GA5040C 125mm 1400W variable speed angle grinder

The GA5040C is a variable speed corded angle grinder manufactured by Makita.

The machine is powered by a 1400 watt brushed electric motor. It is more powerful than the 1100 watt GA5040 and has a variable speed which can be set with a dial on the back side under the power cord.

The C at the end of the model name stands for "Constant speed" meaning that the machine will increase its power output to maintain its RPM when more resistance is encountered that would otherwise slow it down.

Exterior

The body is barrel shaped with black rubber on the back and ventilation inlets on the sides.

The middle part is Makita teal colored plastic with a black slide switch that is used to activate the machine.

The front of the machine is the gear housing and is made out of aluminium. It has ventilation outlets on top and a black spindle lock button.

There is also an indented arrow that indicates the turning direction. There are threaded holes on each side to attach the side handle.

The gear housing can be unscrewed from the body and attached in four different positions. This is mostly useful for turning the body upside down to put the slide switch on the other side.

On the bottom of the gear housing is a 14 mm spindle or 5/8" in countries where that is more common. The disc is held in place with a lock nut for which a wrench is needed to loosen and tighten it.

Safety

The body is double insulated against electric shocks and the machine comes with a wheel guard. However these safety features are found on every Makita angle grinder.

The fact that the RPM can be adjusted can make it safer to use than the GA5050 by reducing the speed so to reduce the force of any kickback.

Besides this there is no soft start, restart protection, kickback protection, brake or clutch.

Inside the gear housing is a vibration reduction system that Makita calls SJS (Super Joint System) II which absorbs some vibrations from the cutting disc to reduce the intensity of the vibrations passed on to the operator.

Included accessories

• 125 mm grinding wheel
• 125 mm guard
• Side handle
• Lock nut wrench.