Large angle grinder 180mm or 230mm?

[AlexThePalex]

Guys, I'm gonna need a big angle grinder to cut me some 30x30x5 cm concrete tiles for the sidewalk and I was wondering which size of angle grinder I'm gonna need for this. When I look around I see there are basically 2 sizes, with a 180mm/7'' disc and with a 230mm/9'' disc.

I'm sure the 230mm will suit fine but I was wondering if the 180mm can also cut deep enough. I never see any specs on websites about how deep you can actually cut with it.

I am also wondering that if I get a 180mm one, is it possible to fit 230mm discs on it when needed, provide I take the protective hood off?

Thanks for any insight in this matter you can give me.

 

[Daniel_n]

I have a 180 and a 230mm angle grinder, which complement each other very well. I mainly use the 230 for cutting and the 180 for grindning. If I only had one large angle grinder, I would certainly go for the 230mm, as it can do pretty much everything that the 180 can do, and although the larger machine is heavier, it doesn't matter much as both sizes are two hand use only anyway. A 180mm angle grinder will not be able to cut your tiles in one cut, as their max cutting depth is about 40-45mm. A 230mm angle grinder has a maximum cutting depth of approximately 65-70mm in one go.

I strongly recommend a blue bosch 230mm angle grinder with an anti-kickback clutch. Soft start is also nice in order to not blow the fuses, as these machines typically require a lot of power.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Daniel, that was exactly the information I was looking for. Thank you very much. I now know I have to go for the 230mm. I had my eye on some Bosch models already. Bosch has a good reputation when it comes to angle grinders and I also really like the designs of their latest models.

 

[Frank-Jan]

We (my father and I run a small construction company) also have very good experience with the blue bosch grinders (we only have 230 and 125mm models though). When choosing one you have to make sure there's a "J" in the modelname, this stands for the softstart feature that Daniel mentioned, because the ones that don't have it will trip the fuses often.
My personal favourite is the JBX, which has a blade-brake, but they don't have that one in the newer models yet (at least they didn't last time I saw a bosch rep at a demonstration).