Rotozip?

DCR 1979 Z28 · 07-31-2007, 10:47:02 PM

I am needing a small die grinder, both straight and 90 degree. I was thinking about buying a cheap pneumatic set, but I saw a Rotozip last time I was wandering around Lowe's. It is 5.5 amps variable speed 15,000 to 30,000 rpms and comes with a 90 degree attachment. I am thinking it might be a better more versatile tool. Could maybe even take the place of a small open shoe grinder. Does anybody have any experience with one of these especially using it fore metal work?

night rider · 08-01-2007, 04:03:50 AM

The rotozip is IMHO a light duty tool for wood working, drywall, etc.. Its a cool little tool for. Really though for auto work, metal fab, I think you would be miles ahead with an air die grinder set, an elec. jig saw, metal cutting blades for the jig saw, air body saw, and elec 4.5" angle grinder.

The rotozip seems more like a slightly bigger/better dremel, with more add ons

Smokin70SS · 08-01-2007, 04:24:47 AM

If you lean on it hard enough, it will eventually get smoked. Went through a few of them myself. Thankfully I bought the instant replacement warranties. I now keep my Dremel and Rotozip only for smalls jobs since I discovered the wonders of air tools when I bought a compressor that was big enough to handle it.

Teeter79Z · 08-01-2007, 09:08:37 AM

In my experience with one, I would agree with night rider.

I also have the 4.5" angle grinder and it works great for grinding or for cutting sheet metal.

Also, the angle grinding and cutting discs are not expensive when compared to what you would spend for rotozip pieces.

JIMS Z · 08-01-2007, 09:09:19 AM

I'm gonna agree with everything said already but I bought a first gen roto-zip a few years ago. After using it on some typical wood and drywall tasks I added the angle head. I used it to cut landscaping blocks, ceramic tile and minor metal projects without fault. I wouldn't say it's the perfect tool (but then

who is) and it definitely doesn't have the horsepower that air or larger amp will give you. But anyhow, if you have the time and patience, it can do the small jobs!

ChevyReb · 08-01-2007, 04:35:12 PM

gotta chime in here too. I used mine for small stuff and it was fine. Put the angle attachment on and cut a few pieces of sheet metal and it smoked!

If you have a compressor the $9 die grinders from HF work pretty well.

night rider · 08-01-2007, 06:37:18 PM

Yep I agree with chevyReb.. I catch HF sales and pick up air tools for cheap... I got a 1/4" collect die grinder for $6 on sale, air body saw for $10, micro 1/8" die grinder with flex shaft for $10, 3" air cut off tool for $7.

Picked up a black & decker verb. speed jig saw at wal-mart for $25, B&D 4.5" angle grinder for $30

I pick up the 4.5" cut off and grinding wheels on sale at HF..

If you need 3" cut off wheels max tool has a great deal on them.. Buy 100 wheels @ $49 and get your pick of a free cut off tool, die grinder kit, or angled die grinder kit free.. (I got the 100 wheels and die grinder kit.. It's a smaller sized IR brand grinder with 1/8" and 1/4" collect, a few mounted stones, and a case)