Buzz
Ever since I discovered the wonders of an angle grinder, my interest in cordless drills and screwdrivers has dwindled. Their everyday usefulness is quite limited, especially for family needs, which usually revolve around shelving and occasional drilling. On the other hand, an angle grinder is versatile and can handle a variety of tasks.
I snagged this Ryobi gem on an 8/8 sale for a sweet deal at just $430. Initially eyeing the higher-end Makita GA-4030R with soft start and anti-restart features, I had to postpone my purchase until the end of this month or perhaps take the plunge on 9/9.
(For those too lazy to read, just watch the video)
This angle grinder is my fourth, and I've gathered enough experience to guide you, fellow enthusiasts, in deciding whether to bring it home for family use or for crafting various DIY projects. Considering the price range, this one seems like a steal, but the downside is that it's almost sold out in many shops.
Design - Craftsmanship
Small Details that Matter
The sliding switch on this machine is excellent—large, smooth to operate, and easy to toggle on and off with one or two hands. Especially with single-handed operation, the machine remains stable without the fear of jerky movements, thanks to the absence of a soft start feature. This is crucial for continuous users who won't be bothered by a challenging or stiff switch.
The spindle lock button for changing the grinding wheel is decent, not as tight and rigid as the Stanley STGS 9100, but still significantly sturdier than Dekton. Whether it stands the test of time is yet to be determined.
The machine is incredibly compact, fitting snugly in my small hands. Despite my petite grip, extended use feels remarkably comfortable and less fatiguing compared to bulkier counterparts like Dewalt or 125mm machines. Without the additional handle, prolonged use can quickly strain the hand, especially when using the machine for polishing or tackling rust, where vibrations are higher than when cutting or grinding metal.
User Experience (Cutting-Grinding-Sanding)
The machine's power is sufficient for household needs, as the 650W feels less potent than the 900W, noticeably scoring around 7.5 on a scale of 10. Nevertheless, this power level is more than enough for various domestic tasks such as cutting, sanding, grinding, and polishing. It works well for indoor applications like polishing motorcycles, sanding pallet pine wood, and cutting steel, stainless steel, and wood.
Watch the Video
Conclusion:
Completely satisfied with the money spent and what it brings. Ryobi Kyocera from Japan doesn't disappoint with this machine tailored for household needs, as advertised on the box.
The only downside of these common machines, including this HG-650, is the heat dissipation issue. Even during a brief test, the machine's body heats up quite rapidly. If used continuously for 10-15 minutes, you might need to wear gloves for a comfortable grip because it gets quite hot. It's unlike my Stanley STGS9100, which only heats up at the machine's head, while the body remains comfortably warm to touch.
TO BE CONTINUED (will solely use the angle grinder and mini welding machine to craft a multipurpose table)
