What Grinder for a Cedar Deck and Railings?

Hey all, newbie here. Planning to build a cedar deck with railings this summer. Got all the lumber, but I'm gonna need a grinder for smoothing and shaping. What do you recommend? Not trying to break the bank, but want something that'll last. Thanks!

Welcome to the forums, Pat! For deck work, an angle grinder is a must. I'd look at a variable-speed model, so you can adjust for different tasks. Makita or DeWalt are solid, but if you're on a budget, the Bosch GWS8-45 is a great value. Just remember to get a flap disc for smoothing and a grinding wheel for heavy shaping.

I've been a carpenter for 40 years, and I've used everything. For what you're doing, I'd skip the cheap ones. Go with a Makita 9557PB – it's a workhorse. But more importantly, get good discs. A bad disc can ruin your finish. And always wear a face shield, not just glasses. I've seen too many close calls.

Pat, if you're shaping cedar, you might want to consider a sander instead for some tasks. Grinders can tear up soft wood if you're not careful. But for cutting and notching, a grinder is fine. I'd get one with a paddle switch, so it's easier to hold and control. And look for one with a low vibration rating – your hands will thank you.