Makita grinders: characteristics and tips for choosing

The grinder (angle grinder) is practically indispensable in the household and professional sphere. But when choosing a suitable model, it is not enough to pay attention to purely technical details. It is also useful to choose a well-established brand.

Beloved by many domestic consumers, Makita grinders are produced by a company founded in Japan nearly 100 years ago. This company has long become one of the world leaders in the production of construction tools. The undoubted advantages of the products are:

• consistently high quality;
• excellent performance parameters;
• strict adherence to warranty obligations;
• wide variety for the price;
• accounting by designers and developers of the latest trends in consumer demand

The Makita angle grinder is deservedly considered a multifunctional tool. It can be used to grind and saw:

• hardware;
• concrete blocks;
• brick walls;
• ceramic tiles;
• other solid materials.

As a result, Makita angle grinders can be used for both dismantling and surface cleaning. With their help, old paint is removed, other types of work are carried out. In terms of its characteristics, this tool is excellent for both professionals and DIYers. Like all grinders, it is powered by an electric current that is converted into mechanical motion by a motor. The manufacturer has taken care of protecting his tool from dust that inevitably appears during work.

For this purpose, a special varnish was used, which is used to paint the main parts of the electric motor. It prevents dust particles from settling. But besides this, rubber seals of the labyrinth type are provided. The start button is sealed with a special insulated loop. Most importantly, Japanese engineers managed to create a unique (received a separate patent) anti-kickback system.

The power of Makita grinders can be 710-2600 watts. Of course, according to this indicator, household and professional copies are clearly separated. The outer section of the working disk and the total productivity directly depend on the power. The higher the energy generated by the motor, the more stable the device works, the slower the heating occurs. However, the downside of increasing power is always increased mass, increased energy consumption.

LBM designers always take into account the optimum rotational speeds of the disc. They are selected in such a way that at the point of contact with the surface of the workpiece, the linear speed of the disc is about 80 m / s. It is possible to maintain such an indicator constantly only with an increase in the number of revolutions simultaneously with a decrease in the size of the disc. The same dimensions in the Makita line are represented by the 5 most demanded values ​​- from 11.5 to 23 cm. The latest developments of the company have relatively small dimensions, which does not prevent them from demonstrating impressive technical characteristics.

Japanese high-power grinders, belonging to the professional class, have the function of adjusting the spindle speed. It allows you to easily install discs with a smaller diameter. In addition, as the working nozzle wears out, its rotation speed should increase. It is also important that grinding, polishing and cleaning surfaces requires less speed than cutting. If the speed of the disc is not reduced, the material is likely to ignite.

In addition to basic technical characteristics and auxiliary options, it is very important to understand exactly how everything works. As a sample for consideration, you can take the Makita 9557HN grinder. The device is housed inside a compact body. LBM is equipped with an electric motor with a total power of 840 W. As befits modern technology, the grinder is equipped with a labyrinth seal system. It reliably isolates not only the motor parts from dust, but also the bearings.

The dust-proof varnish is applied in several layers. The armature and stator are processed with it. The rotor usually does not need such additional protection. But the installation of a blocking device is required. The source of such interference is the operating electric motor itself. With the help of a gearbox, a turn of 90 degrees is provided. The release clutch can only be found on large angle grinders. Its role is to prevent kickback, which is very likely when the disc gets stuck in the material being processed. In some models, there are buttons that provide a smooth start.

But what should be mandatory is the outer casing. If it is absent, there is a serious danger for those working with the grinder. The slightest negligence or unforeseen obstacle can result in injury. The auxiliary stick is a useful addition. With its help, angle grinder can be used in a variety of positions, while holding the tool is quite comfortable. The lock button can also be of great benefit, allowing you to stop the device as quickly as possible, if such a need arises.

The advantages and weaknesses of Makita grinders should be analyzed not in isolation, but by comparing them with similar tools from other leading brands - Bosch, Hitachi. Comparison of models of comparable power allows you to say for sure whether a purchase is justified or not. Makita products are different:

• large power reserve;
• effective limitation of inrush currents;
• the ability to set a strictly defined number of revolutions;
• the ability to change the nozzle without a key;
• smooth adjustment of the speed.

As already mentioned, Japanese specialists were able to develop many original innovations. To maximize the security of your product, you can purchase a branded dust collector; often this device is made from a fabric of a special design. Dust collectors are made for angle grinders with strictly defined dimensions of the working disk. In addition to them, there are also ideally compatible adapters for connecting to vacuum cleaners. Makita grinders have no particular drawbacks, you just need to carefully study the characteristics of each version.

An overview of angle grinders can be started with Makita 9015 B... This device is intended for home use. The designers have made sure that it successfully copes with all common tasks. As befits a leading Japanese corporation, a modern design approach is used. Since an additional handle is provided, it will be easy for even non-professionals to use the tool.

The protection against dust particles is high enough that you can safely cut and grind concrete. The power of the model reaches 1050 W, despite its compact dimensions. The basic equipment allows you to perform a wide range of functions without purchasing additional tools.Therefore, we can confidently say that if this is not the best grinder in the budget category, then it is definitely ahead of the Chinese battery models. The only weakness turns out to be a rather significant mass - 2.4 kg.

Those who need a device balanced in terms of weight and practical capabilities may pay attention for version 9528NB... This grinder, judging by the reviews, is as comfortable as possible when working. Its robust body is guaranteed to withstand mechanical deformations. The device works stably at a wide variety of temperatures. But it is still worth interrupting periodically in order to extend the total operating time.

The model can handle 125 mm discs. Spindle fixation is provided. The 9528NB weighs only 1.4 kg. Therefore, it is easy to use the device even for people who are not distinguished by great physical strength. The only problem is that the motor cannot deliver more than 750 watts. GA5030 is a universal unit. He confidently copes with work that does not require significant loads. Judging by the reviews, this angle grinder is capable of:

• sand various surfaces;
• cut and clean thin metal;
• cut ceramic tiles to exact dimensions;
• process wood or plastic.

Users note that it is convenient to work even with one hand. This significantly increases the degree of freedom of the master. The designers managed to prevent the occurrence of vibrations during work. Grinder GA5030 Relatively light at 1.4kg, compatible with 12.5cm discs But we must also take into account the limited power, which is only 720 watts. For large surfaces, the GA7050 is much better suited for its ergonomic housing. The operators do not experience serious inconvenience during long-term operation. However, the power of 2000 W can significantly reduce the time of most manipulations. Additional reduction in fatigue is achieved with a special handle.

The positive aspects of the design can be considered:

• rigid fastening of the spindle;
• frequency of revolutions up to 1800 per minute;
• the ability to limit the starting current.

Makita grinders can be used with both carbon and graphite brushes. The exact information about this is always indicated in the instructions. When replacing electric motor armatures, use only original factory spare parts. If you need to purchase a device with a 230 mm disc, you should give preference versions GA9010C... On this device, the installation and displacement of the casing is possible without auxiliary tools, completely manually.

Also, the manufacturer has equipped LBM GA9010C an electronic system that adjusts the speed. The firm claims that it is one of the best models in terms of power-to-weight ratio. But if necessary, buy a 150 mm grinder with speed control is much better suited model 9566C / CV. The device weighing 2.4 kg is reliably protected from starting jerks.

The brushes turn off automatically. The protective cover can be repositioned without aids. During continuous operation, the current consumption per hour reaches 1400 W. If you need a wireless version, you should choose 9500DW... This angle grinder removes any burrs from the metal quite well, weighs exactly 1 kg, and can work up to 10 minutes with a full battery charge.

In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you must immediately distinguish between home and professional devices for yourself. The difference between such grinders is mainly related to the duration of continuous work. Household models can be used for a maximum of 3 hours per day, and then with pauses of 15-20 minutes for 10 minutes of work. Obviously, if there is a lot to be done, this limitation will cause serious inconvenience. Violation of the standard mode of use will drastically reduce the service life of the device.

If you use a real professional unit, you can work 8 or even 10 hours a day. - how much your own strength is enough. However, the private use of such machines is severely limited by their high cost. Moreover, such devices are quite heavy. The power of the angle grinder is also of key importance, which determines the diameter of compatible disks. Low power units only handle very soft materials.

You can still cut the glass, as well as remove burrs from the metal. But cutting even a thin steel sheet or copper tube is extremely difficult. In most models of grinders sold in stores, medium power motors are installed. This allows almost all work to be done. The most powerful (from 1500 W and more) motors are installed on angle grinders for industrial enterprises.

Quite an important point is the number of handles. Two-handed grinders are considered more practical to work with. In addition, they allow the installation of discs larger than 150 mm. As a result, even hardened steel can be cut. As for the price, the cheapest models allow exclusively grinding metal - they are hardly capable of more.

If you need a mini angle grinder, which is easy to use in a confined space, you will have to choose a model with a battery. It is hardly justified to buy a car “with a margin”, since it will make the mechanism heavier and unnecessarily complicate the work. The size of a standard disk says little about power. Sometimes models with a very large working attachment are quite weak.

Choosing a Makita grinder, it is also very important to know how to distinguish a fake from the original. The high demand for this brand makes it attractive to fraudsters as well. First of all, you should refuse to buy an instrument that is too cheap. Both prices in other stores and the cost of models from other firms that are similar in characteristics will serve as a guideline. But we must understand that the price is not everything. Some of the crooks are trying to get the maximum income, and therefore sell their fakes at quite reasonable prices.

Genuine Makita products are always labeled accordingly. Also, the nameplates on them must be glued directly (not upside down). The only real guarantee of quality, however, is the purchase in specialized brand stores. It is somewhat less safe to go to large construction stores and home appliances supermarkets. Most of the fakes are sold in markets and online stores.

Fake Makita grinders are equipped with carbon brushes without production numbers. Counterfeiters have also not yet mastered the use of hex head screws, which are used in a number of models. The protection of the armature windings from dust is depicted by the use of a self-made varnish. You just need to know what a real insulating varnish looks like so as not to fall for the tricks of scammers.

Grease for the grinder gearbox and for its other parts must strictly comply with the manufacturer's instructions. It is not allowed to use angle grinders at voltage and amperage that do not correspond to the manufacturer's instructions. Before starting any work, you need to carefully inspect the grinder and its wires in order to exclude the slightest defects. It is recommended to wait for the temperature of the instrument and the ambient air to equalize before starting. During operation, the workpiece must be stationary (clamped in a vice or similar device).

Regardless of the use of vacuum cleaners, it is required to wear a respirator when cutting concrete, bricks. Any work is carried out strictly in goggles. Powerful angle grinders cannot be operated without wearing special headphones. It is strictly forbidden to use a grinder with a removed or damaged cover, as well as to replace a disc on a device connected to the network. Since any circles inevitably heat up during use, you must not touch them for some time after stopping the device.

Roughing works are most efficiently performed when the wheel is set at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees to the workpiece.In this case, the pressure on the tool must be very low, otherwise the workpiece will overheat. Cutting wheels should not be used if you plan to peel and grind the surface. When cutting the material, it is unacceptable to press on the circle or deflect it to the side. It is advisable, if possible, to cut profiles and pipes where the cross-section is minimal.

For information on how to choose the right Makita grinder, see the next video.