What model Metabo and Where from?

[Heebo]

I am looking to buy a couple of 4 1/2" grinders and have seen Metabo recommended numerous times here. Please give opinions as to which model is preferred and why along with suggestions as to where they can be purchased for a reasonable price. Thanks

[BillC]

Try this:

http://www.cyberweld.com/powertools.html

Their welder prices are very competitive on the 'net. Their grinders probably are also. Good Luck!

[Arbo]

That's a fair price with shipping included. You won't be sorry if you get them. They will outlast a Milwaukee at least thyree to one. We haven't ruined any yet at my employer. And...That's a prison. We're hard on things around here. Good luck!

[Tackweld]

Metabo Grinder gloat

You guys know the story, 1 out of every 25 garage sales (~maybe~) yeilds somethings good, well I scored a Metabo model 1115 grinder in pretty nice shape for $3.25--Bargained down from $4 I had to make a side handle for it ...Must have been my day,, next street over was a brand new Reliance Electric SP500 electric motor VFD, sticker said "Make Offer" I did- $5 took it home.
By the way, that Metabo is the most used (out of 3 others) 4 1/2" grinder in my shop-arage.

[bitternut]

We haven't ruined any yet at my employer. And...That's a prison.

Arbo........I just have to ask.

What kind of prison do you work at that has all kinds of metal working tools available? I keep having this vision of somebody walking in to visit an inmate with a file hidden in a cake and tripping over a metabo grinder cord. Is it one of those country club type prisons for white collar prisoners?

[Arbo]

Bitternut,

It is a max security penitentiary. The theory is that we can teach long term inmates a trade. That way, if they ever do re-enter society, maybe they have learned something useful.

[bitternut]

Yeah, your right it would be nice to have them all leave with something that would make them productive members of society. I guess I have watched too much tv to not be nervous about hard timers with metal working tools. Hope you are successful in your mission.

[Arbo]

Bitternut,

I think that everyone walks through those doors the first time, and thinks they know something about working in a prison. We all learned it from watching movies. What nobody realizes is that inside those walls is a society of its own. I have been in the business for 14 years, and I still learn something new everyday. There are still areas of the physical structure that I haven't even been to yet! There is about 26 acres inside the wall.

[Franz]

Don't worry about long term prisoners with metal cutting tools, we just had 2 murderers escape from Elmira because the State of Neuevo Hillareah aparently thinks inmates need sledge hammers and 50 bed sheets in their cell, along with materials to make manequins. Does that remind anybody else of an old movie?

[Arbo]

Franz,

I believe that was also a privately owned contract facility. Just another reminder that the private sector has no business trying to run a prison. You can not and will not find good quality staff that are willing to work in that environment for near minimum wage and minimal bennies! It wasn't the state of New York running the joint. It was the cheap *******s that keep trying to pinch pennies to make a jail a money making enterprise. You should all call your congressmen and protest the privatization of prisons in the USA. You may be the next victim of violence by a prisoner escaped from a privately run prison!

[echo8287]

Prison welding

At one time (late 80's) I worked in a maximum security prison. I was a maintenance man working on the steam sytem, plumbing system, and electrical system.We had to hook em up to the electric chair when it was legal in Ga. We also had to do some welding, bars, bed frames,pipe,gas lines,and metal cabinets. That was one of the first times that I got to use a welding machine. Had to have one after that. Don't remember anyone escaping from that facility when I was there,but I think a couple did.They made intricate uniforms,wigs,etc. and walked out with the guards on a shift change. Later they were apprehended. Needless to say I don't think anyone else has "left the building"(except on a stretcher).We use to carry pocket knives with us to do various tasks(strip wires,cut off insulation etc.)This may some dumb but some times you might hand your knife to an inmate that was helping you work.(these were usually inmates with lesser offensives)I worked there 3 years and never had a problem.There are like a few unwritten laws in that prison society and if something goes wrong you won't be the one that gets revenge,someone else will get it for you.One time though I handed my knife to the wrong guy and while nothing happened,I never did it again.You do have to be very careful in that world.When we were welding we had to account for all the electrodes and stubs,all tools,all materials etc.Your post brought back some old memories,some good- some bad.

[Bill H.]

metabo variable speed a nice choice

Heebo, I have a Metabo 4 1/2" grinder that has variable speed from 3,000 to 10,000 rpm. I like the slower speeds for times where its easy to over do it. My model is WE 9-125 and cost ~$200. Take a look at a similar one at: http://www.masterwholesale.com/metab..._grinders.html for $209.49. It's nice to be able to choose a speed rather then just getting 10,000 rpm all the time. My two cents.

[Roger]

Wow, Electronic winding temperature monitor with LED display gotta get one.
At those whole sale prices they need parimiter alarm system like the dog collars that shock as they try to walk off.

Like the Ergo models, the way they made em before I heard ergo.