In its most simple form, a die grinder is simply a handheld air tool which holds a grinding stone on an axle, and spins it at high speed in order to clean or smooth small areas with a high level of accuracy. Die grinders use compressed air to drive their rotation, and have a great deal of control that allows them to apply a different amount of pressure depending on the job being carried out. This means that with a good quality tool, and a bit of practice, you will be able to get a perfect finish every time you start.
Because they are compact, powerful, and every flexible, die grinders are a useful addition to any tool kit. A wide variety of different grinding discs and stones can be fitted onto the grinder in order to carry out a whole host of different jobs.
Whether you want to use a precision grinding stone to smooth off the burrs around the edges of a piece of metal to get a nice smooth finish, or want to be able to round off a piece of wood as part of a project, a different finishing tool is able to be fitted to the die grinder in order to make it perfect for the job at hand. With its ability to offer a high level of precision to any job it is needed for, and the level of control that can be applied to how much power is delivered by the air tool thanks to an adjustable power switch, a die grinder is able to carry out a huge range of tasks well.
Able to get into small, tight areas to deliver a highly targeted application of power in order to carry out precise adjustments, or alternatively, by using a larger grinding disc to smooth a wide area at one time, the flexibility of a die grinder is one of the main reasons why they are so popular.
There is a huge range of different die grinders available to suit all budgets. From occasional use through to everyday reliability, you can find the perfect die grinder for you. Prices start from less than $30 for a basic cheap die grinder, and go up to more than $100 for a high end model, meaning that there is something to suit every budget available.
The Mountain MTN7318 1/4 Rear Exhaust is an entry level air tool that comes from one of the top manufacturers. It offers many features that are usually only available in more expensive air tools, and has enough power to carry out most day to day tasks that you may need it for. The die grinder will spin at up to 20,000RPM, meaning that it is able to generate high power and get very good and fast results. It is also comfortable to use over longer periods of time thanks to the addition of a ribbed rubber handle that allows it to sit easily in the hand for maximum control.
A slightly more expensive option that is very popular with many buyers is the Astro Pneumatic AST1261 air powered die grinder. This tool features an innovative 30 degree bend in the structure that allows it to be even more comfortable in use. It is high powered, and allows for a more ergonomic position to be adopted when in use. This makes it one of the most precise die grinders available.
When you buy a die grinder, it is also important to get a full selection of accessories. A comprehensive set of grinding discs and stones will allow you to tackle a wide range of jobs confidently, and mean that you do not need to be afraid of getting incompatible tools at a later date.
Ronnie Holt