If you are new to die grinders, you might be wanting a comparison of an electric die grinder vs air die grinder.
Rather than give a list of general air vs electric tool facts, we thought it would be fun to compare two 1/4 inch die grinders – one electric, and the other powered by an air compressor.
This way you can practically see the differences between the two types
The two Die Grinders we chose are the Ingersoll Rand 3107G 1/4 Inch Air Die Grinder, and the Makita GD0601 1/4 Inch Electric Die Grinder.
Let’s jump into it …
Electric Die Grinder vs Air Die Grinder: Comparison, Similarities & Differences
Electric Die Grinder vs Air Die Grinder: Which Is Better For You?
You would consider getting an air die grinder if…
You want a lighter, shorter tool, that is air powered, has similar power and speed specs to an electric die grinder, but is louder during operation and requires an air compressor with a suitable CFM rating to run the tool
You should note with air die grinders that you are limited by the capacity of the air compressor you have – if you are doing heavy duty tasks, you will run out of air quicker, and may have to wait temporarily for air to re-fill if using the tool consistently
Some air die grinders can also can very cold after extended use
You would consider getting an electric die grinder if…
You want a corded die grinder that plugs into the wall, is quieter during operation, but is longer and slighter heavier than an air grinder.
You should note that with electric die grinders, you have a consistent supply of electricity as long as you are connected to a power supply. Electric die grinders can be better for cutting and grinding thicker materials if air compressor capacity is an issue for you
Because electric die grinders run with a motor – if you run them to capacity too often, they can overheat and fry the motor
NOTE: When comparing prices of the two types of die grinders, don’t forget to add the price of:
- Accessories and attachments to both tools
- Air hose and air compressor to the air die grinder
Electric Die Grinder vs Air Die Grinder: Comparison
For comparisons sake, we pick to 1/4 inch collet tools, and here is a break down of their key features:
Ingersoll Rand 3107G 1/4 Inch Air Die Grinder
- Designed for finishing, specifically – cutting, polishing, porting, light weld grinding, and breaking sharp edges.
- 1/4-inch collet
- 0.33 horsepower
- 27,000 RPM free speed
- 18 cfm at load
- 93 decibels of noise
- 2.6 Vibration level
- 1 pounds in weight
- 6.6 inches in length
You can check out this Die Grinder in this Best Die Grinders guide.
Makita GD0601 1/4 Inch Electric Die Grinder
- Designed for a range of grinding tasks.
- 1/4-inch collet
- Estimated 0.35 Horsepower under full load (115 volts, 3.5 Amps)
- 25,000 RPM free speed
- 73 decibels of noise
- 3.7 pounds in weight
- 14 1/8 inches in length
You can check out this Die Grinder in this Best Die Grinders guide.
Electric Die Grinder vs Air Die Grinder: Similarities
Both tools have a 1/4 inch collet for discs, wheels, bits and attachments
Both tools have similar horsepower
Both tools have similar RPM
Electric Die Grinder vs Air Die Grinder: Differences
Ingersoll Air die grinder requires an air hose and air compressor to work – the capacity of the compressor needs to be enough to service the CFM of the die grinder and the tasks you’ll be performing
Ingersoll Air die grinder is designed for a wider array of applications
Ingersoll Air die grinder is lighter with a higher power to weight ratio
Ingersoll Air die grinder is shorter than the Makita in length
Makita electric die grinder is quieter
Electric Die Grinder vs Air Die Grinder: Resources
1. http://www.ingersollrandproducts.com/
2. https://www.makitatools.com