal cutting tool. One of the main advantages of using an angle grinder is the fact that you can easily swap out attachments in order to work on different types of metal designs and fabrication.
Angle grinders can be very large in some instances so you’ll need to use two hands in order to operate it, this can be a turn-off for some people however for some it’s a huge benefit. For very large surface areas that require little to no detailing, an angle grinder will be the perfect option for you.
Angle grinders also offer very precise cuts and incision given their very large size which is why most metal cutters love using angle grinders. The main advantage of using an angle grinder is that they come with much higher power ratings than cut-off tools which allow you to cut through very large pieces of metal without any issues.
Having the ability to switch the attachments of your angle grinder on a whim is also one of the major benefits. If you need serious power for cutting various types of metal, an angle grinder will be perfect for you and your metal fabrication needs.
Pros:
- Cuts through large pieces of metal
- Different attachment options
- Higher horsepower
- Great for thick metal
Cons:
- Very large cutting plates are not ideal for very small or cramped spaces
- Not ideal for detailing
- Require two hands to operate
Cut-off Tools
Cut-off tools are very small and can be operated using one hand and are optimal for cutting small pieces of metal. Cut-off tools are the best solution for cutting through rather small pieces of metal, this is due to the way that the blade is shaped and formed.
Cut-off tools also great because they can cut about 6in from the top to the bottom of any metal sheet, cut off tools use two primary types of power supplies which are air and electricity.
Cut off tools are great for jobs that require specific and intricate detail such as car detailing so you’ll find many cut-off tools in auto mechanic shops and others similar to them.
Cut off tools are great because they can be used with one hand to achieve very premium results when it comes to metal fabrication. If you’re looking to make very intricate designs in metal material or create stunning detail and depth within your fabrication work, a cut-off tool is the right option for you.
Pros:
- Small size
- One-handed operation
- Fixed design
- Reasonable power range
Cons:
- No ability to add-on extra attachments
- Very small size which is not optimal for large pieces of metal
- Fixed design
These are the main advantages of both angle grinders and cut off tools, by now, you should be able to clearly see the main differences between each tool.
While you may feel confident in your ability to choose the right tool for your specific intended use, field, or project, there are still many other aspects to look for before deciding on whether or not angle grinders are better for when compared to cut off tools and vice versa.
In the following section, we’re going to go over some of the key features that you should look for in a metal cutting tool before making any final purchase decision.
There are several different factors and elements to consider when buying including the speed and design of the tool in question. Make sure that you pay attention to all of the information included in the following section to ensure that you’re selecting the properly outfitted option for your specific needs.
Key Features to Look for When Selecting an Angle Grinder or a Cut off tool
Before purchasing an angle grinder or a cut-off tool, you need to pay attention to its key features and specifications to ensure that you’ll be able to use it effectively on your project. Below, we’ll go over all of the most important aspects that you should look for when buying either an angle grinder or a cut-off tool.
The specific requirement needed for your particular project will vary depending on the type of metal and other materials that you’re working with.
While the required features will vary depending on the specific project or metal material that a particular fabricator is working with, they will all virtually remain the same in terms of how they affect the end result.
Type of Operation Method
There are two primary types of operation methods used by both angle grinders and cut off tools. Those two primary operation methods are single-handed and double-handed which both allow you to achieve separate goals in terms of fabricating specific types of metals that you may be working with.
Depending on the type of results you’re expecting to get, one-handed operation tools can be very beneficial for those who are working on rather small projects that use very thin metal.
The machines that are operated using two hands typically can be used for larger pieces of metal that are very thick. The great thing about angle grinders is that you can cut a variety of different materials including porcelain tiles and brick.
Various Uses
Every type of metal cutting tool will serve its own individual purpose, a cut off tool is primarily used to cut through metals. Angle grinders are typically used for both cutting, sharpening, and shining metal so it provides more of a versatile use for the user as opposed to cut off tools.
The various uses that each of these tools has will play a major role in your final decision about which product is better suited for your intended needs. Always keep in mind the specific use of your selected tool before finalizing any purchase to ensure that it’s the right fit for you.
Performance Rating
The performance rating of your selected tool is also another really important factor when it comes to determining which one is right for you. Both cut off tools and angle grinders come in varying types including cordless corded, electric, and more so there really isn’t much difference there.
The real difference between cut off tools and angle grinders comes into play when you start looking at the amount of horsepower that the machine produced and it’s various modes of operation. Cut off tools will generally have a much lower performance rating when compared to angle grinders about 1HP is their maximum at any given time.
Angle grinders will tend to have a much higher horsepower rating in the range of 5-7 horsepower which is what makes them optimal for various kinds of surfaces and metals. Another great benefit that you get with angle grinders is the fact that you can easily swap out the blade types to accommodate the various types of projects that you’ll be working on.
Positioning
Positioning is key when it comes to any metal fabrication job, cut off tools are small and operate using one hand and angle grinders are operated using two hands. Cut off tools are positioned perpendicularly to the shaft of the tool while angle grinders are positioned in alignment with the shaft.
While some people may think that having an angled blade would make your job a lot harder, the extra positioning actually makes it a lot easier to make intricate cuts into various types of metal pieces varying in length and size. Always take into consideration the positioning of your selected tool before buying to ensure that you’ll be able to use it in a productive capacity.
Safety Features
When performing metal fabrications, it’s very important that you use a tool that comes equipped with various safety modes and safety features.
Many accidents can occur while fabricating metal which is why it’s so important for you to make sure that your selected tool provides the right safety cushion that you need to cut metal confidently.
Alongside the safety features that come with your selected tool option, you should also always wear some sort of eye protection, gloves, and earplugs to maximize your safety and reduce the possibility of you becoming injured while operating your metal fabrication tool.
Pricing
The pricing of your selected tool will also play a huge role in how effective it is overall and how much value it adds to your metal fabrication projects. There are a lot of cut off tools and angle grinders out on the market which can make finding the perfect fit seems impossible.
All of these various options range in terms of pricing also so that’s a really important factor to consider. While it’s great to save money, you oftentimes get what you pay for so it’s recommended that you go with a tool option that has all of the features you need in addition to a great price tag to go along with it.
Now that you know pretty much everything there is to know about how you should go about choosing the right cut off or angle grinder tool for your next metal fabrication project, it’s time to give you our top recommended cut off tools and angle grinders.
The following section will contain a list of our most recommended angle grinder and cut off tools so that you can have a solid starting point when you begin searching for the right tool to fit your exact metal cutting and fabrication needs.
Top Cut Off Tool & Angle Grinder Recommendations
All of the angle grinder and cut off tool recommendations listed below will vary in terms of pricing and capabilities. It’s important to remember all of the various aspects involved with how to determine which tool option is right for you.
As long as you use all of the information in this guide, correctly, you should have no problem finding the best cut off tool or angle grinder option for your intended use.
Below, we’re going to list each of our favorite cut off tools and angle grinders to make your tool search a little bit easier. Both of these cut off tool and angle grinder recommendations vary in price and capabilities so keep that in mind before making a final purchase decision.
Best Angle Grinder
Bosch 4-1/2 Angle Grinder
The Bosch 4-1/2 Angle Grinder is a very lightweight angle grinder that only weighs 3.75lbs and it is great for cutting all types of metals at varying lengths and thicknesses.
It comes with a powerful 6.0-amp motor that comes with an 11,000 no-load motor that provides more than enough power to help you cut through a wide variety of different metal types.
The Bosch grinder has a two-position auxiliary grip that is specifically designed to give you more control over how you cut and how precise the cuts are once they’re made. In addition, it is very durable and can withstand constant workloads without even breaking a sweat.
The BoschGrinder also comes with patented dust protection technology so that your machine will run at optimal efficiency all of the time and it is the perfect angle driver for those who need power and reliability.
Bosch 4-1/2 Angle Grinder is a budget-friendly, versatile and adaptable tool that features a dust protection technology and a lightweight design that will easily go through any type of metal regardless of the length and thickness.
Best Cut Off Tool
Dewalt DWMT70784
The Dewalt DWMT70784 comes with an aluminum body design that has a very resilient outer core so you don’t have to worry about your machine going out anytime soon. The DWMT70784 comes with a touch-activated trigger which makes the entire metal fabrication process much more seamless and efficient.
It has a ¼ air inlet which lets you hook-up any hose for power which is great for value and affordability. The Dewalt DWMT70784 also comes with a safety throttle that provides you with an extra level of protection against potential threats and accidents.
The Dewalt DWMT70784 is compact, lightweight, and very efficient which makes it the perfect option for DIY metal fabricators and professionals alike.
The self-locking touch control trigger of the angle grinder is designed for ease of use. The ergonomically designed cushion grip body of the Dewalt grinder isolates the user's hand as the unit gets cold from use.
What is the difference between cutting wheel and grinding wheel?
The best power tool fitted for your particular needs will vary depending on the type of metal you’re cutting. Thicke sheets of metal will require more powerful cutters and grinders when compared to thin more malleable pieces of metal.
There are several different cutter and grinder options out on the market that you can select from all of which will help you create the right cut in virtually any piece of metal.
Given all of the different brands and configurations that many cut off tools and grinders come in, there are a lot of different directions that you can go in when it comes to which tool, you’ll use to achieve your ultimate end goal.
Before buying any power tool, you need to make sure that you look at all of the various aspects and components that it uses in order to function. There are several different components that various cutters and grinders use to function as well which is why you should also pay attention to the signs of quality before buying any power tool.
Given all of these various elements at play, it can be quite tiresome trying to read through every instruction manual and feature list just to see which power tool will be the best option for you. Cutting metal is a very intricate process that requires immense attention to detail if you expect to get the quality results you need.
When it comes to working in fabrication or any other industry that requires the use of power tools in order to get the job done right, there are several different options out on the market for you to choose from.
Power tools give mechanics, machinists, welders, and more the ability to optimize the rate at which they produce and the quality of items that they produce. There are a lot of different power tool options available on the market all of which will vary in terms of power and precision.
Depending on the specific type of industry that you’re in, certain power tools will better for you when compared to others. Many power tools can serve the same purpose and achieve the same results which can make deciding on which one is right for you a difficult task.
Before you purchase any power tool, you need to make sure that it can handle your intended workload and capacity so that you’ll be making a long-term investment that will operate smoothly for years to come.
If you’re fabricating large pieces of metal, angle grinders are the perfect solution for you because they offer the versatility and power that you need. Angle grinders can be fitted with various different attachment expanding the number of possibilities that you have when it comes to fabricating metal the exact way that you want.
While grinding and sharpening are the primary functions of angle grinders, they can make some pretty deep incisions into metal for the purposes of making designs and other sorts of art like pieces.
Angle grinders heads are placed at an angle to the driveshaft so that you can easily adjust your cutting angle and power any time you want while still getting a precision cut.
Angle grinders can have horsepower ratings going from 3-7 horsepower so you can cut some very thick metal pieces. Angle grinders can even cut masonry bricks which is why they’re such a great tool to use.
Cut-off tools are very small and can be operated using one hand and are optimal for cutting small pieces of metal. Cut-off tools are the best solution for cutting through rather small pieces of metal, this is due to the way that the blade is shaped and formed.
Cut-off tools also great because they can cut about 6in from the top to the bottom of any metal sheet, cut off tools use two primary types of power supplies which are air and electricity.
Cut off tools are great for jobs that require specific and intricate detail such as car detailing so you’ll find many cut-off tools in auto mechanic shops and others similar to them.
Cut off tools are great because they can be used with one hand to achieve very premium results when it comes to metal fabrication. If you’re looking to make very intricate designs in metal material or create stunning detail and depth within your fabrication work, a cut-off tool is the right option for you.
Angle grinders are very versatile and adaptable so you’ll be able to work on various projects using one metal cutting tool. One of the main advantages of using an angle grinder is the fact that you can easily swap out attachments in order to work on different types of metal designs and fabrication.
Angle grinders can be very large in some instances so you’ll need to use two hands in order to operate it, this can be a turn-off for some people however for some it’s a huge benefit.
For very large surface areas that require little to no detailing, an angle grinder will be the perfect option for you. Angle grinders also offer very precise cuts and incision given their very large size which is why most metal cutters love using angle grinders.
The main advantage of using an angle grinder is that they come with much higher power ratings than cut-off tools which allow you to cut through very large pieces of metal without any issues.
There are two primary types of operation methods used by both angle grinders and cut off tools. Those two primary operation methods are single-handed and double-handed which both allow you to achieve separate goals in terms of fabricating specific types of metals that you may be working with.
Depending on the type of results you’re expecting to get, one-handed operation tools can be very beneficial for those who are working on rather small projects that use very thin metal.
The machines that are operated using two hands typically can be used for larger pieces of metal that are very thick. The great thing about angle grinders is that you can cut a variety of different materials including porcelain tiles and brick.
FAQ’s About Cut-Off Tool vs Angle Grinder
Opposing to the cut-off tool which can be used with lightweight materials, the angle grinder is a very powerful tool that can cut through metal, bricks, masonry, shovels and it can be used for eliminating built-up rust, cutting welding beads, removing pesky nails and a lot more.
If you plan on making woodcuts, the tool is safe, but it’s not recommended that you use it for wood cutting as grinder spins the disc at 10,000 – 15,000 RPM which makes such cutting VERY dangerous for the operator.
No. The cut off tools are intended for smaller surfaces that can be done with precision, which is why the disc is small. You can use it for bigger projects, but this can triple the time of working, so it might be best to find a more adequate tool for the task.
Conclusion
As long as you use all of the information and tips included in this article, you should have no problem finding the right metal fabrication tool for your needs.
Follow the above-mentioned shopping guide in order to assist yourself in choosing which features are most important to you when selecting either a cut off tool or angle grinder.
Take your time to go through each shopping step carefully so that you’ll be able to begin cutting metal of any type that you’re working on for your next project.
Recommended Discs
For angle grinder use in metal applications. Diamond metal cut-off wheels deliver extreme durability and increased productivity. Diamond rimmed wheels deliver 100 times longer cutting life versus standard bonded cut off disc. For extreme cutting applications such as rebar, angle iron, cast iron and steel bar. This has the power to remove material 3 times fast than fiber resin metal sanding discs. Type 29 fiberglass backing provides a grinding angle of 20-25 degrees. A premium abrasive cloth offers a life up to 15 times long than fiber resin metal sanding discs. Aggressively removes paint and rust from seams, door jambs, drip moldings, pinch welds and other difficult-to-reach areas. 3 dimensional abrasive web conforms to work area. Safer than wire bristle tools. Cleaning metallic structures, pipes, tubing, and railing. Top-quality wire, used for precision cleaning & deburring on die grinders.
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