Global Machinery Co grinder

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 12, 2005 | 01:25 AM

Ford_Six

Thread Starter

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 18,488

Likes: 22

From: The Big, Oregon

Global Machinery Co grinder

Anybody used these? I bought a 4 1/2" grinder the other day, surprisingly high quality. It even has variable speed, a feature none of the others had. This thing is quite powerful, had no problem keeping a grinding wheel spinning all day cleaning up welds on a frame.

Sep 12, 2005 | 02:53 AM

Torque1st

Posting Legend

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 30,255

Likes: 37

You mean we got something good from China???

Sep 12, 2005 | 06:09 AM

wiseguy

Elder User

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 540

Likes: 0

From: Northern MD

Several months ago, Woodworker's Journal did a comparison between "quality" and "cheap" tools. They compared a drill, router, biscuit jointer, circular saw, and some others. What they found out was that although the "cheap" tools didn't have some of the features as the high end tools, they still did the job. They recommended that if you didn't have the money for the "quality" tools, then the "cheap" tools would get the job done until you could afford the more expensive tools. I was surprised that the "cheap" tools actually performed well enough in their tests.

Sep 12, 2005 | 11:25 PM

CheapRanger

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 799

Likes: 0

From: State of Misery (Missouri

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiseguy

My B-i-l bought a made in China, angle grinder for $4.99. I was shocked at how well it lasted. Some tools are not so suprising (example, lot's of people I have talked to gave good reviews to the HF 6" jointer) which is based on a design, by us, from the 50's. While we improved our fences, the basic function of the tool remains the same. Now another thing I want to point out, a lot of our "high quality" tools are no longer made here. They are made in China. So it shouldn't be a big suprise, that they may take an idea from one and put it in the cheaper ones. I generally try to buy at the low end for one use tools, and the high end for all the others.

Sep 13, 2005 | 09:07 AM

Super Steve

Laughing Gas

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 904

Likes: 0

From: PHOENIX

Quote:

Originally Posted by CheapRanger

I generally try to buy at the low end for one use tools, and the high end for all the others.

Exactly what I do. Don't skimp on wrenches where you'll get a knuckle-buster if one breaks. I bought one of those HF 4.5 angle grinders to grind welds and it works just fine. More than paid for itself.
steve

Sep 13, 2005 | 08:15 PM

Ford_Six

Thread Starter

Hotshot

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 18,488

Likes: 22

From: The Big, Oregon

I did have a Cummins Tool 4" grinder, that was the worst piece of junk I ever had. Out of the box, it wouldn't work. I didn't have the time to send it back, so I opened it up and found that the set screws were never installed in the switch. I put in the screws from my dead Makita it was supposed to replace, and got to work. I cleaned up a header flange I had cut out, and by the time I was through, it had no power. It managed to chew the brushes down to nothing, and welded one to the holder. I put in the spare set that came with it, they were gone in ten minutes. I had similar brushes around, so I opened it up again. This time, the brush cap fell apart when it came out. Absolute junk, I'd never buy another power tool from them again.
So far, the cheapo 4 1/2" grinder is working very well.

Sep 13, 2005 | 08:29 PM

CheapRanger

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 799

Likes: 0

From: State of Misery (Missouri

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ford_Six

I have a HF and a Cummins tool store locally. I never bought from HF until they opened a store here, and I didn't know about Cummins being one of those tent stores. I like the local Cummin's store, due to being able to find reman Ridgid tools, and ocassionally accessories for the BT (no way to get a cast iron saw in my shop). But I heard an argument while I was in their one day. A manager was YELLING at the help for not pushing the Cummin's stuff over their Rebuilt contracts (Ridgid, Ryobi, etc). He was losing commission and said he didn't care that their c&*p was cheaper, if it broke, they would have to come in and buy another. I never bought any tool marked Cummin's due to it's quality first, then this comment.
The sales girls reply
"I don't get a commission on ANY tool I sell, so I don't care, and you can stick that or give us commission's on top of our pay!"

Sep 14, 2005 | 01:12 AM

Torque1st

Posting Legend

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 30,255

Likes: 37

I have had one of those HF 4.5" grinders for about 3 years. I think it was $10-12 back then. I took it apart when I got it to find out what was in it. They have a plastic gear in them. So I just don't push mine too hard and give it time too cool off often so it has been working well. When it does go bad I will probably just get another one like it. I figure at a few years per pop I can buy new ones for the rest of my life much cheaper than a "good" one. I can spend the money saved on my ride.