GD0800C variable speed die grinder

The GD0800C is a variable speed electric corded die grinder with slide switch manufactured by Makita.

The machine is powered by 750 watt brushed motor from an outlet. Depending on the region it is sold in the cord has an appropriate power plug and voltage rating for 120 and 230 volt outlets.

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

Makita USA's website states a maximum RPM of 28000 but the user manual lists 29000.

Exterior

The machine has a barrel shaped body with the middle part made out of "Makita teal" colored plastic.

The rear half of the body is covered in black rubber and has horizontal ventilation slots on the sides.

Attached to the front of the body is an aluminum "neck" rubber which can be held with the second hand. The ventilation exhausts are directed at an angle on three sides so the airflow is not too strong in any particular direction and is less likely to interfere with the operator.

On the front of the neck is an arrow indicating the turning direction. At the very front is a collet with a maximum diameter of 1/4" (6.25 mm) that can hold the shank of a small grinding wheel other accessory.

An optional side handle is included and can be secured around the thicker part of the neck.

Operation

The machine is activated by pushing the black slide switch on the side of the body forward to the "on" position. The switch is spring loaded and a push on the back side will pop it back to the "off" position.

The desired RPM can be set with a dial on the back of the body.

To place a wheel in the collet two wrenches are included which need to be used to hold the spindle in place while the other one loosens or tightens the collet.

Safety

The machine has a mechanical clutch that Makita calls SJS (Super Joint System) that disconnects the gears when too much force is applied to protect the motor and gears from damage.

The machine also has a soft start feature to prevent kickback on activation. There is also an electronic current limiter to protect the motor from overloading.

Makita notes in the user manual that the grinding wheel should not be mounted more than 10 mm (3/8") from the collet to prevent vibrations and the wheel shaft breaking.

Included accessories

• Two different sized collet spanner wrenches
• Side handle

Variants

• GD0810C with lower RPM, higher torque