As a company specializing in heavy-duty power tools, Milwaukee also offers angle grinders. Nearly all of their cordless tools work under the M18 battery system so you don’t have to worry about buying a different battery per unit (which can be costly).
In this review, let’s check out two of their powerful units: the Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel 4-1/2-Inch / 5-Inch Angle Grinder and the Milwaukee 2783-20 M18 Fuel 4-1/2-Inch / 5-Inch Braking Grinder. This guide will help you decide which one to buy.
A Quick Look at the Two Milwaukee Cordless Angle Grinders
As both are from the same manufacturer, these two use the M18 fuel battery system and are suitable for long hours of work, especially since they were designed for minimal vibration thanks to the brushless motor. They are also ideal for those wearing gloves due to the paddle switch design.
Before we dive into the similarities and differences between the products – and their resulting advantages and disadvantages – let’s start with a brief review of each.
Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel 4-1/2-Inch / 5-Inch Angle Grinder
With a speed of 8,500 RPM, this cordless angle grinder is capable of handling both 4-1/2 inches and 5 inches. This means it is useful for bigger projects that require a 5-inch grinding disc or wheel. It uses the M18 battery system and weighs 5.8 pounds, which is an average for most angle grinders.
Aside from the M18 battery system, it is also compatible with the REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 Battery Pack if you want longer-lasting power. The paddle switch can be used even when wearing gloves for comfortable and safe operation, even in awkward positions. Overload protection is present thanks to the REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence system.
The tool length is 15 inches which is also common for tools of this kind while having an arbor size of 5/8-11 inches. For durability, it has a brushless motor, which also lessens the vibration of the tool during operation. Other than that, it also has a metal housing that’s similar to that of corded grinders.
Before making a decision, make sure to also read my in-depth Milwaukee 2780-20 review.
Milwaukee 2783-20 M18 Fuel 4-1/2-Inch / 5-Inch Braking Grinder
This cordless angle grinder runs at a speed of 8,500 RPM and uses the M18 battery system. Its weight is 6.1 pounds and has a length of 15.25 inches. As for the switch type, it uses a paddle no-lock configuration, which is glove-friendly. Changing the position of the guard is also easy due to the tool-free adjustment.
What I like about this grinder is the rapid stop, which hastens the braking speed of different discs. For instance, grinding discs stop at 1.5 seconds, cutting discs at 0.9 seconds, and flap discs at 1.3 seconds. This will help conserve its mechanical parts from easily wearing out. It also bears a metal housing similar to corded grinders to add to its durability.
If you want more power and longer hours of operation, the unit is compatible with any REDLITHIUM™ XC 5.0 Battery Pack. What’s more, overload protection is provided by the REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence system on its electronic controls, which conserves both the battery and the motor lifespan for long-term use.
Milwaukee 2780-20 vs. 2783-20: Similarities
Both from the same manufacturer, these two cordless angle grinders have similar features, such as the following:
Paddle Switch Design
The paddle switch design enables the operator to use the angle grinder without worrying about accidental triggers. It is also glove-friendly and less frustrating if you tend to have sweaty hands (or if you’re new to holding angle grinders). Both these two Milwaukee grinders have this feature.
Grinding Speed
Both of them have a grinding no-load speed of 8,500 RPM. Although this is a single-speed for both units, it is sufficient for most tasks, such as DIY home repairs and tasks over at the shop or garage.
Wheel Size Capacity
Both of these two grinders from Milwaukee can be used with 4-1/2-inch and 5-inch wheels so they are applicable for different types of jobs, big or small. This makes them more versatile, especially if you have a stubborn material that needs to be worked with using the 5-inch wheel.
Tool-less Adjustment
There’s nothing more convenient and time-saving than a tool-less adjustment for a guard. Usually, other grinders need a wrench or something similar to tweak the guards, but not with these two from Milwaukee! Debris can enter from different directions so having to adjust the guard is important – and these tools make it convenient to do just that.
Warranty Period
A 5-year warranty is granted by Milwaukee for both units. A longer warranty period helps put your mind at ease, especially if you want your tool to last for a long time without costly repairs.
Milwaukee 2780-20 vs. 2783-20: Differences
While they are both from Milwaukee, these two angle grinders do have notable differences as well, such as the following:
Weight
The Milwaukee 2780-20, which weighs 5.8 pounds, is lighter in weight than the 2783-20, which is 6.1 pounds. Nonetheless, the weight difference is minimal between the two. Knowing the weight of an angle grinder (or any power tool, for that matter) is important since it can affect how much fatigue you feel at the end of the day.
Brake System
The rapid stop brake system is another feature that makes the Milwaukee 2783-20 different from 2780-20. To conserve the mechanical parts of an angle grinder, a brake system almost instantly stops the tool once the motor is turned off. If it doesn’t stop spinning right away, it will cause wear-and-tear problems and accidents when not careful.
Tool Length
The Milwaukee 2783-20 is slightly longer, at 15.25 inches as compared to the Milwaukee 2780-20, which is only at 15 inches in length. Nonetheless, this is a minor difference and both angle grinders can be easy to fit inside most toolboxes or shed storages.
Which of the Two Grinders Should You Get?
If you often feel fatigued after using an angle grinder and you want a lighter weight for such a powerful tool, the Milwaukee 2780-20 is for you. However, if you prefer a brake system that protects the mechanical inner workings of the tool better, go for the Milwaukee 2783-20.
At any rate, both of them have similar features to boast, such as tool-less adjustment of the guard, similar grin dig speed, wheel size capacity, and the paddle switch design – all of which are convenient features on a cordless angle grinder.
Summary
To sum it up, Milwaukee’s angle grinders mentioned above are candidates for heavy-duty work, especially if you want to switch between 4-1/2-inch and 5-inch discs from time to time. Working with gloves will also be easier due to their paddle switch.
Both of them have their pros and cons but I think they are fit for any job at the shop or even for home repairs.
Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel 4-1/2-Inch / 5-Inch Angle Grinder