Good mini angle grinder for cutting 3mm aluminium and small

[BATFINK]

I'm looking for a very small angle grinder for cleaning up a few bits of metal on my build, it's 3mm aluminium and could be cutting in very confined space inside the frame, any suggestions on the best tool for the job? Dremel? Small grinder?

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[ddk]

usually dremels and their clones are about as good as it gets for close-in work... but they aren't angle grinders.
Metal cutting wheels and the small wood-cutting wheel both work on aluminum. Get a flex shaft attachment. Go slow.
There's more variety with air-powered grinders if you happen to have an big air compressor handy

 

[BATFINK]

Thanks that's a great help

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[BATFINK]

What do you think about something like this?
http://www.screwfix.com/p/dremel-4000-4-65-175w-rotary-tool-240v/85047 would that easily cut 3mm alu if I took my time?

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[ddk]

I've used mine to cut 6mm tool steel so
yep
aluminum is no biggie.

If money's an object almost all the clones work as well as or better than a 'real' Dremel
jus sayin'

 

[Paul_G]

For larger work check out a double cut saw, its on sale for $59.

Even if you have no use for it sign up to be on the mailing list as the prices rock and I'm lucky to have a store a mile away.

http://www.harborfreight.com/double-cut-saw.html?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3712b&utm_source=1004

 

[docnjoj]

Dremel and clones also have a right angle attachment that works well for tight spaces and is only about $15.
otherDoc

 

[ddk]

Dremel and clones also have a right angle attachment that works well for tight spaces and is only about $15.
otherDoc

I've always experienced early failure with the right angle atachments
But I tend to abuse the tools anyway.
The flex shaft's gotten the tool close enuff it most cases., where the size of the rotary motor case gets in the way.

I know nothing about "double-cut" saws but I've been yearning to try the "multi-tool" vibrating saws, yet to be procured.
An angle grinder with a cutting wheel is my choice for all metal cutting jobs but if I need 'real' accuracy, there's a metal shop across the street from where I currently live

 

[BATFINK]

Wow 6mm steel that has me sold on one now, all great advice guys, I'm sure if I invest in one I can think up lots of little unnecessary jobs to do with it

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[cwah]

Yeah I wanted to cut 20mm pine wood with my dremel but it was like "forget it". Blade was way too small :lol: lol

 

[ebent]

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202672276/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=rigid+multitool&storeId=10051 is as good as the rest. The clincher was lifetime guarantee including the lithium batteries.

 

[John in CR]

Be sure to get extra cutting discs and some safety glasses. The kit comes with few, if any, of the grinder like cutting discs, and they get eaten up pretty quick. Get both some of the regular heavy duty ones and the larger thicker extra heavy duty ones. The larger ones work better at grinder type duty or making deeper cuts, but you need the thinner ones too for when the larger won't fit. My Dremel with the flexible extension has been worth every penny after balking a bit at the price, and I've only use mine as a mini grinder/cutter.

 

[Caliban]

The clones can be excellent value at a tenth of the price of a Dremel. I think you are local to me so check out Maplins and Aldi. I bought the one from Aldi which is mains powered (200w) and has withstood a years abuse. The Anniesland branch still has some today reduced to £10. It's been invaluable for general cutting, smoothing and shaping. But pay your money and make your choice.

 

[d8veh]

With the Dremmel type multi-tools and clones, you have to be careful about the rotation speeds because there's a lot of difference. for cutting metal with the 30mm disks, you need 30,000rpm. Some turn so slow that those disks can't do anything, so always check the spec. Some of the clones are just as good as the Dremmel for a tenth the price, but I've had switches and chucks break on some of the cheaper ones. Don't get the type with a 12V transformer: They're not powerful enough.

 

[ddk]

since I've broken every rotary tool I've ever owned, I'd say there are very few clones that aren't as least as good as a similarly-powered dremel. I've killed three 'real' dremels and a half-dozen 'clones'
-a Ryobi clone worked the longest btw, but I don't see that it's still available. I actually had that one get stolen before I could wear it out. It outlasted two Dremels even though I used it for the same tasks and had a chuck mounted.
An easy way to kill a Dremel (real or otherwise) is to use their over-weight, unbalanced chucks in loo of the jaws device. But it's convenient for changing bits.
It's more convenient (cost-wise) to have extra rotary tools and forgo the 'chuck' altogether

... I use my 'toy' 12v rotary tool regularly. It's always about the 'right tool for the job' and the 12v toy gets used for all sorts of polishing and fine sanding/material removing tasks- you just require patience and let the tool (slowly) do it's thing
-and the toys cost about 10 bucks and come with a gazillion accessory bits that are the same as any dremal bit.
i.e for $10 you buy lots of bits and get a 'free' rotary tool