Whether you have just started wood carving or are an artist in this field, you should rely on both your skills and high-quality essential tools. Besides a good knife set, ensure that you have got the best angle grinder for wood carving.
With over 5 years in wood carving as my DIY hobby, I have collected 7 best-rated grinders that you can use to pursue your hobby without wasting too much money on testing and failing attempts.
Contents
- Top 7 Best Angle Grinders For Wood Carving 2024
- In-depth 7 Top Rated Angle Grinders For Wood Carving Reviews
- 1. Makita 9564CV 4-1/2-Inch SJS High-Power Angle Grinder – Best overall
- 2. Bosch 1375A 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder – A good German-made grinder
- 3. King Arthur’s Tools MERLIN2 Variable Speed – Best mini angle grinder for wood carving
- 4. BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 Angle Grinder Tool – Best budget
- 5. DEWALT DWE43113 Angle Grinder Tool – Dust Ejection System prevents wood dust
- 6. RYSF 12V 19500rpm Brushless Mini Angle Grinder – High-efficient brushless motor
- 7. RYSF 100MM Multi-Function Electric Angle Grinder – Dustproof ventilation hole to avoid blockage
- Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Angel Grinder For Wood Carving?
- How To Carve Wood With Angle Grinders?
- FAQs
- My Top Pick
Top 7 Best Angle Grinders For Wood Carving 2024
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Makita 9564CV 4-1/2-Inch SJS High-Power Angle Grinder | Best overall | See latest Price |
  | Bosch 1375A 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder | A good German-made grinder | See latest Price |
  | King Arthur's Tools MERLIN2 Variable Speed | Best mini angle grinder for wood carving | See latest Price |
  | BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 Angle Grinder Tool | Best budget | See latest Price |
  | DEWALT DWE43113 Angle Grinder Tool | Dust Ejection System prevents wood dust | See latest Price |
  | RYSF 12V 19500rpm Brushless Mini Angle Grinder | High-efficient brushless motor | See latest Price |
  | RYSF 100MM Multi-Function Electric Angle Grinder | Dustproof ventilation hole to avoid blockage | See latest Price |
In-depth 7 Top Rated Angle Grinders For Wood Carving Reviews
1. Makita 9564CV 4-1/2-Inch SJS High-Power Angle Grinder – Best overall
- Power source: Corded electric
- Dimension (LxWxH): 16 x 6 x 6 inches
- Speed: 2,800 – 10,500 RPM
- Weight: 7.1 pounds
- Wattage: 1400 watts
Makita 9564CV is the best grinder option for beginners or professionals in woodworking. Featuring the popular 4 1/2-inch wheel size, this handheld tool promises to assist you in woodcutting or other DIY tasks.
This grinder runs on a robust 13-amp motor that allows you to choose from 5-speed options from 2,800 to 10,500RPM. On top of that, this tool can also automatically optimize the speed control under heavy load with its latest speed control technology. Thus, you can always get your desired carving result without worrying about speed changes.
When it comes to safety and durability, this Makita grinder is undoubtedly a perfect choice for you.
First, it comes with the SJS (Super Joint System) technology to prevent damages to the motor and the gear. This technology also lessens the tool’s vibration and shock while cutting hardwood like walnut, ash, mahogany, oak, etc. Not only it brings comfort to make precise cuts, but it also protects yourself from unwanted injuries and accidents.
Second, the Soft Start feature keeps the internal motor safe and sound, thus extending its lifetime usage.
In exchange for its superpower, you will always have to stick with the electric cord and a constant power supply. If you plan to use this angle grinder on a daily basis, you should prepare a power generator to use if there is a power outage.
Check more 7 top-rated Makita angle grinders here!
Pros:
- Powerful 13-amp motor with a maximum speed of 10,500 RPM
- SJS technology to protect the engine and gear from damages
- Ergonomic design
Cons:
- Have to stick with the electric cord
- Quite expensive
2. Bosch 1375A 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder – A good German-made grinder
- Power source: Corded electric
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 14.4 x 5.2 x 5.2 inches
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
- Speed: 11,000 RPM
- Wattage: 680 watts
Bosch is one of the worldwide leading brands in home appliances and power tools. This best 4 ½ angle grinder from Bosch is lightweight yet powerful enough for all small to medium-sized wood carving projects. It fits a 115mm wood carving disc. Thus, you can use it for wood carving or various other applications.
While this Bosch grinder only has a 6-amp motor, I assumed that it would underperform. But since it has a small field diameter, it can tackle the toughest hardwoods like walnut easily.
This Bosch grinder weighs only 3.75 pounds and has 14.4 x 5.2 x 5.2 inches compact sizing. You can move it around your home, bring it to your worksite, or use it for an extended period for delicate wood cutting or shaping jobs with no arm and hand fatigue.
You can choose your best natural position for working, thanks to the 2-position side handle and the top ergonomic handle.
A rule of thumb for grinder users of all levels – never use a wheel that passes its expiration date. Fortunately, you don’t have to do guesswork while using the Bosch 1375A. Its Service Minder Brush System will automatically stop the grinder’s motor when it’s time for maintenance.
As a result, you can maintain the tool’s peak performance while preventing catastrophic failure of using an expired wheel.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact for ease of use
- Side handle with 2 adjustable positions for maximizing the operator’s comfort
- Bosch’s Service Minder Brush System
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy tasks
3. King Arthur’s Tools MERLIN2 Variable Speed – Best mini angle grinder for wood carving
- Power source: Corded electric
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 8 x 13.2 x 4.75 inches
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Speed: 15,000 RPM
If you have just started your wood carving hobby, this all-in-one DIY set from King Arthur is the only essential toolset you need.
This complete package is suitable for entry-level wood carvers, with a grinder and 6 accessories. These accessories are sufficient to learn and practice all basic carving techniques and make various wood-related applications like debarking, sanding, blending, polishing, finishing.
As your skills develop or when executing complex projects, you can choose to upgrade to 50 accessories. This package also comes with a free carrying bag so you can keep your grinder and accessories safe inside or carry all of them with you on the go.
I have never imagined using an angle grinder for shaping wood until knowing this MERLIN2 grinder. A notable benefit of using power carving tools like this mini grinder is that you don’t have to depend too much on wood grain direction, like using hand tools (like a knife). As grain direction is less critical, you can broaden your wood shaping abilities by adding contoured surfaces to your projects.
Additionally, the MERLIN2 is known as “The World’s Smallest Chainsaw,” meaning that you can reach tight areas that previously had to be carved only by hand tools.
Another advantage of using this mini grinder is that you can have more freedom to add small details. It is only 11 ½ inches long and weighs 1.1 pounds, allowing you to make small wooden miniatures like bowls, feathers, spoons, or add patterns on those miniatures like eyes and lips on faces, fingers, small drawings, and patterns, etc.
Thanks to the built-in 15,000RPM motor with various speed options, you can make precise and effortless cuts on numerous materials besides wood, like plastic, rubber, fiberglass, etc.
Pros:
- A complete toolkit for entry-level woodcarvers
- Can work on various materials like wood, plastic, fiberglass, rubber
- Free carrying bag included
Cons:
- No paddle switch for user protection
- Not powerful enough to handle big projects or cutting thick woods
4. BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 Angle Grinder Tool – Best budget
- Power source: Corded electric
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 12.5 x 5.19 x 4.63 inches
- Weight: 4.47 pounds
- Voltage: 120 volt
The BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 is one of the best budget-friendly picks for starters. You can start pursuing your wood carving hobby or career with this 4 ½-inch grinder without breaking your bank account.
This BLACK+DECKER grinder comes with superb usability. You can hold the tool firmly and comfortably, control the device more accessible, and make precise cuts even when wearing thick work gloves, thanks to the 3-position side grip.
Additionally, the spindle lock allows you to switch wheels or accessories in a few seconds.
Pros:
- Affordable
- 3-position side grip for extra comfort and control
- Quick wheel/accessory changing with the spindle lock
Cons:
- The motor heats up quickly
- Low-quality power cables
5. DEWALT DWE43113 Angle Grinder Tool – Dust Ejection System prevents wood dust
- Power source: Corded electric
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 18 x 6 x 5 inches
- Weight: 5.1 pounds
- Speed: 9,000 RPM
- Wattage: 1700 watts
Although DEWALT DWE43113 is not the cheapest option on this top list, it is a high-performance machinery tool that can do more than cutting or shaping wood.
The first strong plus of this angle grinder is that it can fit discs from 4 ½ inches to 5 inches. Thus, you can use this tool with a 125mm disc instead of purchasing a 5-inch/125mm angle grinder. However, there is no disc included in this package.
DEWALT is a well-known electric motor provider on the market with nearly 100 years of reputation. And the DWE43113 is not an exception. This wood carving tool is powered by a robust 13-amp motor with a maximum output of 1,700W and a no-load speed of 9,000RPM.
Wood dust and other contaminants might result in respiratory illness. When working with certain types of hardwood like beech or oak for a long time with no protection methods, you might suffer from severe health problems.
Fortunately, this angle grinder follows the OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) compliance to minimize your exposure to crystalline silica.
Besides, the Dust Ejection System technology prevents flying particles and debris from entering the motor and internal parts, thus reducing maintenance effort.
Pros:
- Maximum wattage of 1,700W
- Can fit discs from 4 ½ to 5 inches
- Dust Election System
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons:
- High price tag
- The cutting disc is not included
6. RYSF 12V 19500rpm Brushless Mini Angle Grinder – High-efficient brushless motor
- Power source: Battery
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Speed: 19,500 RPM
- Input power: 500W
If you choose wood carving as a serious career, a premium power tool like this 12V RYSF grinder is a must-have item in your daily work. If you are a homeowner looking for a durable grinder for fixing tasks, this grinder won’t disappoint you. You can use this tool for non-metal materials like wood.
This RYSF grinder features a brushless 12V motor. This brushless motor has various advantages over a traditional brush one, like lower noise, cooler operation, and less maintenance.
Its remarkable no-load speed of 19,500 RPM allows you to do shaping or removing tasks quickly, especially in convex or concave areas.
When you have a lot of wood to grind off, you can also utilize this RYSF angle grinder to get this tedious chore done in as much as half the time. The disc of this grinder consists of hundreds of razor-sharp teeth that can do sanding jobs quicker and more efficiently than sandpaper pads.
Pros:
- High-efficient brushless motor
- Sharp teeth for wood sanding
Cons:
- Expensive
7. RYSF 100MM Multi-Function Electric Angle Grinder – Dustproof ventilation hole to avoid blockage
- Power source: Corded electric
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Speed: 1,000 RPM
- Input power: 850W
- Power voltage: 220V
The last candidate on my top list is also the second item from RYSF. Although this multi-functional grinder is not a popular 4 ½-inch one, it is still capable of various applications like cutting, grinding, and polishing materials like metal, stone, wood, etc.
This grinder is made from high-quality materials for extra durability in all harsh weather conditions. The headshell is made of copper, while the front cover is made of molded aluminum. The red body part is made of ABS plastic for excellent toughness and resistance against physical impacts.
Apart from its build quality, its ventilation design also plays a vital part in its durability. This clever design keeps the motor cool when operating the tool for hours or when doing heavy-duty jobs. Thus, you can extend its lifespan.
Pros:
- Made of sturdy materials like copper, molded aluminum, ABS plastic
- Ventilation design
Con:
- No cutting disc included
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Angel Grinder For Wood Carving?
Power & size
It’s more difficult to operate a heavy & big angle grinder for wood carving. You’ll be utilizing your power tool for a long time and even small angle grinders are still powerful tools, thus it’s critical to retain control over your machine.
As a result, I prefer a regular size grinder that weighs less than 5 pounds.
The motor power’s minimum output is 6 amps, although many grinders are significantly more powerful than that. While a motor with higher power can operate on larger and denser materials easier, losing control of this machine may cause it to escape your control, which can result in severe injuries.
An angle grinder, used to carve wood, has a standard wheel size of 4.5 inches and there are some models specially designed for sculpting wood. Before purchasing a grinder, you should do some research to ensure that the power tool is suited for grinding and shaping wood.
Proper disc
The problem with carving wood using an angle grinder is that this tool is not designed to do this job. In other words, their wheels are created to polish, sand, and cut metal, not for woodcarving, which inherently leads you to specific problems. As a result, finding a suitable disc for your wood-carving angle grinder is so crucial.
When using traditional grinding wheels to carve wood, they have a tendency to snag. Not only would this ruin your workpiece, but it may also result in you losing control of the grinder, potentially resulting in severe injuries.
There are several disc types that serve various purposes, and some are better suited to operating on wood than metal. You can ask your local retailer for specific recommendations that can meet your needs.
Grinding speed
Wood carving requires different levels of power input. Angle grinders with adjustable speed controls may be ideal for the job.
Furthermore, some grinders include a flexible speed control mechanism that allows the artisan to operate accurately. They also allow the craftsman to work at high and low speeds around the corners and edges of the wooden workpiece.
Safety features
Angle grinders are power tools that any mishandling can result in the grinder slipping away from your grasp and causing damage to both your workpiece and your body. Therefore, you should seek a model equipped with certain safety measures to prevent potential injuries.
- Emergency shut-off
This is a crucial safety feature that can detect and shut down a malfunctioning or clogged grinder so you can conduct maintenance. This function is important because clogged grinders are more likely to slip off your hold and lead to an accident.
- Adjustable safety handguard
A fixed guard is usually found above the grinder’s blade around its handle on most models. By contrast, a movable guard helps to assure protection when you have to perform detailed work. Some guards can even swivel 360 degrees, which allows you to obtain the best possible positioning.
- Dust ejection system
This system prevents these particles from leaving damage on the grinder’s internal components and leading to malfunction.
Ease of on/off switch
Since safety switches are vital for operators when they use any power tool, they are designed independently for each grinder’s model.
Generally, you should press this switch when turning on your grinder to minimize unwanted working mishaps. Therefore, the ease of the on/off switch not only guarantees your safety but also your smooth operation.
Construction
To retain control of your grinder, it’s vital to select a combination of sturdy structure and lightweight. Therefore, angle grinders that have metal casings, can be slightly hefty for woodworking projects.
The sealing around core components of most grinders has been enhanced to prevent dust and debris from damaging their internal workings. It’s also a good idea to look for a model with added features to help avoid wear and tear.
Cleaning your angle grinder properly between different uses and having spare wheels available are also wise investments. Moreover, cleaning will extend the tool’s life, and having extra wheels will keep you from injuring yourself or damaging your workpiece by utilizing a worn-out disc.
Versatility
Another factor to consider when purchasing an angle grinder for carving wood is versatility. Woodcarving may not always be your project, or you may have other grinding tasks to complete. It would be difficult to perform jobs properly without getting another grinder if you don’t own a multipurpose power tool.
As a result, we recommend investing in a machine that has a wide range of wheel sizes and can handle a variety of angle grinding tasks.
If there is no extended cord coming with your grinder, we recommend opting for a cordless angle grinder. Additionally, you should grand yourself a compact angle grinder, so it can operate well in small places.
Special features for wood carving
There are some more features that an angle grinder should have to make woodcarving easier and less troublesome.
- An adjustable handle: It’s a useful feature to promote comfort and adaptability. Controlling a power tool is crucial, so a handle that you can adjust when in use can help you always securely hold it in your hands.
- A spindle lock: This feature enables you to change wheels quickly and easily, which is useful for transitioning from one step to the next like from carving to sanding. Furthermore, it’s vital to remember that continuing to use a blade that has been worn or damaged may lead to a serious injury or accident.
How To Carve Wood With Angle Grinders?
The technique of wood carving is mostly learned via practice.
First, hold your grinder firmly and gently press its blade into your wooden workpiece. As the blade makes contact with the wooden material, ensure that it is spinning away from your body. Even though the blade guard feature is inconvenient, it is good for your safety.
For woodcarving projects, remember to take it slow initially, and you’ll see that the blade isn’t as daunting as it may seem. You should practice on scrap wood pieces before operating on your official workpiece.
To achieve organic shapes, you should make long and sweeping curves and attempt to maintain ‘bumps’ to a bare minimum. However, you can always smooth out those bumps in the next step.
Sanding the wooden pieces carved by angle grinders differs from sanding regular pieces. You should use a really soft pad and 40-grit sandpaper. This serves as a transition from the carving process to the sanding process. Using the 40-grit sandpaper, you can perform some mild shaping.
After you’ve got your workpiece to be nice and smooth as much as a 40 grit can obtain, you may move on to the routine sanding progressions.
FAQs
1. Is angle grinder good for woodworking?
An angler grinder is a multipurpose, powerful tool that can shape, cut, or sand wood efficiently and safely.
You should read: 7 Angle Grinder Attachments For Woodworking DIYers Should Have
2. Can a grinding wheel be used on wood?
You can use a grinding wheel on wood, provided that you pick up the right wheel size. A multipurpose 4 ½-inch wheel can be used for cutting, sculpting, carving, and shaping pieces of wood.
3. Can I use metal cutting discs on wood?
Although metal cutting discs can be used on wood, it is not recommended in most cases due to its safety.
Using a high-speed power tool like an angle grinder to cut materials with a low density like wood can lead to serious injuries for you and the device. A slight hand twist at a high spinning speed of 15,000 RPM can lead to sudden direction change, and you might be out of control of the tool.
4. How do you install wood carving discs?
To install a wood carving disc, you must unplug the grinder from the wall outlet first (if it is a corded model) or remove the battery (if it is a cordless model).
Then, put the disc on the drive bolt, and hand-tighten it in the opposite direction.
Finally, turn on your grinder and start working with the new disc.
My Top Pick
The best angle grinder for wood carving will help you leverage your sculpting skills rather than a manual tool like knives. Since it is a serious investment in the long run, make sure you choose a high-quality product that promises years of use with maximum safety and convenience and minimal maintenance effort.
If you want to get my recommendation for wood carving and other material cutting/grinding jobs, Makita 9564CV is my all-time best pick. This grinder features a standard 4 ½-inch disc for all daily tasks on your property or your DIY projects.
