BOSCH GWS8-45 4-1/2 Inch 7.5 Amp Angle Grinder with Lock-On Switch, Lightweight Design, and Durable Protection Guard for Metal and Concrete Grinding

I initially bought this angle grinder so that I could remove an old-school basketball goal. Back in the day, people had to rig their own, as they couldn't just buy from the store. The previous homeowner had, decades ago, installed said goal with a big ol' steel pipe. The plywood that made up the actual goal was rotted to the point that I worried a stiff breeze would blow it right down onto my wife's car, so I bought the appropriate tool for the job and got to work.Bosch does good work for a good price. This is a basic angle grinder that will let you use those thin cutting wheels. The included wrench makes wheel swapping quick and easy. There's an appropriate guard, and a handle, for safety purposes. (You can change the handle to the other side so that, if you're left handed or approaching from that side, you have a good grip.)This tool has helped me not just with the stupid basketball goal that needed to come down, but a few other things as well. I've used it, without problem, to break down folding chairs so that they'll fit in recycling bins. My neighbor and I cut hardware panels for both of our fencing projects--again, no problems. This grinder is a solid tool that I'm happy to have in my garage because I never know when another use for it will come up.You also have a power switch that you can slide all the way up for continuous grinding, which is great if you're buffing something or otherwise spending a lot of time working with the tool on.As always, be safe. Wear both safety glasses and a face shield while working with this tool, especially if you're cutting metal. Angle grinders are no joke, so take this seriously.

I bought this to cut some ~1/8" steel. In particular, this rack:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RYYY7C?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_detailsThe two rows of holes on each post are in line with each other so the rear set needs to be cut off. Not knowing that before I bought that rack, I bought this grinder to do the cutting. I was shocked to find that the manual claims that this grinder cannot be used for cut-off applications, because it doesn't say that anywhere on the Amazon page, or even on Bosch's website, unless you download the manual. However, other manufacturers such as Makita offer similar-sized grinders with the same or lesser specs that claim to support cut-off work, so I figured why not give it a shot. And sure enough, it works just fine. Just don't lay into it too hard and let the disc do the work. Also, wear adequate PPE and a dust mask or respirator, it generates tons of particles and stinks as the disc wears.Other 4.5" Bosch grinders claim to support cut-off applications, but it seems that Bosch has discontinued the "optional" cut-off guard, and finding guards for other brands of 4.5" grinders seemed equally challenging at this price point. It would appear that most people just toss a cut off disc in there and go, using the included "Type 27" guard that comes stock with this and any other brand of entry-level grinder. User beware, and be careful, but there are loads of videos on YouTube showing people using grinders to cut metal with Type 27 guards installed.Installing a Type 1 (flat) disc doesn't leave a lot of clearance with the included guard though, so I opted for a Type 27 cutoff wheel. This has the depressed center like the included grinding wheel, and offers better clearance. The one I got (Norton Blue Fire) says to use it with Type 27 guards, which happens to be what's included with this grinder. Despite this, the manual says not to use the included Type 27 guard for cut-off applications.It appears that there's a lot of conflicting information as to what can and can't be done. Or rather, what should or shouldn't be done. But for everyone wondering if this grinder is suitable for cutting, the answer is yes. Buy it, you'll be happy. It's inexpensive, and if you burn it out, just buy another. It'll still be less expensive than some of the other higher-end models out there. You'll be happy.

I. Am. An. Idiot.I started an earlier review talking about how I'm a professional furniture maker (bona fides/credibility, right?) who has owned many grinders over the years and while I love this grinder, I couldn't get the inner flange off... either because the machining tolerances were too tight, or there was some burr, or it just otherwise decided to fuse itself on. I even tried to use a gear puller to get it off!!! I had my return all set and figured I'd just get a replacement and make sure I reamed out the flange before seating it.Then I had a horrible thought... and searched "flange" among the other reviews. (Major face palm). Yes. This Bosch grinder is different from all the other grinders I've owned in that the inner flange is also threaded... and, I totally forgot that. What a dummy. Now I feel so bad for all the abuse I subjected this beautiful little machine to.Here's the highlights from my previous review:I like having at least 3-4 grinders set up at all times with different discs so I never have to switch mid-job. My wrists have started to get pretty sore by the end of the day, so I wanted to find the lightest grinder possible -esp. for careful detail work. My go-to grinders have always been Makitas but I thought this Bosch was worth a try. Immediately, I was impressed with the design and quality. The machining and finish of all the parts looked great and it felt great to use. Grinders seem like they should be the same -it's just a motor with a threaded shaft, but compared to a crappy Metabo I wasted money on, this Bosch ran like butter... so smooth, hardly any vibration... very well balanced and lightweight... seriously, a pleasure. I imagine eventually replacing all of my grinders with this model.Anyway... I heartily recommend this grinder, just don't forget about the threaded flange. And, the only other comment I'll make is -the cord is kinda wimpy... it's like the strength of a licorice rope... so, just make sure no off-cuts fall on it... that's all I'll say about that... otherwise... it's a great small grinder.

Works as advertised, good price.