Welding is impossible without a sophisticated and well-functioning angle grinder on hand. An angle grinder is a vigorous tool that can make the life of the workers who deal with materials like tiles, metals, bricks, stone, or concrete. The disc at the head of the grinder rotates at a high speed to cut through tough surfaces effortlessly.
If you are a welder, construction worker, builder, stonemason, or workshop worker, the use of an angle grinder is a must. A variable angle grinder will elevate your performance as compared to an angle speed grinder. With an alternating speed, the disc grinder can not only cut through materials but can also grind, polish, sand, and trim these materials without working out your energy.
So, dealing with such tough materials and doing these numerous vigorous tasks will be a cinch for you with an angle grinder variable speed. Here I have brought to you some of the best variable speed angle grinders out there. Scroll down to find out.
Best Variable Speed Angle Grinder Overview
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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Best Overall | Best Overall
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Makita XAG20Z Angle Grinder |
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Heavy Duty | Heavy Duty
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Dewalt FlexVolt Max Angle Grinder |
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Editor’s Choice | Editor’s Choice
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Metabo HPT Angle Grinder |
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Bosch GWX13 50VPS Angle Grinder |
|
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Premium Pick | Premium Pick
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NEIKO 10881A Angle grinder |
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Check On Amazon |
5 Best Variable Speed Angle Grinder Review
1. Makita XAG20Z Angle Grinder
Best Overall
Features
- Mechanism: Automatic working
- Motor: Brushless
- Safety feature: Electric brakes
- Power: Battery
If you are looking for an angle grinder with variable speed that is powerful, easy to control, non-sophisticated to use, cordless, and multi-tasking then you must go for the ones that are manufactured by Makita. The grinders or other welding tools by Makita are dominating the market because of the high-quality performance they have to offer to the users. These are considered reliable by a number of individuals. It has a rechargeable battery as its power source.
The whole design and working mechanism of the angle grinder XAG20Z are made according to the convenience and safety of workers. The Makita XAG20Z Angle Grinder has a battery-powered system. The battery of this disc grinder is special in terms of its power life. The battery that comes with this disc grinder is a lithium-ion battery. These types of batteries are known for durable, safe, fast performance along with environment-friendly composition and lightweight.
This angle grinder has alternating speed, thanks to the automatic speed change technology. The technology changes the rotational speed of the disc, so you can perform multiple tasks with this one tool. One of my favorite features is that it has really fast-reacting brakes. The electric brakes of this angle grinder respond quite quickly, so the disc stops in a split of a second making it super safe for the worker.
PROS
- Safe
- Durable
- Quick braking system
- Speed range from 3000 to 8500 RPM
CONS
- Needs an adapter when used outside the UK
The Makita XAG20Z is cordless so you don’t have to look for electric outlets every time before starting to work. This angle grinder can work for many hours without warming up because of the special battery and motor. The motor is brushless, so the smooth motor design reduces friction and rubbing. The brushless motor doesn’t get warm as easily as compared to the ones with carbon brushes. This will help you work for hours without interruption.
2. Dewalt FlexVolt Max Angle Grinder
Heavy Duty
Features
- Weight: One Pound
- Voltage: 20 Volt
- Grinder: Angle grinder / Disc Grinder
- Power: Battery
The Dewalt work tools are the ones that workers can entrust blindly in terms of safe, quick, and efficient performance. Workers have to perform heavy-duty tasks which become easy and timeless because of these robust tools by Dewalt. The Dewalt FlexVolt Max Angle Grinder is one of my favorites for outdoor use because of its lightweight built and cordless design. The disc grinder runs on a battery that is chargeable. This will help you work even when the power is out or there is no electricity.
The battery with which this angle grinder is compatible is the FlexVolt battery which is a special battery that is exclusively designed for Dewalt work tools. The flex volt batteries are known for their excessive power output as these types of batteries consume more energy and take a long time to fully charge. If you are using the flex volt then your grinder’s performance can increase as it can perform effortful tasks easily. It is light in weight as it weighs around one pound, so you can carry it for a much longer time.
Because of the powerful power system, the chances of work hazards are more. Keeping this in mind the makers have two different structures that are responsible for the safety of workers. The kick-back brake along with the E Clutch minimizes the chances of injury or accidents. The kick-back brake is present at the back of the grinder. When you are working with tough materials like metals, stones, tiles, and bricks it is possible that because of an old and worn out disc or dense material the spinning of the disc is interrupted. In such cases, the kickback feature turns on making the angle grinder stop.
PROS
- Dual safety structures
- E Clutch
- Paddle Switch
CONS
- The battery takes long to charge
The Dewalt FlexVolt Max Angle Grinder comes with a brushless motor which makes it one of the coolest yet long-lasting grinders in terms of performance. It has an E clutch which is triggered when the grinder’s motor gets overloaded. The clutch stops the motor in order to protect the grinder and its user. This Angle grinder has a dimension of 5.1 x 13 x 6.3 inches. It has a paddle switch that controls the working. These types of switches make it easy to work with.
3. Metabo HPT Angle Grinder
Editor’s Choice
Features
- Power: Electric
- Connection : Corded
- RPM: 2800 to 10000
- Motor: Brushless
If you are not a massive fan of a battery-powered low-speed angle grinder, then you might not have found the best one for you yet. Here is the perfect disc grinder that can accompany you on rough workdays to make life less miserable. Electric angle grinders are preferred by many welders because they provide more constant energy to the motor making it rotate at a higher speed. The battery-powered ones tend to work efficiently for upto 3 to 4 years. If you don’t want to replace your battery every now and then, the Metabo HPT Angle Grinder is modestly suitable for you.
It has an electrically powered system that is suitable for cutting thick materials, grinding, and sanding. Whether it is metals, stones, bricks, or tiles you can jump right into cutting these materials without any hesitation with this angle grinder. It is manufactured in China and the motor of this angle grinder is run through a voltage of 120 Volts which is much more than the battery-powered ones. This large power input increases the rotational power and speed of the disc. This force and speed contribute to the sharp and convenient cutting of tough materials by it.
The Metabo HPT Angle Grinder has a brushless motor, so even though there is a large amount of input voltage this angle grinder does not turn hot quickly after long use. The replacement of smooth motor parts instead of the teeth-like structure not only makes it cooler, less resistant, lighter, and workable for a longer duration. It comes with a paddle switch which makes it a safer tool. The paddle switch triggers the motor to work when it is pulled down. When it is not paddled down the grinder will not turn on. This is safe because if your grinder falls it will stop working.
PROS
- Brushless motor
- Paddle switch
- Corded power connection
CONS
- Heavy
The HPT disc grinder by Metabo outperforms its other competitors because it is powerful, has high rotational per minute, and comes along with multiple safety features. You don’t have to stop your work even when the power is out. This grinder has an inverter circuit. It helps the angle grinder in working properly even when the input voltage is changing. When it comes to wielding and especially grinding your motor can get clogged. This grinder comes with a mesh filter that prevents all this.
4. Bosch GWX13 50VPS Angle Grinder
Features
- Switch: Paddle switch
- Power: Electric source
- RPM: 2800 to 11500
- Weight: 5.6 pounds
When it comes to bringing to the users a variety of options to choose from the Bosch GWX13 standouts are among all. It offers the buyers to choose among a variety of options according to their personal preferences and use. Unlike many other angle grinders, it is not bulky in size making it one of the easy to hold grinders. The body of this blue-colored grinder is made up of plastic which decreases the weight and makes it easy to carry for a longer time. The plastic built does not affect the durability of this angle grinder because there is an epoxy coating above it.
The coating adds to the longevity as it gives it additional strength, resistance, and protection against scratches. This wheel angle grinder is powered by an electric power source. The body of the grinder is connected with the power source with the help of an electric wire. You can get this angle grinder in the size of 5 inches or 4 and a half inches depending upon your needs. It has a paddle switch which makes it hassle-free for workers to control the working of this grinder. The speed of this grinder is mind-blowing thanks to the powerful 13 amp motor which powers the wheels to rotate at a higher speed.
The motor doesn’t get hot even after hours of work because there is a small passage that directs air flow towards the motor. This air passage aids the grinder in keeping the motor cool. The lock design is not like other grinders which need a wrench to tighten or loosen the screw in the middle of the wheel. Instead, this grinder has an X lock quick-change mounting at the head. This lock makes it easy to change the disc in a split second. When you push the disc towards the body the disc gets attached to the head of the angle grinder.
PROS
- X Lock Design
- Epoxy protective coating
- Alternating speed
CONS
- Can’t work without an electric supply
The Bosch GWX13 50VPS Angle Grinder has a red-colored release button. When you press it the disc will detach from the head automatically. You don’t have to carry different tools with you to change the disc type or size each time. There is a small switch to control the speed at the rear side of the angle grinder. You can change the RPM of the disc between the range of 2800 to 11500 Revolution Per Minute. The handle keeps the wheel grinder stable while the workers perform heavy-duty tasks. The guard around the disc can change its position according to the angle of cutting.
5. NEIKO 10881A Angle grinder
Premium Pick
Features
- Power: Lithium-Ion Battery
- Voltage: 20 Volt
- Size: 4.5 inches
- RPM; 6500, 7500, and 8000 RPM
Don’t like the plastic build of the angle grinder, you can go for the metallic wheel grinders as they will be more robust and durable. These might be heavy but are suitable for individuals who want a little extra weight to keep the body stable during grinding, cutting, sanding, or polishing.
This Cordless Angle grinder by Neiko is one of my personal favorites because of the amazing features it has to offer. The blue and black colored metallic body has a weight of 10.45 pounds. You might be wondering that this much weight is hard to carry, especially if you work in the repair or construction field.
There is a special black-colored case that can hold the disc grinder to make it portable. It has a dimension of 16. 81 inches in length, 13.15 inches in width, and 5.91inches in height. This disc grinder has a 20-volt lithium-ion battery. These batteries are famous for their convenience for workers as they don’t take long enough to get charged and the power stored doesn’t drain quickly.
This means that you can work more with the help of these batteries as compared to others. You don’t have to buy it separately as the makers provide it with the grinder. The angle grinder is easy to charge. The charger comes with a grinder. It turns off automatically once the batteries are fully charged. This reduces the chances of poor battery life due to charging the batteries excessively.
As this is a battery-powered grinder so there is no cord attached to it making it easy for you to move it while working. The motor is brushless which makes it smooth and light. The motor will not burn out after hours of work. The torque provided by the motor is high which contributes to the speed of the grinder. The switch at the rear side contributes to the alternating speed of the grinder.
PROS
- Lithium-ion battery
- Battery charger with light indicator
- Case to carry
CONS
- Heavy
The NIEKO 10881A is listed as the best adjustable speed angle grinder because you can select between the three varying speeds of 6500, 7500, and 8000 Revolutions per minute. The workers either left-handed or right-handed can work with this grinder. The handle has a rubber covering which increases the grip and reduces any chance of slipping. The battery has an environmentally friendly constitution. It consumes less power and gives a durable output which makes these power-saving tools. The electronic brake system makes it easy for workers to keep safe in case of an accident.
Buying Guide To Choose Right Variable Speed Angle Grinder
Angle grinders play a critical role in the life of welders or other construction workers. It is a powerful tool that will help the users perform heavy-duty tasks easily and conveniently. You can’t just go for any angle grinder out there (here are the best angle grinders available in the market). There are many things that you must be aware of before stepping out to buy one for work.
It is a vital investment for welders as they have to use it on a daily basis. Here I have brought to you some of the important things that you know in order to get a perfect variable speed angle grinder. Scroll down to find out.
Types OF Variable Speed Angle Grinder
Although the alternating speed disc grinders are a type of angle grinder with varying speeds there are further distinctions in this category of angle grinders too. You have to know what these types are. So you can go for the one that will go with your mode of work. Because if you have selected the wrong angle grinder it will be a mess at work. Here are these different types.
1. The first one is the electric powered angle grinders. These grinders have a corded connection between the motor and power source. Continuous electric power is provided without the involvement of a battery. These are powerful as compared to the battery-powered ones.
2. The second type of angle grinder with variable speed is the battery-powered one. There is a chargeable battery that needs to charge and can work for a long time without a power supply. If you don’t have a proper electric connection at your place of work, go for these. These are also known as cordless ones.
3. The last ones are the Pneumatic and are the latest ones with modern technology as these are lighter yet more powerful than the battery-powered or corded electric ones.
Wheel Size
The size of the wheel attached to the head of the angle grinder can be changed; there is no fixed size for it. You must know the nature of the work that you are needing the changing speed disc grinder for. The larger the size, the more speed you will have. The fast speed will help you cut smoothly yet quickly. Your dealing with thick materials becomes a lot easier with the wheels with more diameter.
Revolution Per Minute
Although there is no fixed value in the case of variable speed angle grinders, these come with a range of speed. You can select between the lowest to higher speed that is provided by the makers. If you are grinding metals then you must go for the high-speed settings. The electric-powered or corded angle grinder has a higher revolution per minute. It depends upon the motor of the grinder or the voltage of the battery.
Automatic Kick Back
With such robust tools at hands, the safety and protection of the users are at risk. The manufacturers keep this in mind while designing the angle grinders. The kickback feature is an automatic mechanism that stops the whole functioning of the motor and grinder if the angle grinder gets a jerk or something interrupts the spinning of the wheel. This will reduce the chance of accidents or injuries.
What is the advantage of a variable speed angle grinder?
The variable speed grinder makes it really easy for the workers and welders as they don’t have to get separate tools for cutting, grinding, sanding, or polishing metals. All these tasks can be performed with the help of a single tool. The simple angle grinder limits the workers to just cutting off the metals. The alternating speed angle grinder allows you to increase the RPM of the grinder for grinding the metals or cutting thick objects.
Conclusion of Variable Speed Angle Grinders Review
I hope that now you know the best variable speed angle grinder that can uplift your welding business by making it effortless and quick. These angle grinders with alternating speeds allow you to change the revolution per minute of the disc according to your personal choice and the nature of the task. Here are some of our top picks that we swear by. Scroll down to find out.
- The Makita XAG20Z Angle Grinder is the most renowned one because of the cool motor mechanism, brushless system, cordless, and battery powered build. The lithium-ion batteries get charged easily and work for a long time.
- The Metabo HPT Angle Grinder is an electric-powered angle grinder. It has a corded system. The high power input allows the motor to spin the disc at a speed of 10000 RPM. It is durable, efficient, and light. You can carry it easily.
Hi, I am Pete Fagerlin, carpenter by profession and working on different DIY projects is my passion. For more than a decade, it’s been my weekend hobby to dig into different tools for my favorite DIY projects which helped me to become knowledgeable about different DIY tools. With a combination of my profession and passion, I am here to collaborate with Adam Wilson to share my DIY tools knowledge with the MechanicsGear readers.