Yes, you can use a grinder to cut trees. The simple answer is yes. Using a wood-cutting blade, you can accomplish this task.
While typically associated with metal or masonry work, an angle grinder, when fitted with the correct disc, can indeed be used for cutting wood, including smaller trees or branches.
How to Use a Grinder for Cutting Wood
To use an angle grinder for cutting wood:
- Use the Right Blade: This is crucial. You must use a blade specifically designed for cutting wood. Standard abrasive discs for metal or masonry are not safe or effective for wood. Wood-cutting grinder blades often have carbide teeth similar to a circular saw blade.
- Ensure Safety: Angle grinders are powerful and potentially dangerous tools.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses or a face shield, heavy gloves, and hearing protection.
- Ensure the work area is clear.
- Secure the wood you are cutting if possible.
- Be aware of kickback potential, especially when cutting branches or smaller logs.
- Understand Limitations: An angle grinder is not a replacement for a chainsaw, especially for larger trees.
- They are best suited for smaller branches, trimming, or potentially cutting through roots.
- The depth of cut is limited by the size of the blade.
- They can be less efficient and more physically demanding than a chainsaw for significant wood cutting tasks.
Grinder vs. Chainsaw: A Quick Look
| Feature | Angle Grinder (with Wood Blade) | Chainsaw |
|---|---|---|
| Best Use | Small branches, roots, trimming | Felling trees, cutting logs, larger branches |
| Cutting Speed | Slower for large cuts | Much faster for felling/bucking |
| Portability | Compact, lighter | Heavier, bulkier (typically) |
| Kickback Risk | High (especially with some blade types) | Significant, requires proper technique |
| Cost | Generally lower | Generally higher |
Using an angle grinder with a wood-cutting blade is a possibility, as the reference confirms, but it's essential to prioritize safety and understand its limitations compared to tools specifically designed for cutting larger wood like chainsaws.
