Angle grinders are a workshop staple for pros and DIY’ers alike, but the tool category hasn’t experienced many significant technological advancements in recent years. Milwaukee Power Tools changes that notion with the introduction of an innovative new motor technology. The company launches 18 small angle grinders in 2011 that deliver up to three times more durability and up to 50 percent more power than the competition. The EHT staff traveled to Milwaukee headquarters to get the scoop and learned that the boost in power is achieved through an increase in the amount of copper windings inside the motor. This is accomplished with the use of smaller diameter copper wire, which results in the ability to fit more copper in the motor. To borrow an analogy from Milwaukee’s engineers, you can fit more baseballs than basketballs into a barrel while occupying more space, and this concept holds true with the new motors. “With our new technology, we are able to put more copper in any given space,” says Andrew Plowman, product manager for Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation. “More copper equals more power.”
The additional tool durability comes from Milwaukee’s sturdy construction combined with a significantly larger gear head than competing models. The larger gear provides greater surface area over which to distribute the impact of the tool’s grinding action. In addition,an advanced airflow system allows air to move rapidly through the tool, keeping the motor cool, and engineered L-shaped vents protect the motor by blocking debris particles.
Further improvements can be seen with Milwaukee’s advanced electronics, which includes overload protection to maximize motor life, an electronic clutch that helps prevent bind-up, line lock-out that prevents automatic start-up after power loss, and a “soft start”feature for greater control of the tool. Many models also include Constant Power Technology, which enables the grinder to maintain speed under load. As an added bonus, the grinders are now completely tool-free, allowing users to change all accessories without a wrench. Learn more at www.milwaukeetool.com or call1-800-SAWDUST.
