This has been a personal conquest for me as well. We go through a ton at my shop, so I am sure some of the larger shops could chime in with more results for us, but here is what I find:
Walter (the orange plastic backed ones) are hands down the best.
- When it is me using them, thats what I use. Unfortunately when it is an employee that doesnt care about what you spent on it, not the case. I find that you can cut the edge down on a piece of metal and the plastic peels off and you get a fresh edge. In your home shop one of these could last a month!
Rhodius, which are a fiber back, last a long time for the price.
- I find these are better for 1/8 and thicker, as they last a long time but tend to make more "heat". you can use one for about a week, but not on sheet metal flush weld dressing. They last long, but the cutting diminishes with the disc.
Merit
- these are cheaper, around 2.50 to 3 a piece, and they cut nice. They dont last a long time, but they cut like new right to the end. I use these for sheet metal weld dressing. Not great for heavy weld grinding, but on sheet metal they cut sharp and quick all the way through. Lasts about a day of intermittent use.
Norton
- I am trying a batch of these next week when I get low on the Merits. I will post results.
For at home stuff, do yourself a favour and just buy Walters. thats my take. If someone else is using the discs and your paying for them, dont use the Walters!
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