Ive been in the market for a metal cutting tool and came across angle grinders and cut off tools. After reading some articles I just found out how dangerous angle grinders are for a variety of reasons. I was trying to decide between an electric angle grinder, and a air cut off tool. I'd prefer to have electric since the air cut off tool eats up a LOT of air. Anyone have any suggestions? I usually prefer performance when buying tools but with something of this nature I gotta say that safety sounds a little more appealing. My fingers are more important that cutting off a bolt/exhaust etc.

Any help appreciated

 

I use my metabo for just about everything that requires cutting. Yes it's dangerous but if your careful and wear protective gear, youll be fine. Continuous power that never runs out will beat an air tool everytime.

 

as a professional car builder, nothing beats a 5" angle grinder. air cutoff wheels have their place, however unless you have a big compressor dont expect to cut a bolt off in a hurry. air also doesnt have the torque an electric has. get a good brand thats comfy in your hands, not real heavy, and have a momentary contact switch (many grinders have an on/off switch, they suck). i like the makita 5" grinders.

safety is key with any power tool. generally when im fabricating i wear a lightweight welding jacket, tig welding gloves and i use a tight fitting face shield. the tig gloves give me enough feel for what im doing while protecting my hands from the sparks, and you tend to feel when you have just brushed the disc with your glove. most would opt for safety glasses, i wear glasses and cant see without them so a face shield is a must. i like the extra protection it offers, especially from sparks when under a car.

the biggest piece of advice i can give for grinder safety is to use both hands on the grinder. one handed grinding is dangerous, if the grinder digs in its going to kick back and with one hand you cant stableize it, and its going into your leg or arm.