Man using the Makita GA5030R/2 angle grinder

Angle grinders are very capable of cutting and grinding, polishing and deburring. For DIY enthusiasts and for tradespeople alike, an angle grinder is a useful tool that can help complete a whole range of tasks. If you are someone who is looking for a powerful compact angle grinder, the Makita GA5030R/2 is well worth your consideration.

It has a strong 720 watt motor, a lightweight design, and a comfortable grip, and as such delivers an efficient performance.

The Makita brand has a great high quality reputation and the Makita GA5030R/2 is a strong seller in the angle grinder market in the UK. I shall cover all the details so as you can decide if this is the right one for you.

Product Overview

Makita GA5030R/2 240V 125mm Angle Grinder

The Makita GA5030R/2 angle grinder packs a powerful punch, and yet is a compact and lightweight design.

The 720-watt motor delivers up to 11,000 RPM, enabling it to tackle a variety of tasks with ease.

Whether you're cutting, grinding, polishing, or removing rust, the GA5030R/2 is up to the challenge.

Despite the strong motor, it weighs just 1.8kg, making it comfortable to handle for extended periods

Key Specifications

Feature

Specification

Motor Power

720 watts

Disc Diameter

125mm (5")

No Load Speed

11,000 RPM

Weight

1.8kg

Noise Level

90 dB (A)

The ergonomically designed handle ensures you have a secure grip, helps reduce user fatigue and gives you very precise control over the tool.

Like most angle grinders this GA5030R/2 model has a spindle lock for quick and easy disc changes. It also has bevel gears that give the grinder a smooth and precise operation. For added safety, the grinder features an anti-restart function that prevents accidental starts, which is really important.

What this grinder can be used for

Man using the Makita GA5030R/2 angle grinder

Cutting - The 720 watt motor generates plenty of power and can easily cut through a variety of materials, including metal pipes, rods, and sheets. 

The motor, along with the high RPM and sharp cutting disc do deliver clean and precise cuts.

To test the GA5030R/2's cutting performance, we cut through a variety of metals, including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium.

The grinder handled all materials with ease, producing clean and accurate cuts.

Main Uses

Applications

Description

Cutting Metal

Trimming, shaping, and cutting metal pipes, rods, and sheets

Grinding Welds

Removing excess weld material and smoothing weld joints

Removing Rust

Removing rust from metal surfaces before painting or powder coating

Smoothing Surfaces

Grinding down sharp edges and creating smooth surfaces

Removing Burrs

Remove burrs and imperfections from metal parts.

Grinding - This is an ideal tool for removing excess weld material, smoothing weld joints, and shaping metal. The grinder's high RPM and abrasive disc effectively remove material. We used it to grind down weld joints and smooth metal surfaces. The grinder effectively removed material without leaving visible marks or scratches.

Polishing - Really good at removing rust, cleaning up metal surfaces, and getting them ready for painting or powder coating. The grinder's high RPM and polishing disc distributes evenly and gives a smooth and polished finish. We polished a piece of rusty metal, and the grinder effectively removed the rust and created a smooth, reflective surface.

Our Overall Opinion

The Makita GA5030R/2 consistently delivers impressive performance across a wide range of typical angle grinder tasks. Its powerful motor, compact design, and comfortable grip make it a versatile and efficient tool for both DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople.

In our testing, the GA5030R/2 cut through metal with ease, ground weld joints and metal surfaces with precision, and polished metal to a high shine. Its overall performance is highly commendable.

GA5030R/2 Comparison to Similar Angle Grinders

I have included a comparison table just below. I have compared the Makita to a similar Bosch and Dewalt model of the same blade size. Although the GA5030R/2 has a smaller motor it packs a punch and is around half the price.

Feature

Makita GA5030R/2

Bosch GWS11-125

DeWalt DWE4257-QS

Image


Makita GA5030R/2 240V 125mm Angle Grinder


Bosch GWS11-125 angle grinder
DeWalt DWE4257-QS angle grinder

Average Price

£65-£70

£120-£130

£125-£135

Motor Power

720 watts

1100 watts

1500 watts

Disc Diameter

125mm (5")

125mm (5")

125mm (5")

No-Load Speed

11,000 RPM

12,000 RPM

10,000RPM

Weight

1.8 kg

2.1kg

2.3kg

Noise Level

90 dB (A)

95 dB (A)

92 dB (A)

What other buyers say in the UK

I have included two tables below that show a summary of user reviews, and also of "Expert Ratings." I have also included our more detailed rating.

User Reviews for Makita GA5030R/2 Angle Grinder

Source

Review Summary

Rating

Amazon UK

Powerful, compact, and comfortable to use.

4.5/5 stars

Screwfix

A great all-round angle grinder for DIY and professional use.

4/5 stars

Toolstation

A reliable and efficient tool that gets the job done.

5/5 stars

Expert Ratings

Source

Review Summary

Rating

DIY Doctor

Recommended for its compact size, powerful performance, and ergonomic design.

4/5 stars

Toolsmith

A great value for money angle grinder that is well-suited for a variety of applications.

4/5 stars

Our Rating

95%
Fill Counter
94%
Fill Counter
90%
Fill Counter
96%
Fill Counter
92%
Fill Counter

Value for Money

Easy to Use

Disc Changing

Durable

Overall

Our Summary

  • You expect quality from a brand like Makita, and this one doesn't disappoint.
  • When we used it, there is a nice light weight and feel to it and it is nice and compact. 
  • The barrel grip is good and makes it feel secure and comfortable to hold. 
  • There is very little vibration, and the side handle is positioned at a 20-degree angle, providing a natural and comfortable grip position.
  • We also liked the spindle lock, the dust blower and the anti-restart functions.
side handle on makita angle grinder

Pros:

  • It has a powerful 720-watt motor ideal for demanding applications
  • Nice and compact, light and easy to maneuver around
  • Can do cutting, grinding, polishing, and deburring 
  • Backed by Makita's reputation for quality and guarantee

Cons:

  • Can be noisy at high RPMs
  • Changing discs is still a pain but all angle grinders are the same
  • We would have preferred a paddle switch 

Conclusion:

Makita GA5030R/2 240V 125mm angle grinder is a good buy at a sensible price. You can buy these in the UK in most DIY stores and online. I have provided a link to Check Availability at Amazon UK. We liked it, buyers liked it and the experts also rate this grinder very highly. It is suitable for home use and for those in the trades.

About the Author

With 50 years experience my expertise is in the use of tools for DIY and other projects around the home and garden. I research anything relating to tools to provide accurate and up to date information.

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