Hey everyone! I live in Arizona, where the sun is always shining and it feels like a furnace out there! My son is in a high school program where he's learning trades, and he's really taken to welding. Now, in his second year, he's asked me to get him a battery-operated angle grinder. I've always trusted Milwaukee tools for my home and mechanic work, so I'm leaning towards them. What model of Milwaukee angle grinder would you recommend? If you think there are better brands out there for welding, I'd love to hear your thoughts too! Thanks a bunch!
3 Answers
You're a great dad for supporting your son's welding journey! For battery-operated options, I’d highly recommend the 4.5”/6” paddle grinder with a brake. It’s a bit pricey but definitely the best you can get for a grinder that’s battery-operated.
Milwaukee has a ton of different angle grinders—something like 27 models! I have one that's a Fuel model with BrakeStop, but honestly, they all look pretty similar. If you're not set on Milwaukee, check out corded grinders too—they're usually cheaper and more reliable for classroom settings.
Exactly! A corded grinder is often much more suited for extensive welding work. They’re durable and won’t run out of battery mid-job!
As someone who's welded for years and recently switched careers, I've got to vouch for the Milwaukee 4.5” M18 Fuel grinder. It's solid and reliable! However, for heavy welding tasks, I'd suggest having a corded option too. The DeWalt DWE402 4.5” grinder really shines in that regard, balancing power and weight nicely. It’s worth keeping for those battery-draining jobs.

I hear you! Corded grinders are often powerful enough for welding, and they won’t break the bank. Just be wary, though, my son switched schools and now there's less access to outlets, which complicates things a bit! Thanks for your input!