I have been using the Arbortech Mini Grinder for a few months now, and I have been very impressed by its versatility for cutting, grinding, and sanding various materials—it is the only compact sander I know of that can cut and grind thinset, tile, metal and wood. The variable speed control is also a huge plus, allowing for precision and control when tackling different tasks.
It’s a great tool that can be used for many different tasks. It has a milling attachment for heavy stock removal. The mini grinder’s ability to reach tight spaces, such as corners and spindles, is definitely a plus for detailed work. I was recently able to use it on a job where I was sanding old finish off of the corners on a maple floor. Previously I would have had to do that with a hand-scraper, so this tool made it a lot easier on my hands, without that carpal tunnel burn you can sometimes feel, and it was faster, too.
We also were able to use it on a reclaimed wood job where we cut the nails under the tongue, making it easier to remove the wood flooring without damaging it.
We also used it a lot for sanding hand-made inlays at the recent DM Hardwood Designs school. We used it to both flatten different wood parts of the inlays as well as contour other wood pieces. With its flexible rubber head, we found it was powerful when removing the overwood and shaping other pieces. We also used it with the metal grinding attachment to flatten small metal pieces within an inlay.
One thing that would be cool would be if it had a hook-and-loop foam sandpaper driver to attach cloth-backed paper, too. That could enhance its functionality even further (currently you change the abrasive with an Allen key).
Dust containment is always important in keeping your workspace clean, and the mini grinder’s dust containment attachment works great, although I did find the hose can sometimes get in the way when sanding corners.
Overall, it seems like a solid investment at $279.99. It comes with many different blades and a really nice carrying case. I would say it’s great tool for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
Watch the tool in use here:
