There are many types of electric grinders, and their uses are extremely versatile. While many people are familiar with some of the most common types of electric grinders, such as die grinders and angle grinders, there are actually many different types of electric grinders, each with different functions and uses. Some of the most common uses for electric grinders include sanding rough surfaces, sharpening blades, and removing materials such as paint or varnish. However, these uses are just the tip of the iceberg of the many uses for electric grinders, and any DIYer, hobbyist, or home improvement enthusiast can benefit from owning an electric grinder or two.
Power tools are expensive. Pneumatic tools like air grinders tend to be more expensive than simple hand tools, so many people choose not to invest in these devices. Luckily, not all air grinders come with a hefty price tag. Known for their great deals on tools, Harbor Freight is a great place to buy affordable tools, including air grinders. The store carries a wide range of products, from DIY tools to quality equipment used by hobby gardeners, and offers clear pricing plans based on the quality of the products. We checked out their website and found six affordable air grinders that will work for a variety of hobbies and projects. We chose them based on price, product features, and user reviews. So, from sanders to belt sanders, here are six affordable air grinders you can find at Harbor Freight.
A straight grinder is one of the simplest and most common types of electric grinders. They are common in the toolboxes of both professionals and hobbyists, and are primarily used for rough surface polishing, sanding, buffing, and stripping. Grinders are similar to rotary tools in that they operate using a grinding wheel attached to the end of a rotating spindle, but their power and capabilities far exceed those of basic rotary craft tools.
Available from Harbor Freight, the Central Pneumatic ¼-inch Compact Air Grinder is an affordable addition to any professional or hobbyist’s toolbox. The tool’s compact design makes it ideal for use in tight quarters and confined spaces, and the rear exhaust system prevents chips and dust from blowing into your face while you’re grinding. It features a ball-bearing design to withstand tough conditions and a lightweight, cast-aluminum body for durability. The paddle-type trigger makes it easy to operate, even in tough work environments, and the overall weight of the product is less than one pound, helping to eliminate fatigue during extended use. The Central Compact Air Grinder is priced at $19.99 and has a 4.4 out of 5 star rating based on over 250 customer reviews.
An angle grinder is a combination of a regular angle grinder and a standard angle grinder. Angle grinders are generally used for cutting materials or polishing, grinding and sanding, while angle grinders are more suitable for deburring, polishing and grinding rather than cutting. Why use an angle grinder instead of a regular angle grinder? Sometimes it is impossible to achieve the correct positioning with a standard angle grinder. Additionally, angle grinders are more convenient to use when polishing and grinding flat surfaces with certain types of attachments. While standard angle grinders are great for use with conical attachments, angle grinders are often better suited for use with flat polishing wheels.
The McGraw ¼-inch Angle Grinder is a great choice for DIYers or those who work in a skilled workshop. This tool features a ¼-horsepower motor that spins at up to 20,000 RPM, making it easy to tackle a variety of projects and tasks. Its durable cast-aluminum body can withstand tough conditions, and its compact size allows you to tackle projects in tight spaces where other equipment might not fit. The tool features a front exhaust to keep dust and chips out of your face, and a comfortable grip to reduce vibration and fatigue during long periods of use. The McGraw Angle Grinder costs $24.99 and has a 4.8 out of 5-star rating based on reviews from nearly 100 Harbor Freight customers.
Belt grinders are very useful tools, but they are not as well known as machines like angle grinders and straight grinders. The main uses for belt grinders are sharpening and making knives and other blades, deburring items like pipes, and polishing various surfaces. They work by using a long, thin sanding belt attached to a motor. Although many belt grinders are stationary, you can also find portable belt grinders for a variety of projects and tasks.
The Central Pneumatic ⅜-inch Wide Pneumatic Belt Sander from Harbor Freight is surprisingly affordable and a handy addition to any toolbox. Designed for hard-to-reach areas, the Central Pneumatic Belt Sander features a long ⅜-inch wide belt, making it the perfect tool for deburring hard-to-reach areas and finishing surfaces on a variety of projects. It features a 360-degree, multi-position sanding belt and a high-speed motor that can reach speeds of up to 18,000 feet per minute. The tool is made from a durable die-cast aluminum body for reliable, long-lasting performance, and the petal-style throttle is easy to control and operate. It features a built-in regulator and an easy-to-adjust belt mechanism, and the $24.99 price tag makes this sander affordable for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. The product has received positive reviews from Seaport Freight customers, earning a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on more than 350 user reviews.
The Jitterbug Orbital Sander is another lesser-known electric sander. Many people are familiar with standard orbital sanders and cylindrical sanders that have a rotating eccentric rotor. Jitterbug orbital sanders are similar to standard orbital sanders, but are typically rectangular in shape rather than circular like regular random orbital sanders, and use irregular motions to avoid leaving lines or swirls in the workpiece. They are often used to finish surfaces on items like furniture or countertops, as well as for auto body repair.
For those who work in auto body repair, woodworking, or a variety of other hobbies and trades, the Central Pneumatic Jitterbug Sander from Harbor Freight is worth a look. Marketed as an ideal tool for finishing body panels and furniture, the tool features a vibration-free design for fatigue-free operation and a speed of up to 9,400 RPM. The compact handle design makes it easy to work in hard-to-reach areas, while the lever trigger provides easy, precise control. Featuring a built-in regulator and fully shielded radial bearings, this tool is built to last and perform reliably. The Central Pneumatic Jitterbug Sander costs $39.99 and has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on reviews from nearly 150 Harbor Freight customers.
As the name suggests, we often think of electric grinders as powerful tools used to remove material and smooth surfaces. While grinding is certainly one of the primary uses for this type of equipment, it is not its only application. As mentioned above, there are many types of electric grinders with different application purposes, and polishing is one of the most common secondary uses for electric grinders and polishers. Polishing is different from sanding. While grinding is aimed at removing material or smoothing out a rough surface, polishing is a more gentle process aimed at making an already smooth surface even shinier.
Designed for tasks like car painting and polishing, as well as a variety of hobbies and projects, the Central Pneumatic 3-inch Air Polisher Kit is a great choice for home mechanics, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a hands-on side hustle. Ideal for car detailing, this kit includes an air polisher with an ergonomic pistol grip, two foam polishing pads, and a wool polishing pad to help you with weekend car washes and a variety of other tasks. The tool features a rear exhaust port and a compact motor. The hook-and-loop mounting mechanism makes changing polishing pads quick and easy, and the 1.53-pound weight makes the unit comfortable to use, even for long periods of time. The Central Pneumatic Air Polisher Kit costs $29.99 and has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on nearly 300 user reviews.
Random orbit sanders are a popular type of electric sander. They are typically round in shape and move in an irregular, erratic motion to avoid leaving marks on the workpiece. They are ideal for finishing surfaces in woodworking projects and can be used for a variety of purposes, from sanding countertops to removing old paint and even, depending on the attachment, polishing finished products.
The McGraw 6-Inch Random Orbital Air Sander is a relatively new product from Harbor Freight that can be a solid addition to any DIY toolbox. This small orbital tool features a 3/32-inch orbital pattern that’s perfect for fine, detailed surface finishing. The product description states that it won’t leave streaks or marks on your project, making it ideal for any job that requires a smooth, shiny finish. The tool features an ergonomic handle for added comfort during long work sessions, and the lightweight body prevents arm and wrist fatigue during long sanding sessions. The tool features an adjustable speed control to help you fine-tune and control your work, and the rotating exhaust port helps keep dust and debris out of your face. The McGraw Random Orbital Sander is priced at $39.99 and has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating based on numerous verified customer purchases at Harbor Freight.