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  1. #1
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    Default Quieter Angle Grinder

    I may be dreaming, but would like to find a quieter angle grinder. I am a big fan of the Arbortech products and just got a ball gouge in the mail. The only downside to using their carvers, is that screaming sound of the angle grinder which has given me some industrial deafness over the years. The carvers only fit 100 and 115mm grinders.

    Is there a grinder out there that produces less noise??

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  3. #2
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    I agree angle grinders are one of the worst power tools to use for noise.

    The noise problem lies in the need to use "universal" motors to get enough power/speed into a compact hand held power tool. I doubt that will change any time soon.

    If you use a good quality 30+ dB reduction muff you should not experience any industrial deafness. The are a lot of unproven claims by ear muff manufacturers out there so get your self something like a Peltor 10HA or B muff and if you feel the need add some ear plugs for extra protection..

    I have 4 pairs, 2 in the shed, one at the mens shed and one in the Van. Where the Peltors really come into their own is on my big chainsaws with modified exhausts that operate at ~116dB.

    I've been wearing the Peltors (plus ear plugs when using the chainsaws) when operating machinery for about 10 years.

    Before using the Peltors I had my hearing tested and was well below average for a some frequencies. Recently I had my hearing tested and I am now around average for my age group.
    It doesn't mean my hearing has improved (it can't really do this) but has deteriorated less that other people in my age group.

  4. #3
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    Thanks BobL. I will look at those better quality ear muffs. Can you provide me with a link to a good mail order supplier?
    For some reason, I can't seem to wear those earplugs. I must have funny shaped ear canals. Haha.
    I was hoping someone may suggest a more expensive variable speed grinder that has reduced noise. But like I said, I am probably dreaming.

  5. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by Kidbee View Post
    Thanks BobL. I will look at those better quality ear muffs. Can you provide me with a link to a good mail order supplier?
    I got mine from Protector AllSafe (now Blackwoods)
    https://www.blackwoods.com.au/search...437/4293911233
    You have to register to see the prices but that is a 30s exercise.

    For some reason, I can't seem to wear those earplugs. I must have funny shaped ear canals. Haha.
    I was hoping someone may suggest a more expensive variable speed grinder that has reduced noise. But like I said, I am probably dreaming.
    Me too but I doubt that will happen for a while.

    Maybe a trip to a audiologist where you can try a few different plugs is in order?
    You can also add extra acoustical isolation to the Peltors.
    The Peltors are quite amazing - in a quite location you can eventually start hearing your blood running around in your head,

    I wore them on planes for a while but they are only good for short trips as the have quite a high side pressure so eventually can be quite sore. Muffs have to have quite a high side pressure to achieve above 30dB protection otherwise the don't block out the noise. Muffs that claim above 30dB without a high side pressure are fooling themselves.

    BTW it is impossible to get more than about 35dB protection without going to a full on divers helmet, as at 35dB the bones of the skull start to conduct more noise than is blocked by the muffs.

  6. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    I got mine from Protector AllSafe (now Blackwoods)

    BTW it is impossible to get more than about 35dB protection without going to a full on divers helmet, as at 35dB the bones of the skull start to conduct more noise than is blocked by the muffs.
    Thats fascinating, not surprising given that vibrations tend to go through everything eventually.

    Can definitely vouch for going to an audiologist, custom ear plugs are on the pricey side but in terms of comfort they are hard to beat. Plus there are some situations where ear muffs just get in the way eg when wearing face shields that do not have the muffs attached.

    Other things that can help is limiting the amount of exposure time, as hearing loss isn't about db's as much but more about duration and frequency of exposure.

    Alternatively get rid of the angle grinder and get yourself a cold saw. You'll instantly cut your exposure time in half at least...

  7. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by tonzeyd View Post
    Plus there are some situations where ear muffs just get in the way eg when wearing face shields that do not have the muffs attached. .
    The Peltors also come in an "around the neck" version for use with hats, helmets and face shields.

    If these are reversed so the band goes behind the head (rather than the neck) I find the band clips over the back of the headband for a number of face shields.
    This helps the muffs as the face shield staying on my fat pointy shaped head.

    Muffs2.jpg

    I find the behind the neck version doesn't provide quite as much sound reduction and this is probably because they don't put quite as much sideways pressure around the ear.
    The specs provided by the manufacturer also show this to be the case.
    However this makes them a bit more comfortable.

  8. #7
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    Ahh another thing to add to the list of things i "need" to buy...

  9. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by tonzeyd View Post
    Ahh another thing to add to the list of things i "need" to buy...
    Funny how that list never seems to get any shorter?

    They also work with the Armadillo Face shields which I reckon are the clearest best all round vision shields - also available from Blackwoods.

  10. #9
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    Kidbee

    The only thing I can suggest is a pneumatic angle grinder. As they eliminate the universal screamer they are much quieter. The only real problem is that you need a decent size air compressor to run them. They are quite a big consumer of air.

    You would also need to tuck the air compressor out of the way as otherwise you have substituted one noise for another. However that is not impossible. Remember every time you use the tyre gauge at a service station there is a compressor somewhere. You rarely hear it.

    Regards
    Paul
    Bushmiller;

    "Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"

  11. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bushmiller View Post
    The only thing I can suggest is a pneumatic angle grinder. As they eliminate the universal screamer they are much quieter. The only real problem is that you need a decent size air compressor to run them. They are quite a big consumer of air. l
    I looked into this some time ago and given my experience with cheaper air powered tools (see below) I decide to look at the price of the brand name units like Atlas Copco and got quite a shock at prices and their air demands so I decided to just look at something the next level down like the Bosch 125mm air grinder.
    Firstly its still not that cheap and it needed 20 CFM which means about a 5HP compressor.

    My experience with air tools (especially the cheaper ones) is that the manufacturers tend to understate the air requirements.

    The cheap die grinder and small sander I have are underpowered and thermal insulation around them has disintegrated and because the get really cold I have to wear gloves while using them.

  12. #11
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    If you use ear plugs have your ears regularly checked because they compact the wax and make it very hard to remove. We used them in circuit racing for noise suppression and radio comms and found this out the hard way.
    CHRIS

  13. #12
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    Bloody Blackwoods make it so hard to give them money, fair dinkum they do - they invent new ways to stop sales every time I look. I have a log in from years ago but it seems to freeze. Why they don't just put the prices up beats the crap outta me, so I couldn't be fagged with them (and shopping in person is a whole new kind of REALLY bad experience - take a good book to read while they dick around out the back).

    However, I find it unlikely they will be cheaper than ebay in any case:
    https://www.boc.com.au/shop/en/au/3m...yABEgKrMvD_BwE

    Just search "peltor ebay".

    These are the lizard's gizzards I reckon. They take the edge right off the immediate sound but yet I can still hear sounds in the distance reasonably well. Maybe Bob can explain why that might be.
    Regards, FenceFurniture

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  14. #13
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    Bosch amongst other manufacturers produce an 18v battery angle grinder. I wonder if they are any quieter, especially if they use brushless motors.
    I doubt if Bunnings would let you cut a bit of angle iron with one of their display units, but you might find a tradie around the area that could give you a quick demo.
    I recently saw a battery operated drop saw being operated, and was surprised how quiet it was compared to a 240 volt version.

    Alan...

  15. #14
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    Al

    The cordless angle grinders are considerably quieter, but this comes at a price and I am not talking dollars here. They just don't have the grunt of the corded tools. So a lot will depend on the useage. Without ever having used an Arbotech carver, I suspect it needs some significant power to drive it.

    Having said all that my cordless angle grinder is only 14.4V and worse still it is on a dual voltage grinder designed to use either 14.4V or 18V. Consequently it overloads and cuts out with very little provocation. The 18V battery may be much better. This was my fault as I ended up with five 14.4V batteries and wanted to make the most of them. With mine grinder only light sanding of the rails on my saw mill is it's main use so mostly I get away with it. The few times I have used it to cut with thin cutting discs it bogs down quite quickly.

    Regards
    Paul
    Bushmiller;

    "Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"

  16. #15
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    Kidbee

    I imagine that the Arbotech carver is used for quick removal of waste material. If you're not using it continuously an air compressor with a reasonable size tank may still be a viable alternative. Bob is quite right in the limitations and I did allude to that in less detail. If you found yourself around this way or not too far away I have an air powered angle grinder you are welcome to try.

    Regards
    Paul
    Bushmiller;

    "Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power corrupts, absolutely!"

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