Top 15 grinding machines

And here is the record for the price (not surprising for the blue "Bosch"), which, mind you, we have chosen in the most affordable configuration. But here “DeWalt”, this machine is still yielded by the actual performance, and, accordingly, by the integral indicator “how much we get / how much we pay”. Although, in terms of ergonomics, Bosch will probably like it more due to the softness of vibroprotective linings and more streamlined shapes, it does not have the opportunity to adjust the amplitude of the platform oscillations. And the proposed 4 millimeters for finishing work will even be a bit too much, while with rough grinding DeWALT will definitely be ahead.

The machine is also not easy, and this, as we have said, is only a plus when working on large horizontal areas - the pressure must be applied minimally, hands get less tired. A 400-watt motor with a speed control system provides 5500 to 12000 rpm on a plate. But, unlike the rating leader, the typewriter has two plates, which is understandable by labeling - one for 125 mm, the second for 150. For versatility, add “Bosch” pluses to karma.

In general, Bosch becomes our definite favorite in terms of usability, and this sander is definitely one of the best in our stores in terms of its effectiveness in dealing with vibrations.

In comparison with the leaders of the rating, of course, Makita eccentric grinder does not look so impressive - no matter how cool you are, but the motor is weaker (300 W), the course of the platform is 3 mm, and only one is bundled with it - 125 mm. But at the expense of lightness Makita will be much more convenient where you need to work on weight: almost two times easier than Bosch or DeWALT! Well, if you remember about the ceiling work, when you have to keep the machine right above your head ...

Ergonomics - traditional, without any flaws. Vibration protection, though not at the level of top professional tools, but sufficient for long-term work. Wheel speed adjustment - next to the handle, it is quite possible to use it with your thumb, without changing the grip. The side grip is mounted on a rotating ring and can be easily moved. And finally, a great case is included - also an important thing.

Now about the unpleasant. We will not advise you to work without a vacuum cleaner - a lot of dust goes past the filter. Fastening the platform, it happens, spins from vibration - pay attention to this moment before switching on, so as not to spoil the treated surface. But in general, nevertheless, the grinding machine’s impressions are good, especially considering the price of half of the same “Bosch”.

To tear - so all the money! That’s what the Metabo designers thought, combining a 320-watt engine with an eccentric, providing a five-millimeter amplitude of oscillation in one case. True, the engine will immediately want a more powerful one, and when finishing work, perhaps, “Makita” with a smaller stroke will become a better choice.

The control electronics is interesting here - for example, the TurboBoost function at elevated loads from somewhere gets an engine power reserve. Or rather, he is simply “choked” the rest of the time. To activate it, you need to press the button at the base of the handle with your thumb where the speed control is often installed. Here this regulator was brought to the "head" of the grinder. And when you press the "Turbo buttons," the regulator is expectedly turned off.

What should be noted in order of regret is the significantly reduced build quality in recent times. For example, the handle here from vibration can be unwound - although the vibration is, in principle, small! What is worse, on some machines, although rarely, but the failures of the speed regulator due to a penny savings on the thickness of the wires, if you use a grinder for a long time and under heavy load, are marked. Therefore, alas, we cannot attribute this model to the professional segment - and in fact its price is not the lowest for amateur use. On the other hand, a three-year warranty with frequent use will definitely have time to give the possible flaws in the particular machine purchased.

Starting the ranking of the best eccentric grinding machines with DeWALT, we’ll finish it. No, this does not mean that the DWE6423 is inconvenient or unreliable: it is simply already a tool for the amateur segment, and by its standards it could have reached the top.

The engine power here is 280 W, the amplitude of oscillation is 2.4 mm. The machine is compact and lightweight, which will allow it to be successfully used in fine finishing work. Adjustment of revolutions is provided (although the wheel was installed in a somewhat strange place from the ergonomic point of view) and their electronic stabilization. The only pity is that you have to hold it by the “head” - there is no side handle.

Regular dust removal works quite well, although, of course, it is still worth connecting a vacuum cleaner. However, do not forget that this machine is not very suitable for professional practice: brushes are quickly worn out, and the platform drive itself is worn out. In the home workshop, it will last a long time and will deliver only positive impressions.

The box in which this vibrating sander is packaged lacks the “Malevich Edition” inscription. Indeed, it is all imbued with the spirit of cubism - everything that can be done is made rectangular-square. However, in practice, fears in bad ergonomics are not justified: in the hands of the “Makit” it sits well, and the power of 600 W with a 5-mm platform course also makes it a leader in efficiency with rough surface treatment. For fine work and especially grinding in “narrow” places, the Makita grinder is no longer so well suited, and therefore is inferior in the rating to the more versatile Bosch.

The dimensions of the platform are 115x280 mm, the mount is double, and with velcro, and clamps. For such a weighty and powerful machine the most suitable size. The platform itself is cast from an aluminum alloy, and we will advise to handle it carefully, it does not digest falls from a height, but is expensive.

Unfortunately, despite the good work of the dust removal system with a regular bag, it clogs up quickly and is not very convenient to clean. This miscalculation will force you to spend extra time when working without a vacuum cleaner.

The AEG FS 280 grinder falls approximately between the amateur and professional segment: it is reliable enough for continuous operation by itself, only the platform and clamps on it require attention, and at the same time the price is already quite high for the home craftsman who needs to work with extensive planes. And this model, equipped with a 440-watt motor and a platform of 114x226 mm, is really well suited for this use.

In terms of size and weight, it is close to the "Makita", but because of the lower power and performance is more modest: the course of the platform is exactly two times less, although the oscillation frequency is as much higher. Hence, an increased level of vibration in comparison, therefore, unlike the “Makita”, a soft pad was installed on the rear handle.

The platform does not have velcro - we will not call it a serious disadvantage, because sandpaper is a velcro, although it is more convenient to fasten and fit better, it is more expensive. The problem is only in the inevitable wear of the clips.

A compact and lightweight grinder with a platform of 92x184 mm, equipped with a 200 W electric motor, is well suited for roughing and finishing work in small areas. The oscillation frequency reaches 22 thousand with an amplitude of 2 mm. In her hands, she sits well - unlike many compact machines, there is a full-fledged rear handle, which is equipped with a rubber pad.

Fastening sheets on the platform is possible with velcro and clamps. Dusting is not bad, but it seems to be spoiled by a regular filter bag: better connect the vacuum cleaner.

The platform of the compact “DeWalt” is closer to the square than the other participants in the ranking of the best grinding machines - 140x115 mm. Its frequency of oscillation is average - 14 thousand maximum, and the amplitude is small (1.6 mm). But the 230-watt engine is not overloaded during any work. Mounts at the platform allow you to use cheap sandpaper on the clips, and attach the paper to the adhesive tape. A nice bonus is the presence of a plate in the kit for self-perforation in cut sheets.

By itself, the grinder is simple - there is no rear handle, no adjustment of revolutions. But for “DeWalt” it is quite budget. And, unlike the inexpensive Stanley (not surprisingly, the owner of both brands is the only one), DeWALT is more convenient, more reliable and, most importantly, it has a normal round exit to the dust collector instead of a narrow oval, which does not hurt to connect the vacuum cleaner.

By power and maximum speed of the tape grinder Makita and DeWALT go "nostril to nostril", and Makita due to the greater width of the tape can even win in performance.

A good moment in the design is a system for stabilizing the position of the tape. The machine can and overturn, it lies in this position, it is stable. For durability and reliability of the "Makita" we have no complaints. With the exception of, alas, one moment - the graphite base is ground off, from the point of view of the owners, a bit too fast for a professional tool.

Severe male tool, anyway. Tape 610x100, which the 1200-watt motor constantly pulls at a speed of 500 m / min (there is no regulator!) And the weight of 5.7 kg will require a strong hand and good skill. Low noise and moderate vibrations will also be attributed to pluses, but nevertheless we will ask the manufacturer - what prevented us from supplying the speed controller here?

So, if anyone chooses this grinding machine, then this is a professional who has to work a lot with horizontal surfaces of a large area - for example, when peeling floors from old varnish. In skillful hands, the machine will cope with similar tasks "for five", but in inept ...

And again, as in the previous case, let us point out the weakness of the soles: it is worth overheating them (and it’s not difficult on such a powerful and heavy machine) graphite begins to crumble. Be careful!

We turn to the amateur segment of belt grinding machines with the green “Bosch”. He, alas, in our time has become a little expensive, but holds the honor of the brand. Without suffering from annoying design flaws (except that the seam of the dust collector sometimes diverges when carelessly cleaned), the machine is comfortable, productive and collects dust well, preventing it from flying around. We note in particular the successful tape centering mechanism and the presence of special sockets on the top flat cover, which allow the machine to be fastened up with a tape on the workbench.

The engine's power is 750 W, so Bosch works quietly with a 533x75 mm tape, ensuring stability of speed even on large grains. Maximum speed - 350 meters per minute. And her weight is quite acceptable - 3.5 kg, so that when working on your head or vertically, the machine will not tire your hands so quickly.

The budget grinding machine in our rating has become the weakest in performance: the 720-watt motor provides a belt speed of no more than 250 m / min. But in the design it is impossible not to note a few very good moments. First of all, this is a small diameter protruding roller - by lifting the protective cover, you can be selected in hard-to-reach places that other members of the rating are not able to. The rear drive roller, on the contrary, is enlarged in diameter to avoid slipping. Front handle can be adjusted by yourself. And, finally, well-designed dust removal.

However, such a “tractor” arrangement with the main mass shifted back will require some time to get used to the features of the machine - the back of the working section of the belt is pressed against the plane to be processed more strongly. Also note that the possibility of mounting in an inverted position is not provided, and in fact in belt sanders is one of the most convenient "chips."