Electric vs. Air-Powered Angle Grinders

Due to their high versatility rate, angle grinders have become indispensable in industries across the board.

There are basically two types of grinders to use: pneumatic grinders and electric grinders.

At TFT-Pneumatic we want to help you understand the differences and applications so you can choose the right tool for the job.

Electric grinders have their uses, but we believe pneumatic tools give you far more power, durability, and reliability.

In short, electric tools are for smaller jobs. Use it at home, in your DIY workshop, things like that. But for heavy-duty work, you have to go with a pneumatic grinder.

Electric vs. Pneumatic Angle Grinders

Similar in what they can do, electric and air-powered angle grinders differ safety, versatility, and lifespan. To run smoothly, heavy-duty industries require power tools that are robust enough to withstand both the task at hand and the tough working environment, yet flexible enough to work in tight spaces.

The most notable usage differences between the two are the following:

Easier to Work With

As the name suggests, electric tools require electricity to run. These may be helpful with the small workshops where one grinder per outlet is enough. Pneumatic, however, powered by air pressure, allow for far more convenient usage. One air compressor can be used to power multiple, up to a hundred different pneumatic tools.

Safety

Electric tools mean trouble if coupled with explosive environments. Pneumatic angle grinders are an obvious choice here, particularly with our new sparkless, ignition-free Ex certified tech development. And not just explosive areas, industrial air tools have the edge over electric in many extreme environments, say, an outside rain.

Safety-wise, electric angle grinders are also susceptible to motor burning due to high pressure. Pneumatic ones, on the other hand, make use of a stalling mechanism that prevents any tool burnout.

Specialization issues

Another notable difference between the two types of grinders is the level of specialization displayed by both types, pneumatic angle grinders being a vastly superior option. Each industry, shipyard, oil, or foundries, has its specific requirements on how they need their metal manipulated, and air grinders can angle towards each of the heavy-duty industry in question.

Versatility

An angle grinder is a multi-layered power tool in that it offers different solutions to different tasks. With a simple wheel adjustment, it completely shifts the scope of its usage. Though different, each blade is applied at a certain angle with an even amount of pressure.

Pneumatic grinders are so widely used precisely because they do so much. That, and their cost-effectiveness. Though pricier initially, air tools more than makeup for it down the line by not relying on constant electric energy.

Maintenance

Lasting much longer than electric, there is a way to extend the air grinders’ lifespan from the usual 7-15 years. Heavy industrial usage in a dirty environment will wear them down eventually, but at a much slower pace if grinders are oiled daily. Removing the moisture from the air supply will also help greatly.

For Use in Risky Environments

Pneumatic angle grinders are best suited for large, heavy-duty industries where risk-free high power tools are a must. These may include any industry that requires highly specialized working equipment. Some of the industries are:

• railcar manufacturers
• offshore oil platforms
• foundries
• airline sectors
• shipyards
• power plants

Take the shipyards for instance. They present a rather challenging working environment. They mostly require 4″ wheels that can operate in tight spaces while maintaining the power necessary for working.

Why we recommend FUJI Pneumatic Tools

In the video above, we compare a FUJI FA-45-6F Angle Grinder, against a FEIN Electric Grinder. We actually carry both grinders. But specifically, these are some of the benefits you get with FUJI Angle Grinders:

• Made out of a mixture of aluminum and heavy-duty steel. Most electric grinders are made out of basically plastic. You’ll find some people call it composite… it’s plastic.
• Pneumatic tools are not as bulky as electric tools. See for yourself:
  
• Pneumatic tools are lighter. At least 30% lighter than electric tools. Imagine working with this tool for 8 hours a day.
• Electric tools are, well, electric. You can’t use it in wet environments, there’s a tripping hazard, they get hot, burned, short-circuited, you name it.
• If a pneumatic tool overworks, the disc stalls. That’s it. If an electric tool overworks, it will burn. And the warranty won’t matter much there.

We recommend the FA-30X-2F air-powered angle grinder as a shining example of a tool tailored towards specifics of shipbuilding use. It’s small, it’s sturdy, with a rotation speed of 13,500 rpm. Working at difficult angles is further supported by a very low vibration that FA-30X-2F exhibits, emphasizing the control operators enjoy handling it.