Best Angle Grinder for Wood Carving in 2023 (Reviews and Comparison)

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Looking for a new angle grinder that you can count on is more than difficult. I mean, it seems like there are more angle grinders for wood carving than there are types of wood. So you’d think the only way to get a good product is to do heavy research. 

But you have better things to do, and we’re sure you’d like to use it as soon as possible. For those reasons, we made this list. We’ll cover five different angle grinders and things like build material, power, ease of use, and more. 

Let’s get to it, so you don’t have to wait any longer! 

COMPARISON CHART

IMAGE PRODUCT
Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-1/2” / 5" Cut-Off/Angle Grinder, Tool Only 1. Makita XAG04Z
  • Brushless motor
  • Easy to use
  • Great for quick cuts
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Metabo HPT Angle Grinder | 4-1/2-Inch | Includes 5 Grinding Wheels & Hard Case | 6.2-Amp Motor | Compact & Lightweight | G12SR4 2. Metabo HPT
  • Spindle lock for quick and easy disc and accessory changes
  • Five grinding wheels, and a carrying case
  • Easy to use
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DEWALT Angle Grinder Tool, Paddle Switch, 4-1/2-Inch, 11-Amp (DWE402) , Black 3. DeWalt Angle Grinder
  • One-Touch Guard allows for 360-degree rotation of the guard
  • Oversized brushes
  • Dust Ejection System
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Bosch GWS18V-45 18V 4-1/2 In. Angle Grinder (Bare Tool) 4. Bosch GWS18V-45
  • Cordless
  • Kickback control
  • Connectivity
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BLACK+DECKER Angle Grinder Tool, 4-1/2-Inch, 6 Amp (BDEG400) 5. BLACK+DECKER Angle Grinder
  • 3-Position Side Handle
  • Spindle Lock
  • High RPM
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1. Makita XAG04Z

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Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-1/2” / 5" Cut-Off/Angle Grinder, Tool Only

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Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-1/2” / 5" Cut-Off/Angle Grinder, Tool Only

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Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-1/2” / 5" Cut-Off/Angle Grinder, Tool Only

Specification

Item Dimensions8.4 x 13.3 x 5.5 inches
Power SourceBattery-Powered
Speed8,500 RPM
Corded?No
Batteries included?No

This easy-to-use angle grinder makes precise, quick cuts every time. It uses a rugged build with a rigid plastic protective shroud, which could benefit from being made of metal, but nonetheless, it gets the job done.

Although we’re aiming to do some wood carving here, it helps to know when a tool has your back under any circumstance, and the Makita XAG04Z does precisely that. It’s suitable for any demanding project or quick repair work. So no matter what level of work you’re doing, you shouldn’t be disappointed. 

The only major drawback is that the angle grinder is entirely battery-powered. That means that you could run into some difficulties when you’re working long hours on a project without the opportunity to charge it. But with that said, it only takes around 30 minutes to reach a full charge with the new LXT line of batteries, and thanks to the BL brushless motor, it runs up to 50 percent longer than a brushed unit. 

Between the battery-powered nature and ease of use, we think this angle grinder falls somewhere between professionals and hobbyists who need a reliable tool. 

WHAT WE LIKE

The energy efficiency of the grinder is especially appealing to us. It’s not exactly the fanciest tool in the world, but neither hobbyists nor professionals need that. They simply need a tool to get the job done, and this does that. 

The excellent reviews across the board are also worth a mention. It’s hard to find a product that maintains such a high rating, but the Makita XAG04Z makes it look easy, leading us to believe that at least most, if not all, customers are happy.

PROS

  • Brushless motor
  • Easy to use
  • Great for quick cuts
  • Active Feedback-sensing technology
  • Good ergonomics
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Sometimes lacks power
  • The battery isn’t included
  • Loses power towards the end of its battery life.

2. Metabo HPT – Best Budget Angle Grinder

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Metabo HPT Angle Grinder | 4-1/2-Inch | Includes 5 Grinding Wheels & Hard Case | 6.2-Amp Motor | Compact & Lightweight | G12SR4

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Metabo HPT Angle Grinder | 4-1/2-Inch | Includes 5 Grinding Wheels & Hard Case | 6.2-Amp Motor | Compact & Lightweight | G12SR4

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Metabo HPT Angle Grinder | 4-1/2-Inch | Includes 5 Grinding Wheels & Hard Case | 6.2-Amp Motor | Compact & Lightweight | G12SR4

Specification

Item Dimensions10.15 x 4.5 x 2 inches
Power SourceCorded Electric
Speed6.2-amp with 980W of max output
Corded?Yes
Batteries included?No

This angle grinder comes with considerable improvements over the last version by Metabo. It features a new smaller grip and a lightweight body that makes handling a breeze. That new design gives you greater control and reduces fatigue over time while also improving its durability through dust and debris. 

However, the compact and lightweight design are handicapped by the corded motor. Despite that, it has some decent power under its belt. If you’re on a budget and looking for an angle grinder that will get most jobs done, this could be your best bet.

WHAT WE LIKE

Considering that it’s seen as a budget option, it has great reviews. Not exactly up to par with the reviews of the Makita XAG04Z, but still impressive. 

The amount that you get along with the central unit is notable as well. Including five grinding wheels and a hard case.

PROS

  • Spindle lock for quick and easy disc and accessory changes
  • Five grinding wheels, and a carrying case
  • Easy to use
  • Low profile design
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • Corded
  • Not suitable for anything but to grind 
  • The switch could be located in a better spot

3. DeWalt Angle Grinder – Best Heavy-Duty

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DEWALT Angle Grinder Tool, Paddle Switch, 4-1/2-Inch, 11-Amp (DWE402) , Black

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DEWALT Angle Grinder Tool, Paddle Switch, 4-1/2-Inch, 11-Amp (DWE402) , Black

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DEWALT Angle Grinder Tool, Paddle Switch, 4-1/2-Inch, 11-Amp (DWE402) , Black

Specification

Item Dimensions5.63 x 5.94 x 4.81 inches
Power SourceCorded Electric
Speed11,000 RPM
Corded?Yes
Batteries included?No

DeWalt has been a more than trusted brand in this industry for numerous years. They keep that trust by consistently releasing good products, and this DWE402 angle grinder is no exception. It delivers high overload protection with a durable, strong motor and metal/hard plastic construction. 

In addition to that, the oversized brushes provide twice the life span of other DeWalt models on the market, and the large spiral bevel gear further ensures its longevity. 

With the longevity and powerhouse build, it’s a no-brainer for those who need an angle grinder for a heavy-duty purpose. Given that other DeWalt grinders can outperform this one. However, if you’re not looking to break the bank when getting a heavy-duty angle grinder, then this is your pick.

WHAT WE LIKE

As far as things that we particularly like, the top-of-the-line reviews for this machine are excellent, matching our first pick and beating the Metabo HPT model. 

The excellent reviews are really no surprise with the powerful motor, dust ejections system, quick-change wheel, and an arsenal of other features.

PROS

  • One-Touch Guard allows for 360-degree rotation of the guard
  • Oversized brushes
  • Dust Ejection System
  • High RPM
  • Metal and plastic construction

CONS

  • Corded
  • Not a good option for small, hobbyist projects
  • No center installation for the handle

4. Bosch GWS18V-45 – Best Cordless Angle Grinder

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Bosch GWS18V-45 18V 4-1/2 In. Angle Grinder (Bare Tool)

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Bosch GWS18V-45 18V 4-1/2 In. Angle Grinder (Bare Tool)

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Bosch GWS18V-45 18V 4-1/2 In. Angle Grinder (Bare Tool)

Specification

Item Dimensions12.5 x 2.8 x 3.7 inches
Power SourceBattery-Powered
Speed10,000 RPM
Corded? No
Batteries included?No

This angle grinder maintains a solid reputation of solid build quality designed around a strong Core18V battery and brushless motor for ultimate efficiency. Which is a must as far as cordless grinders are concerned. 

Aside from the battery and motor, the connectivity of the angle grinder is especially interesting. It allows an easy connection between the tool and your smartphone. That connection enables things like soft start/off, factory reset, and the fun functionality of tool naming. 

Between solid build, interesting functionality, and brushless motor, it’s a really good option as far as cordless angle grinders are concerned. However, keep in mind that it’s only a 4-½ inch 18V grinder. It won’t exactly shred through metal.

WHAT WE LIKE

As we mentioned, the brushless motor is a big plus on our end with the increased efficiency, and the connectivity is also very notable. 

Other than those, there are a good few features that impress us. The restart protection is one because it ensures that you don’t injure yourself by inserting a battery with the switch on. Likewise, the kickback control and drop control are also great.

PROS

  • Cordless
  • Kickback control 
  • Connectivity 
  • High RPM
  • Brushless motor

CONS

  • Overall value isn’t exceptional
  • No electric brake
  • Only 4 ½ inches

5. BLACK+DECKER Angle Grinder – Best Lightweight Angle Grinder

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BLACK+DECKER Angle Grinder Tool, 4-1/2-Inch, 6 Amp (BDEG400)

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BLACK+DECKER Angle Grinder Tool, 4-1/2-Inch, 6 Amp (BDEG400)

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BLACK+DECKER Angle Grinder Tool, 4-1/2-Inch, 6 Amp (BDEG400)

Specification

Item Dimensions12.5 x 5.19 x 4.63 inches
Power SourceCorded Electric
Speed11,000 RPM
Corded?Yes
Batteries included?No

By another respected brand, this grinder is a great product overall. It comes with a metal gear case that ensures the tool’s longevity through accidents or general use. It also comes with enough power to back up the durable construction at 11,000 RPM like the DeWalt Angle Grinder.

It’s another 4-½ blade. However, the additional RPM does a better job of getting the job done. Another notable aspect is that the additional RPM doesn’t come with the additional weight, with this tool at a lighter weight than most of our list.

WHAT WE LIKE

The grinder has that great metal gear case that we mentioned before, which allows it to outperform other grinders in durability tests. Besides that, its narrow body is surprising, given the power but also useful for ergonomics. 

The design as a whole is great. 

PROS

  • 3-Position Side Handle
  • Spindle Lock 
  • High RPM
  • Great design

CONS

  • Not good for professionals 
  • Corded
  • Only 4 ½ inches

Conclusion

So! There you go! 

As you’ve seen, we’ve given you great options whether you’re on a budget or you’re about to embark on a heavy-duty project. We’re more than confident that you’ll be happy with each one of these options in their intended applications, but if you’re looking for the best overall, there’s only one option. 

We recommend the Makita XAG04Z angle grinder! It has the power and versatility to suit any need of any person! 

Whatever you decide, we’re sure your projects will come out perfect!

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