DeWalt 6 in. (150mm) Paddle Switch Grinder

Why I moved up to a 6-inch grinder

Most of my day-to-day metal work has been handled by 4-1/2-inch grinders. They’re compact, light, and everywhere. But there are times—cutting heavier stock, taking down welds faster, or reaching deeper into pipe—when that smaller wheel feels limiting. I picked up this 6-inch DeWalt grinder to see if the larger wheel and beefier motor would change my workflow. It did. The added depth of cut and extra surface speed make a noticeable difference, and the safety features built into this model help it feel controlled, not just powerful.

Build, ergonomics, and controls

This is a corded, 13-amp, 6-inch grinder that spins at a no-load 9,000 RPM. At 8.9 pounds, it’s heavier than a typical 4-1/2-inch unit, but it’s well balanced. The body is stout without feeling bloated, and the paddle switch falls naturally under my fingers with a positive, confidence-inspiring actuation. There’s an available lock-on for the paddle if you want it; I generally keep it unlocked for safety, but it’s there for long, steady passes where it makes sense.

The included kit is practical: Type 27 grinding guard, Type 1 cutting guard, side handle, inner and outer flanges, and a hex key. Swapping between the guards is straightforward and encourages you to use the right setup for the job—flat grinding with Type 27 and deeper, safer cuts with Type 1. The spindle is the standard 5/8-11 thread, so wheels and accessories are easy to source in the 6-inch format.

The cord is about 6.3 feet. It’s serviceable on a bench or near a cart, but I reached for an extension cord on nearly every job site task. A little more length would make life easier.

Power and performance

A 13-amp motor at 9,000 RPM with a rated 1,700 max watts out tells you what you need to know: this grinder doesn’t bog easily. It gets up to speed briskly and holds that speed under load better than most mid-tier 4-1/2-inch units. On 1/4-inch plate and angle iron, it chews through material with authority using a 36-grit flap wheel or a Type 27 grinding disc. The larger wheel has more abrasive on deck and a longer wear path, which translates into fewer wheel changes and more consistent performance over the life of the disc.

Where the 6-inch format really earns its keep is cutting. Using the included Type 1 guard and a 6-inch cutoff wheel, I made quick, full-width cuts on 2-inch schedule 40 steel pipe without the awkward rocking and shallowing you get with a 4-1/2-inch wheel. You get a deeper, cleaner slot with better guard coverage, and that matters for both efficiency and safety.

Vibration is moderate and predictable. There’s no fancy anti-vibration handle here, but the tool’s mass actually helps. The side handle gives good leverage, and the motor’s tone under load is confident rather than strained. As always, hearing and eye protection are mandatory; 9,000 RPM at 6 inches moves a lot of air and abrasive.

Safety features that actually help

Two features stand out in real use: the E-CLUTCH and Power Loss Reset.

• Anti-rotation E-CLUTCH: If the wheel pinches or stalls, the motor shuts down in under 0.1 second. I forced a pinch in a test cut on angle iron, and the tool went quiet before it could twist my wrists. It’s not a mechanical brake—it doesn’t stop the wheel instantly—but cutting power fast makes a real difference in kickback events.

• Power Loss Reset: If you trip a breaker or lose power, the grinder won’t restart the moment power returns while the switch is still engaged. You have to cycle the paddle. That behavior should be standard across grinders, and it’s implemented well here.

One thing you don’t get is an electronic brake. The wheel coasts for a few seconds after you release the paddle, so plan your set-downs and don’t chase the workpiece while it’s spinning down.

Dust management and longevity

The Dust Ejection System is more than a decal. The intake vents are designed to move dust and debris out of the motor path, and after several hours of grinding and cutting, the housing stayed noticeably cleaner than some older grinders on my shelf. That’s not a substitute for good housekeeping or compressed-air blowouts at the end of the day, but it’s a solid layer of protection in a tool that lives in sparks and grit.

Thermally, the grinder stayed within a comfortable operating range. The housing gets warm during prolonged heavy grinding, as expected, but I didn’t trip thermal protection or smell that telltale hot-brush odor. For a 13-amp class tool, it’s tuned well.

Real-world notes from the shop and site

• Wheel life: Six-inch discs last longer than 4-1/2-inch equivalents. That’s basic geometry, but in practice it means fewer stops to change wheels and a more stable cutting feel, especially late in a disc’s life.

• Control: The paddle switch offers excellent “on-and-off” control with gloved hands. For production cuts, the lock-on can be handy, though I’m selective about using it on handheld grinders.

• Guard usage: Having both Type 27 and Type 1 guards in the box encourages correct setup. With the Type 1 in place, I was able to keep the guard between me and the sparks while still reaching full depth—something that’s fussier with smaller grinders.

• Fit and finish: The flanges seat square, the spindle thread is clean, and discs track true. No wobble or runout issues on my unit.

Limitations and trade-offs

• Weight and size: At 8.9 pounds, it’s not the grinder you want for one-handed or extended overhead work. Two-handed control is the intent, and it rewards that approach.

• No variable speed: Fixed 9,000 RPM is ideal for most grinding and cutting, but if you do a lot of stainless finishing, wire cup work, or flap finishing where lower speeds help, you’ll miss a dial.

• No electronic brake: The coast-down time requires attention in tight spaces. It’s not a deal-breaker, but once you get used to braked grinders, you notice when it’s absent.

• Cord length: Plan for an extension cord. The stock cord is a bit short for larger workpieces and site work.

• Accessory availability: Six-inch wheels are common, but not as ubiquitous as 4-1/2-inch. Stock up so you’re not stuck on a Sunday afternoon.

Who it’s for

If you’re a fabricator, welder, or pipefitter who needs deeper cuts and faster material removal than a 4-1/2-inch can deliver, this 6-inch grinder fits neatly between compact grinders and heavy 7/9-inch brutes. It’s also a strong choice for maintenance crews who want one grinder to both grind and cut without constantly pushing the limits of smaller wheels. If your work is predominantly overhead, tight-access, or finesse finishing, a lighter, smaller, or variable-speed grinder may serve you better.

Warranty and what’s in the box

You get a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. In the box: both Type 27 and Type 1 guards, side handle, inner and outer flanges, and a hex key. The standard 5/8-11 spindle keeps compatibility simple.

Recommendation

I recommend this 6-inch grinder. It blends real power with practical safety features—E-CLUTCH and Power Loss Reset—that make a difference when things go sideways. The larger wheel size gives you deeper cuts and longer disc life, the motor holds speed under load, and the ergonomics are solid for two-handed work. You do trade away some nimbleness and you don’t get an electronic brake or variable speed, but for grinding and cutting ferrous metals, it’s a reliable, capable workhorse. If you’ve been living on 4-1/2-inch grinders and want more reach and throughput without jumping to a 7/9-inch platform, this is a smart step up.