GD0601 1/4" Die Grinder, with AC/DC Switch, Blue

It's important to know what you're buying before you buy it, and there are a lot of negative reviews on this and other grinders, as well as for the bits and burrs. Many of these reviews are unwarranted and/or they're not actually complaining about the function of the tool itself. This is a basic electric die grinder with a 25,000rpm no-load speed. If you don't know what that means, it's sort of like a Dremel, but it's much larger, heavier, and much more powerful. It has one speed, and that's fast. Some people claim that it cannot be precise but it's a simple tool, which means it's exactly as precise as your ability to safely control and support it. It is heavier and has more torque (twisting force) than its smaller counterparts, but practice increases precision. As for bits and burrs, there are many varieties available, but most of them are designed for working with metals of various types. The most important consideration is to only use bits rated for 25,000rpm or greater. Some bits will bend or break apart at these speeds. As a general rule, the more tightly spaced the cutting edges, the more problems you'll have with softer materials (wood, softer aluminum, etc.). Some types of burrs are much better than others and can cut hardened steel amazingly well. They can be quite expensive, but there are more affordable ones that are good as well (both foreign and domestic). Bits and burrs are held in the collet. They are mounted on different shank sizes. With the right collet, any bit this tool can hold, which is capable of handling the speed, can be used. The Makita collets are as follows: Model# 763625-8 -1/4" (included) Model# 763626-6 -1/8" (most common Dremel bit size) Model# 763620-8 -6mm (most common international size) Model# 763627-4 -3mm (smaller international size) If you buy the 1/8" collet through Amazon, its negative reviews are mostly due to people who bought it for the wrong tool. There are also aftermarket collets in 6mm and 3mm available here and elsewhere, which probably work fine, but I haven't used them. This grinder is a good tool if it fits your needs. It can cut through mild steel quickly and easily with a good carbide burr. It can grind welds, cut rivets or bolts, or power carve metal or wood (variable speed might be better for wood). If you want variable speed, buy a different model. If you want a small tool, that fits in the palm of your hand, this isn't it. If this tool fits your needs though, then buy it. That's my advice.

I've found the GD0601 to be a very decent die grinder for the price. The grinder is a single-speed 25,000 RPM unit, not variable-speed as the technical details seem to indicate. No storage case is included either as is also incorrectly indicated. I was able to find a really nice foam lined 14-7/8" X 9-3/4" X 4-1/4" metal storage case from Coastal Tool, [Part#: CC] for around twenty-three dollars that fits the grinder well and also has a small removable metal parts bin that can hold the collet wrenches along with several bits and accessories. A side handle for this grinder is available from Makita [Part#: 192985-5], but requires sliding the rubber boot off the nose of the tool to install it. When the side handle is removed the rubber boot can be slipped back on the tool again if desired. The side handle is the same one that comes with the Makita GD0800C die grinder and I consider it to be a necessity for a straight die grinder when using it with wire end brushes and sanding discs. I had to find this out on my own though, because Makita's own Technical Support didn't even know that their die grinders could use a side handle. This grinder is fairly lightweight for its size. It's rated at 3.5A and is double insulated with an 8-foot 2-wire power cord. The power switch has a lock-on position for continuous use. The tool runs very smoothly and is also reasonably quiet for a die grinder. It can be used with many different types of bits and attachments like 3-inch cut-off wheels, grinding stones, sanding drums, wire brushes, flap wheels and burr bits as well as 2-inch and 3-inch Roloc wheels and sanding discs. I purchased a 1/8" Makita collet cone [Part#: 763626-6] for the grinder so I can use it with my Dremel bits if needed. Overall, I'm very pleased with this grinder, especially when considering that the price here on Amazon also included an additional twenty dollars off from Makita, which made the deal unbeatable anywhere else.

Yes, this is a big tool, not a little Dremel. The great thing is, this is a big tool, and not a little Dremel (we've worn out more of those at work than I can count)! This thing only has one speed (about 25,000 RPM), but it has plenty of torque (amps) to get the job done! I can see where it might be too big for some people, but I absolutely love this thing! It's great to be able to just turn the switch on and use it, and not have to hold down a paddle switch like a DeWalt. It didn't come with a case, but I dedicated a tool box for it, with a pull out tray to hold all the bits and things, and it works great! One more comparison to those sucky little Dremels; the Makita actually runs smoothly at speed, not shaking and vibrating like the Dremels. The only thing I can think to warn anyone about is not to expect this to be as small as a Dremel. If you need a heavy duty tool and don't have massive amounts of air to keep a die grinder going, I'd easily recommend this tool!

I've used this grinder one time so far, but it worked as expected. I was concerned that the lack of a variable speed control would be an issue, but the tool was smooth and easy to operate despite operating at 25,000 RPM. I typically use an air-powered die grinder, so I was pleasantly surprised at how quiet this tool is and that I didn't have to wait for my air compressor to recover in order to finish the job. I'm looking forward to using this tool for many years (and jobs) to come. Thanks for reading. **2015-05-08 Update** I've used this grinder a number of times now and continue to be impressed by its performance and usefulness. I have yet to reach for my air-powered die grinder since getting the GD0601. Also, I was concerned that the lack of variable speed might cause problems for me, but so far I have not needed to run it at a slower speed.

This is a straightforward tool that works well. Plenty of power for grinding and shaping with carbide burrs, no performance issues. Two small gripes. 1. Tool changes are accomplished with two wrenches, every time. There's no detent for locking the shaft. 2. The first time I used this tool, the burr I was using was very difficult to remove from the collet. I ended up wiggling it out with vise grips. This was strange to me, so I pulled out the collet. The collet from the factory is very rough, like it just came out of heat treat. It doesn't smoothly bear on the collet seat, and the rough texture on the outside makes it seize when tightened. I went over the collet with some green scotch brite and haven't had issues since.

I bought, and immediately burned up a cheaper electric die grinder of a different make. I replaced it with this one, only slightly more expensive, and am very pleased with it. Typically high quality from Makita, powerful, with the feel of a well made tool.

Excelente equipo, estaba ansioso por tenerla en mis manos. Es una herramienta verdaderamente poderosa y confiable. Y el envío se demoró solo par de días fue muy rápido. Definitivamente recomiendo mucho esta herramienta y gracias al vendedor que la envió mucho más rápido que todas las órdenes que he hecho en Amazon

I should have got one of these a long time ago. The long, slim nose will let me get into places with it that a regular air die grinder won't go. I was always having to wait for the air to catch up also which continually slowed me down. The motor seems plenty strong enough. I thought not having a variable speed would be a problem but it has not so far. I found the mandrel for small cut off wheels for it and am using that right now. I can see the need for perhaps buying another one of these to keep a carbide bit installed on when I am cleaning up welds. The time saving by having both a cut off wheel and a carbide bit loaded up is worth the price of a second die grinder.

good stuff thanks !!!

El diseño y comodidad del producto,lo único que no me ha gustado es que no tiene variación de revoluciones

Solid piece of kit, comfortable to use, light and manouverable, nicely balanced. Paddle switch system safe and intuitive. Plenty of power- just let the tool cut at its own speed for safety... Quiet motor- after other brands this is really quiet. Used on hard stone with diamond burrs and mounted stones, and on wood with tungsten burrs. Note: this machine is too fast to use with flap wheels or cut off discs!- and, if you have a few ancient 1/4” (6.35mm) shank stones lying about, the 6mm collet will Not be happy to take them.. Bought as an Amazon warehouse deal- nearly half price, if it was a return, the previous customer didn’t even unwrap it?

Easy to use nice and smooth, excellent company

De rechte slijper van makita is, ondanks zijn fors formaat, fijn om in de hand te houden. De rubberen (goed verwijderbare) huls om de hals houdt prettig vast.de rpm van 25000 is prima voor verreweg de meeste toepassingen waarvoor ik hem gebruik. Aanbevolen.