trumps2000

iTrader: (2)

I need a die grinder for porting heads. Which one is better to use?

F-BIRD'88

electric not a Dremel. Its a toy.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44141

AlkyIROC

Air but it will also need a big enough compressor to maintain enough pressure while operating.

Air die grinders are smaller and lighter. To port heads and do a good job, you'll probably be at it for about 10 hours per head. A big electric die grinder will feel heavy after a while. The electric motor will also cause heat and after a few hours of operation, it will probably get hot to the touch.

You'll also need a selection of carbide bits. Snap On and Mac Tools have a good selection.

trumps2000

iTrader: (2)

I thought the lighter of the air tool would be nicer to use, but I know Fbird has ported a number of heads. Fbird, have you used that die grinder before? I was leaning towards the Craftsman right angle air die grinder.

I also bought the Standard Abrasives Deluxe kit for a set of bits.

trumps2000

iTrader: (2)

I thought the lighter of the air tool would be nicer to use, but I know Fbird has ported a number of heads. Fbird, have you used that die grinder before? I was leaning towards the Craftsman right angle air die grinder.

I also bought the Standard Abrasives Deluxe kit for a set of bits.

robertfrank

iTrader: (27)

I'm cheap and I have used my dremel. It's done a fairly good job for me but the selection of bits are abit lacking. I used mainly stones to do my porting for now. I'd like to get a standard abrasives kit in the future.

robertg

iTrader: (2)

i bought an electric grinder years ago, and built my own variable speed control per sitting bull's thread. even with the speed control, i didn't like how the grinder worked.

i wound up using my electric drill (single speed black and decker) that i've had for years to finish up the porting. i felt i had more control with the drill than when i was using the grinder.

obviously, the slower speeds meant that the porting work was going to take a longer period of time.

F-BIRD'88

I use the air grinder for polishing with the sanding rolls.
A air grinder just does not have the power and torque nessessary for the heavy cutting. I wear work gloves while using the electric grinder. The speed control is very important as you don't need to run the grinder at max speed.
it would take forever to do 2 heads with a dremel and or a air grinder.
Not to mention the noise and wear and tear on your air compressor.
I like to work outside in the summer, on a picnic table. Good lighting and ventilation. It's important to take a break regularly and wear eye protection always. Keep an eye on the cutting burr in the grinder chuck. Sometimes they walk out of the chuck on ya. Not pretty if one goes flying.
The variable hand throttle control of a air grinder is much better for doing the roll work. But the cold air blast from the exhaust of a air die grinder is a pain.
I can't see porting head without a full size electric die grinder. i have two of them so I don't have to change bits so often while working. A drill is nice for real fine work that does not require speed.
You need at least one 6" long shaft carbide burr with a 3/8" dia cylinder shaped head with rounded ball nose for working deep in the intake port from the part flange side.

Air_Adam

Air is MUCH easier doing tedious work like that. I had an electric one, and I now use an air powered one at work quite a bit, and the air powered die grinder's light weight and small physical size is a big help, BUT they also seem to have alot more power too when you want it - speed adjustment right on the tool is a big plus too, most electric ones won't have that.

Air > Electric

trumps2000

iTrader: (2)

May I should add that my air compressor is 3hp 12 gal something like 8cfm.

Sonix

iTrader: (1)

I MUCH prefer to use an air tool, for the reasons mentioned above. They are lighter, and more importantly to me, much better speed control.
Unfortunately I don't have 15scfm of air compression (I have no air compressor at all....) so I have to use an electric