Comparison Makita BO3710 vs Makita 9046

The power consumed by the grinder during operation. Usually more than the output (useful) power (see above) due to losses during the conversion of energy from electrical to mechanical. However, the general patterns in this case are the same: a more powerful tool, on the one hand, is usually more performant, on the other hand, it is heavier, larger and more expensive. In addition, the total electricity consumption depends on this indicator; however, grinders, even the most powerful ones, consume relatively little energy, and difficulties can arise only when connecting a high-performance professional tool to weak electrical wiring.

Note that it is much easier to determine the consumed power than the useful one; therefore, only this parameter is often indicated in the characteristics, without specifying the useful power. In general, it is quite possible to compare grinders of the same type using it (see above): a modern tool has approximately the same efficiency, and in most cases the useful power values bare related in the same way as the consumed values.

The speed of rotation of the working attachment, which is capable of providing a grinder of the appropriate design (for example, angle — see "Type"). If the device has speed control, this paragraph shows the range of such adjustment, from minimum to maximum.

It makes sense to compare by this parameter units belonging to the same type and having the same maximum diameter of the disk (or other working nozzle). The latter is due to the fact that the larger the disk, the faster its edge moves (at the same speed); i.e. a larger diameter requires less RPM for the same performance/efficiency. In general, when comparing different models, the following should be taken into account. The higher rotation speed is well suited for large volumes of work (because it improves productivity) as well as for fine polishing with “delicate” nozzles. A lower setting, in turn, improves accuracy (reduces the chance of removing excess material), as well as provides more torque and allows you to more effectively deal with hard, stubborn materials. More detailed recommendations for different types of work and different nozzle diameters can be found in special sources; here we note that an increase in the rotation speed, usually, affects the cost of the machine compared to analogues (since this requires a more powerful engine). In addition, discs and other attachments may have maximum RPM limits.

The frequency of vibration of the working attachment, which is capable of providing a grinder of the appropriate design (a classic example is vibration, see "Type"). If the device has an oscillation frequency adjustment, this paragraph gives the range of such adjustment, from minimum to maximum.

A higher frequency (with the same amplitude — see below) improves overall performance, especially when working with hard, stubborn materials, and also contributes to efficiency in delicate finishing (such as polishing). In turn, a lower frequency reduces the likelihood of making a mistake by removing an excessive amount of material. There are also more specific points related to this parameter; them, as well as recommendations for choosing the frequency for different jobs, materials and types of sanding sheets, can be found in special sources. Here, we note that individual sanding sheets may have their own limitations or recommendations regarding the operating frequency.

The amplitude of oscillations made during the operation of the nozzle of an eccentric, vibration or delta grinding type machine (see above). Along with the frequency (see above), it is one of the most important indicators of such machines. Higher amplitude provides more intensive processing, which has a positive effect on performance; on the other hand, for delicate work, it is desirable to have a small oscillation amplitude(less than 2 mm).

The length of the belt or sheet for which the grinder is designed.

Working nozzles in the form of sheets are used in units with a vibrational principle of operation, in the form of tapes — respectively, in tape ones (for more details on both, see "Type"). Anyway, this paragraph does not indicate the working length of the tape / sheet (that is, the length of the surface adjacent to the material being processed), but the total — that is, the size of the nozzle itself. This size in itself determines only the compatibility of the grinder with certain sheets / tapes. At the same time, clamp-like fastenings (see "Sheet fastening"), used in most classic vibrating instruments, often allow you to install sheets of slightly longer lengths than indicated in the specifications. Hook-and-loop models (mostly delta sanders) technically accept both longer and shorter sheets, although in fact this is not recommended at best. But in tape tools, the length of the tape must exactly match the parameter specified in this paragraph — even a slight deviation can lead to incompatibility.

As for the working length of the tape / sheet, it inevitably turns out to be less than the total (for sheets — not much, for tapes — quite significantly). However a longer tape/sheet often has a greater working length; however, with the same general dimensions of the nozzle, its working size in different tools may be different; it is indicated in the item "Sole Size" (see below).

The width of the belt or sheet for which the grinder is designed.

Working nozzles in the form of sheets are used in units with a vibrational principle of operation, in the form of tapes — respectively, in tape ones (for more details on both, see "Type"). Anyway, this paragraph does not indicate the working width of the tape / sheet (that is, the width of the surface adjacent to the material being processed), but the total — that is, the size of the nozzle itself. This size in itself determines only the compatibility of the grinder with certain sheets / tapes. At the same time, clamp-like fasteners (see “Sheet fastening”), used in most classic vibrating instruments, usually fix the sheet only in front and behind, so that in such instruments the restrictions on width are not as strict as, for example, on length: the sheet may be somewhat wider, and somewhat narrower than the nominal size. However, such possibilities should be clarified separately, and for a full guarantee it is better to clarify whether a particular machine allows deviations in width. The situation is similar with delta sanders, where Hook-and-loop is traditionally used: a discrepancy in width technically does not prevent the installation of a nozzle, but not all models allow this. As for the band tools, they may allow the installation of a narrower band — but not a wider one.

As for the working width, it, usually, corresponds to the general one, or (in some vibration models) differs slightl...y from it. Anyway, the working width is given under Sole Size (see below).

The size of the sole provided in the tool.

This parameter is indicated for two types of grinders — most models with a vibrational principle of operation (namely, for vibration and delta grinders, as well as multifunctional ones), as well as belt units. For more information about both, see "Type", here we note that the sole as such is only available in vibrating tools — in tape tools, we are talking about the size of the section of the tape that is in direct contact with the material. Simply put, the size of the sole is the size of the working surface of the machine.

The larger the size of this surface, the more performant the machine, the better it is suitable for large volumes of work. And tape models, we recall, are used mainly for processing oblong parts and during operation they are usually located across such a part; so that for such machines it is highly desirable that the length of the tape be not less than the width of the surface to be treated — otherwise, accurate processing can be quite difficult. On the other hand, a large sole inevitably affects the dimensions, weight, and most often the cost of the tool, besides, it can make it difficult to use in cramped conditions. Yes, and consumables for such soles (sheets, tapes) require larger ones — and, accordingly, more expensive. So when choosing according to this indicator, it is worth considering the features of the intended application; if you wish, you can refer to special sources for detailed r...ecommendations on this matter.

Also note that for multifunctional models (see "Type") in this paragraph, several options are most often given — for each specific sole. However, there are models where only one set of sizes is indicated. This can either mean that both main vibration nozzles (rectangular and triangular) have the same dimensions in length and width — or that the data is indicated for a non-removable triangular sole, on which a larger rectangular one is put on if necessary. Such details can often be clarified directly from the photographs of the goods, in extreme cases — from the manufacturer's documentation.

— Additional Handle. A separate handle for the second hand. In theory, such equipment may make the tool more comfortable to hold with both hands. However, in practice, the absence of an additional handle is often not critical: many tools without it are either designed for one-handed use (like some straight grinders, see "Type") or have other attachments for the second hand (such as a protrusion on the body). So, to answer whether you need an additional handle, you should consider the type and size of the grinder, as well as the specifics of the intended projects. Note also that by default, such a handle is designed for right-handed use, and the possibility of using it in left-handed operation needs to be clarified separately.

— 3-Position Additional Handle. An additional handle installed on a detachable mount and having three installation options: on the left (traditional option for right-handed use), on the right (for left-handed use), and on top (for specific cases — situations when you need to periodically change grip, work in hard-to-reach places, etc.). This function provides extended possibilities for tool customization according to personal preferences. It is mainly found in angular models (see "Type").

— Charger (C). A device for charging the battery in a grinder with the appropriate power type (see "Power Source"). This section usually specifies...the specific model of the charger. Having a "charger" included relieves you from the need to search and purchase it separately; moreover, such a charger is optimally suited at least to the "native" battery, and often to other compatible batteries. The details on the model will be useful primarily in case the included charger is lost or fails, and you have to buy the same or a similar one instead. Moreover, knowing the model of the charger allows you to find detailed data about it and assess the characteristics and features (compatibility with various batteries, additional functions, etc.). At the same time, the configuration "without charger" is also quite popular — see below.

— Without Charger. This feature is indicated exclusively for battery models (machines with other power types — see "Power Source" — by definition do not have a charger, so this point does not need to be clarified for them). The meaning of such a configuration is that modern grinders most often use standard batteries, which also fit other power tools of the same brand and are thus designed for standard "chargers." Thus, if there is already a battery tool "in the household" — the charger for it may turn out to be suitable for the grinder, and you will not need to pay extra for a second copy of the charger. And even if there is no charger available — it can usually be purchased separately without much difficulty (and some tools even allow you to choose the most suitable model of such a device from several options).

— Case / Bag included. The presence of a case or bag for storing and transporting the tool in the supply kit. The case is a suitcase made of durable material and usually has space not only for the grinder itself but also for working tips and other additional accessories. The bag is soft, allowing it to be compactly folded when not needed. Check the availability of a case or bag directly before purchase.

— Dust Collector. A container for collecting dust and other contaminants generated during work. See "Additional — Dust Collector Connection" for more details.

— Extension Pole. A long pole significantly expands the "radius of operation" of the tool: with such equipment, you can reach greater heights, process a large area without moving the platform or other stand, etc. Such capabilities are mainly relevant when processing walls, so the vast majority of grinders with extension poles included pertain to wall sanders (see "Type").

Approximate noise level generated by the grinder during operation. Note that this indicator is quite approximate, because. actual "loudness" can vary markedly depending on the type and shape of the material being processed, the surface it is placed on, and other circumstances. In addition, different manufacturers may use different measurement methods. Nevertheless, this indicator makes it possible to assess how comfortable this or that model is in operation and whether special hearing protection is required.

The most “quiet” modern grinders give out about 65 dB — this is comparable to loud speech at a distance of 1 m; in the loudest, the noise level reaches 107 dB — this is the volume of an industrial workshop.