Whoever brought up the idea of using a cordless sander to trim feet

[Tiddlypom]

I use the Milwaukee shown in post 28. I spent a long time researching them. To me the Milwaukee has everything, light, very easy to use and most of all has a paddle switch. I wouldn’t want a switched machine.

I also use an FFP 2 mask and goggles. IMHO not safe without.

Horses are no problem. Didn’t give them any intro. Just got on and did it.

Paddy, is yours this model? The one fitted with a circular sanding disc that the guy is holding in his left hand in this still from the video, and what he said was a Milwaukee 2” right angled die grinder with paddle switch? It looks easy to hold and manoeuvrable.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/milwaukee-m12fdga-0-12v-li-ion-redlithium-brushless-cordless-angled-die-grinder-bare/324XH?srsltid=AfmBOoqJyK0yka-bzeypqN45AWPDkKui1R4dmLCwtd3LuOh5I4IhqJHD2sk

I fully agree about a paddle switch (has to be depressed for equipment to operate) to be much safer to use than a separate off/off switch. The Bosch iron shaped sander that I used has an on/off switch, and although the switch is very accessible, it’s not ideal.

Good tip about mask and goggles .

 

[paddy555]

Paddy, is yours this model? The one fitted with a circular sanding disc that the guy is holding in his left hand in this still from the video, and what he said was a Milwaukee 2” right angled die grinder with paddle switch? It looks easy to hold and manoeuvrable.

View attachment 150217

https://www.screwfix.com/p/milwaukee-m12fdga-0-12v-li-ion-redlithium-brushless-cordless-angled-die-grinder-bare/324XH?srsltid=AfmBOoqJyK0yka-bzeypqN45AWPDkKui1R4dmLCwtd3LuOh5I4IhqJHD2sk

I fully agree about a paddle switch (has to be depressed for equipment to operate) to be much safer to use than a separate off/off switch. The Bosch iron shaped sander that I used has an on/off switch, and although the switch is very accessible, it’s not ideal.

Good tip about mask and goggles .

Yes.i use a 3 inch disc
Very good for precision work.
Very light I can use it with one hand and hold a foot if I want with the other

It was the only product that ticked every box

Gloves don’t forget.

 

[Reacher]

Not really no.

i just have visions of less experienced people 'having a go' . Makes me shudder. Perhaps im just stuck in my ways. I think hooves should be left to qualified professionals.

I quite agree about the dangers of less experienced people having a go, (you would hope common sense would prevent but there’s isn’t a lot of that about). But what do you do if there aren’t any decent qualified professionals available ? The farrier I used to use I would book 6 weeks in advance , and he wouldn’t turn up. So getting him to come every 3 week (or less) , say, to bring back a long toe is a non starter. Plus I didn’t like his habit of rasping the hoof wall a long way up and you couldn’t discuss anything with him about the trim.

Thanks for the links to the sanders above Paddy et al

 

[paddy555]

Paddy, is yours this model? The one fitted with a circular sanding disc that the guy is holding in his left hand in this still from the video, and what he said was a Milwaukee 2” right angled die grinder with paddle switch? It looks easy to hold and manoeuvrable.

View attachment 150217

https://www.screwfix.com/p/milwaukee-m12fdga-0-12v-li-ion-redlithium-brushless-cordless-angled-die-grinder-bare/324XH?srsltid=AfmBOoqJyK0yka-bzeypqN45AWPDkKui1R4dmLCwtd3LuOh5I4IhqJHD2sk

I fully agree about a paddle switch (has to be depressed for equipment to operate) to be much safer to use than a separate off/off switch. The Bosch iron shaped sander that I used has an on/off switch, and although the switch is very accessible, it’s not ideal.

Good tip about mask and goggles .

I am really struggling to get a link for you for the discs

just cannot get Amazon to link

So, go into Amazon and search "dura gold 60 grit"

scroll down to a blue disc. (about 3 rows down on RH side) £26.98 You are a lot clever than I am so can you get it to link on here??

they come from US. There is a review from Veronica and that is why I chose these,.

her review is very good

It took me a while to find the Milwaukee die grinder because there is just about nothing about it on horse sites.
I found a bit on COTH. No idea why, it is IMHO the best because it gets away from an angle grinder (which is probably to much for many which is fast, heavy and does carry a risk)

 

[Reacher]

These?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dura-Gold-Change-Zirconia-Grinding-Backing/dp/B0CSHQ8XFY/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2NSZF70K0T4QW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MqX6O-Krjoa8RxLPGz0Gg1RoX5hffZptXAT1sVZX0Lfzn3YEA2MJERigW-e50PcizWIQjI1-CjAKwj22c2j7fND2RHaR3a-2_jcloCgh_01GTtIHenzwVD3p43l0-mqdBGiUFAhrs3aihD3urQJrr6LcDYs2CvfL9o0QAnBeLfVJ254h0a2eZm3YMdcyr597_VqbUgQBa1Ro3HUEcrOwLw.5DcmmUDVFDCC6CDAguEI_PQWeR5uKMEEDLf2-S5M13o&dib_tag=se&keywords=dura+gold+60+grit&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1731659000&sprefix=dura+gold+60+grit%2Caps%2C219&sr=8-4

I am really struggling to get a link for you for the discs

just cannot get Amazon to link

So, go into Amazon and search "dura gold 60 grit"

scroll down to a blue disc. (about 3 rows down on RH side) £26.98 You are a lot clever than I am so can you get it to link on here??

they come from US. There is a review from Veronica and that is why I chose these,.

her review is very good

It took me a while to find the Milwaukee die grinder because there is just about nothing about it on horse sites.
I found a bit on COTH. No idea why, it is IMHO the best because it gets away from an angle grinder (which is probably to much for many which is fast, heavy and does carry a risk)

Are these (and the drill) everything you need @paddy555 ?

ETA I see I’d need battery and charger

 

[Tiddlypom]

There seems to be a Bosch equivalent compact right angle die grinder with a ‘deadman’ safety paddle switch. I’m going to look into this. OH is keen for me to stay Bosch, if possible, as we alrady have all the chargers and batteries necessary for Bosch tools, whereas I’d have to set up from scratch with the Milwaukee.

BOSCH GWG12V-20SN 12V Max Brushless 1/4 in. Right Angle Die Grinder (Bare Tool)​

Got to be sure that the Bosch die grinder is what I’m looking for, though.

Many thanks for your help, Paddy .

 

[paddy555]

These?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dura-Gold-Change-Zirconia-Grinding-Backing/dp/B0CSHQ8XFY/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2NSZF70K0T4QW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MqX6O-Krjoa8RxLPGz0Gg1RoX5hffZptXAT1sVZX0Lfzn3YEA2MJERigW-e50PcizWIQjI1-CjAKwj22c2j7fND2RHaR3a-2_jcloCgh_01GTtIHenzwVD3p43l0-mqdBGiUFAhrs3aihD3urQJrr6LcDYs2CvfL9o0QAnBeLfVJ254h0a2eZm3YMdcyr597_VqbUgQBa1Ro3HUEcrOwLw.5DcmmUDVFDCC6CDAguEI_PQWeR5uKMEEDLf2-S5M13o&dib_tag=se&keywords=dura+gold+60+grit&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1731659000&sprefix=dura+gold+60+grit%2Caps%2C219&sr=8-4

Are these (and the drill) everything you need @paddy555 ?

ETA I see I’d need battery and charger

Glad you could give a link

Yes you need a charger and battery. You can buy the whole lot as a kit.

Bear in mind the bigger the battery the heavier.

 

[Reacher]

Thanks @paddy555 it wouldn’t have occurred to me re weight of battery.

So I don’t need anything else re attaching the sanding discs?

 

[paddy555]

There seems to be a Bosch equivalent compact right angle die grinder with a ‘deadman’ safety paddle switch. I’m going to look into this. OH is keen for me to stay Bosch, if possible, as we alrady have all the chargers and batteries necessary for Bosch tools, whereas I’d have to set up from scratch with the Milwaukee.

BOSCH GWG12V-20SN 12V Max Brushless 1/4 in. Right Angle Die Grinder (Bare Tool)​

View attachment 150220

View attachment 150221

Got to be sure that the Bosch die grinder is what I’m looking for, though.

Many thanks for your help, Paddy .

Check the weight with a battery attached.

Larger capacity batteries het heavier, wha t weight does yr OH have

the Bosch seems to have most things. It is very much personal preference how it feels to handle.

 

[Reacher]

There seems to be a Bosch equivalent compact right angle die grinder with a ‘deadman’ safety paddle switch. I’m going to look into this. OH is keen for me to stay Bosch, if possible, as we alrady have all the chargers and batteries necessary for Bosch tools, whereas I’d have to set up from scratch with the Milwaukee.

BOSCH GWG12V-20SN 12V Max Brushless 1/4 in. Right Angle Die Grinder (Bare Tool)​

View attachment 150220

View attachment 150221

Got to be sure that the Bosch die grinder is what I’m looking for, though.

Many thanks for your help, Paddy .

Please will you report back on your investigations?

 

[Asha]

I quite agree about the dangers of less experienced people having a go, (you would hope common sense would prevent but there’s isn’t a lot of that about). But what do you do if there aren’t any decent qualified professionals available ? The farrier I used to use I would book 6 weeks in advance , and he wouldn’t turn up. So getting him to come every 3 week (or less) , say, to bring back a long toe is a non starter. Plus I didn’t like his habit of rasping the hoof wall a long way up and you couldn’t discuss anything with him about the trim.

Thanks for the links to the sanders above Paddy et al

Its rather concerning that people cant find a reliable /good farrier. I guess we are lucky, we seem to have quite a few around us. Hope you get sorted

 

[Reacher]

Its rather concerning that people cant find a reliable /good farrier. I guess we are lucky, we seem to have quite a few around us. Hope you get sorted

Thanks - I live in a slightly remote area where there isn’t much choice in farriers

 

[Tiddlypom]

Thanks - I live in a slightly remote area where there isn’t much choice in farriers

There are a lot of poor farriers round here trained to trim long toe/low heel by one of the prolific training farriers I mentioned previously in the thread. He churned out loads of trainees .

I thought I was lucky to have him, I used him for many years, he was used amongst others by a top GN winning NH trainer and a top HOYs winning showing rider. At least he was til they realised that he was laming horses, and they ditched him.

My next two farriers after him were both recommended by my vets and, while excellent farriers, they were unreliable. One I could never contact in between visits for emergencies and, although he usually turned up on the day, he would never, ever give any indication of time. The horses could be stood in all day and me hanging around waiting for him to turn up. The other is the flaky farrier that I was using most recently. I have heard that recently he even failed to show up at a pre booked appointment at the horsepital for a remedial shoeing under vet direction, letting the client down badly.

ETA However, if anyone feels that they are not knowledgeable enough or confident enough to trim their horses’ feet then don’t do it. It’s very helpful or even essential if you have had some hands on tuition, like I have, from a farrier in how to trim, and what to look for.

 

[paddy555]

Its rather concerning that people cant find a reliable /good farrier. I guess we are lucky, we seem to have quite a few around us. Hope you get sorted

all the people trimming their own horses or discussing sanders etc have barefoot horses. Barefoot feet benefit from constant attention eg trimming every 10- 14 days or even weekly in summer when they grow faster. That is impossible with a farrier ie having a farrier visit to trim every 10 days.

If you leave a foot for say 6 - 8 weeks between farrier visits there is probably a fair bit of growth (enough to take off with nippers) and that size of trim does make a difference to the horse ie the effect on it's body.
If you trim every 10 days there is virtually no difference for the horse at all. You can also quickly correct any problems and keep the foot going in the right direction eg keeping long toes under control and therefore making progress with improving the feet.

I don't want to be rude to farriers but actually some of the work is not always of the highest quality.

 

[Asha]

all the people trimming their own horses or discussing sanders etc have barefoot horses. Barefoot feet benefit from constant attention eg trimming every 10- 14 days or even weekly in summer when they grow faster. That is impossible with a farrier ie having a farrier visit to trim every 10 days.

If you leave a foot for say 6 - 8 weeks between farrier visits there is probably a fair bit of growth (enough to take off with nippers) and that size of trim does make a difference to the horse ie the effect on it's body.
If you trim every 10 days there is virtually no difference for the horse at all. You can also quickly correct any problems and keep the foot going in the right direction eg keeping long toes under control and therefore making progress with improving the feet.

I don't want to be rude to farriers but actually some of the work is not always of the highest quality.

Out of the 9 we have at the moment only 2 are shod, the rest are broodmares / foals /youngsters etc. So most of what our farrier does is barefoot trimming. Its a really interesting point you make about trimming every 10-14 days.
So, to ask a genuine question .. are you having to trim at those intervals because your horses are just on grass and therefore not 'self trimming' at all . My farrier will check our youngsters and sometimes they just dont need a trim. But they do walk over concrete / concrete mud mats / chippings etc etc. The only time weve needed the farrier to trim every 2 weeks has been when a foal has had an issue that needed close intervention.

Or am i missing the point entirely ? Are you merely rasping the edges and keeping them looking tidy ?

 

[paddy555]

So, to ask a genuine question .. are you having to trim at those intervals because your horses are just on grass and therefore not 'self trimming' at all . My farrier will check our youngsters and sometimes they just dont need a trim. But they do walk over concrete / concrete mud mats / chippings etc etc. The only time weve needed the farrier to trim every 2 weeks has been when a foal has had an issue that needed close intervention.

Or am i missing the point entirely ? Are you merely rasping the edges and keeping them looking tidy ?

my horses don't live on grass 24/7 so to speak. Nights are spent wandering on a stony yard and in winter when. the fields are flooded parts of their days are also spent on hard yards/tracks/concrete etc etc so they all have access to harder surfaces. That is what the retired/cannot be ridden ones get. The ridden ones get more hard surfaces.

Even if they were ridden completely barefoot all the time I would correct every 10 days or so.
I don't have a farrier (at all) so I am the trimmer, the rasping the edges and the keeping them looking tidy and the correcting them. People with a trimmer/farrier do the same to keep the feet in order between official trims.. Many find they have to trim if they want to use certain close fitting boots. For eg. I doubt you would get away with Renegades or gloves at the end of a 6/8 week trim cycle.

Trimming at say 10 days a lot is taking off any additional growth (not much) and keeping them tidy. I trim the heels, trim the wall, put on a 45 degree bevel and then round the edge. All from underneath, the sander has allowed me to dispense with pulling the foot forward on the stand. I have never trimmed the hoof wall anyway.

 

[paddy555]

Thanks @paddy555 it wouldn’t have occurred to me re weight of battery.

So I don’t need anything else re attaching the sanding discs?

the sanding discs on the Amazon link include the "bit" you attach to the angle die grinder and the blue discs click onto the "bit"

so. you need to buy
the angle grinder(whatever make)
a charger and a couple of small batteries. (usually come as a set with the grinder.)


the disc set per the Amazon link and off you go. (There may well be suitable UK ones but I chose the US one as the woman farrier recommended it)

The Milwaukee comes next day from Screwfix, the Bosch probably the same

there are widely differing prices and those reflect the sizes of batteries included (Milwaukee) obviously one kit with a small (size 2) battery is a lot cheaper than one with a couple of size 6's.
I have one 2 and one 4. Wouldn't want to go any larger for weight. Size 2 does a 10 day maintenance trim on one horse (not a shire!!!) but there is not much left over. You do need a spare battery.

 

[Reacher]

Thankyou very much @paddy555 that is very helpful. Also re the battery size numbers so I know which I want!

 

[Tarragon]

Out of the 9 we have at the moment only 2 are shod, the rest are broodmares / foals /youngsters etc. So most of what our farrier does is barefoot trimming. Its a really interesting point you make about trimming every 10-14 days.
So, to ask a genuine question .. are you having to trim at those intervals because your horses are just on grass and therefore not 'self trimming' at all . My farrier will check our youngsters and sometimes they just dont need a trim. But they do walk over concrete / concrete mud mats / chippings etc etc. The only time weve needed the farrier to trim every 2 weeks has been when a foal has had an issue that needed close intervention.

Or am i missing the point entirely ? Are you merely rasping the edges and keeping them looking tidy ?

I trim my pony's feet weekly even though he is ridden daily (mostly on tarmac) because he is slightly pigeon toed and left to his own devices would, I think, gradually completely alter the balance of his hoof and exacerbate the issue. So, I am trying to maintain a good balance so that the self-trimming is effective. I am, however, also between trimmers and looking for a new trimmer now. My pony hasn't been seen professionally since May. When I find someone, they might have a better solution.

 

[Tiddlypom]

The Milwaukee comes next day from Screwfix, the Bosch probably the same

there are widely differing prices and those reflect the sizes of batteries included (Milwaukee) obviously one kit with a small (size 2) battery is a lot cheaper than one with a couple of size 6's.
I have one 2 and one 4. Wouldn't want to go any larger for weight. Size 2 does a 10 day maintenance trim on one horse (not a shire!!!) but there is not much left over. You do need a spare battery.

More advice please, Paddy .

I’ve settled on the Milwaukee right angle die grinder that you have. The Bosh equivalent is from the more upmarket range than our sander and has different chargers and batteries. It would be much more expensive to set up from scratch.

I can get a right angle die grinder set direct from the UK Milawaukee supplier for a bit less than the Screwfix price, and with a 3 year guarantee. I have a choice of a kit with a 2 and a 4Ah battery, or with 2 x 2Ah batteries. Annoyingly it’s £5 more expensive for a kit with 2 x 2Ah batteries than with a 2Ah and a 4Ah .

I’m all for lightweight, though, and would be interested to hear how to find how the die grinder handles with the 4Ah compared to the 2Ah. I’ve got just the two horses to trim.

I have established that a die grinder, which I’d never heard of before, is a lightweight angle grinder designed for single handed use, whereas an angle grinder is a heavier and more powerful tool designed for two handed use.

 

[paddy555]

More advice please, Paddy .

I’ve settled on the Milwaukee right angle die grinder that you have. The Bosh equivalent is from the more upmarket range than our sander and has different chargers and batteries. It would be much more expensive to set up from scratch.

I can get a right angle die grinder set direct from the UK Milawaukee supplier for a bit less than the Screwfix price, and with a 3 year guarantee. I have a choice of a kit with a 2 and a 4Ah battery, or with 2 x 2Ah batteries. Annoyingly it’s £5 more expensive for a kit with 2 x 2Ah batteries than with a 2Ah and a 4Ah .

I’m all for lightweight, though, and would be interested to hear how to find how the die grinder handles with the 4Ah compared to the 2Ah. I’ve got just the two horses to trim.

I have established that a die grinder, which I’d never heard of before, is a lightweight angle grinder designed for single handed use, whereas an angle grinder is a heavier and more powerful tool designed for two handed use.

I have a confession to make, just looked up the invoice and it wasn't screw fix it was Powertoolmate. not that it matters where it comes from. Go for the cheapest

I have just weighed them a 2 is 200g and a 4 is 400g. The 2 is easier to change, clips and unclips easier.

If you have 2 horses at home and it is not the absolute end of the world if the battery runs out then I would go for 2 x 2ah
If you were a trimmer out on a job it would be different.

If you are doing regular maintenance trims then a 2 should get you through one horse. Once you get the hang of it you will get quicker of course


I can use the Milwaukee in one hand whilst holding. the foot with the other. (I can also use it with the foot in the stand cradle) on the left front I hold it with my right hand, sand the lateral side and a bit of the toe and then change hands and use. the machine in the other hand with the foot in my left hand.
That is very easy to do, not heavy, no strain and very very quick. I haven't ever used it 2 handed. If the foot is on the stand one hand is steadying the foot (not that is really needs steadying)

if you have any other questions please ask now. Better than being disappointed later.

presumably you have sorted out discs? it won't work without them

 

[Reacher]

Very useful thanks , think I’d have to have the lightest option

presumably you have sorted out discs? it won't work without them

That reminded me of the time I set our milk frother off without putting the whisk in it

 

[Tiddlypom]

Thanks, Paddy, I’ll go for the two 2Ah batteries to keep the weight down . There’s mains power right by my trimming area, so I can have one battery charging back up as I trim.

I’d already ordered the discs you recommended (before I’ve ordered the die grinder ) and they are currently winging their way here from across the pond.

Just wondering whether to hold out in the hope of a Black Friday discount or not .

 

[Reacher]

Is that https://milwaukeestore.co.uk
@Tiddlypom ?

 

[Tiddlypom]

Is that https://milwaukeestore.co.uk
@Tiddlypom ?

Oh, I’d found a different one. Bigredpowertools.

This is the kit that I’m going to order.

Milwaukee M12FDGA-202B M12 FUEL Right Angle Die Grinder

Milwaukee M12FDGA. 12 volt cordless brusless angled mini die grinder. Abrasives and burrs flap wheels and wire cups. The Milwaukee die grinder for removing rust and cutting metal.

www.bigredpowertools.co.uk

 

[Reacher]

Super - thanks @Tiddlypom

I’m still deliberating whether to go down the power tool route.

 

[paddy555]

Oh, I’d found a different one. Bigredpowertools.

This is the kit that I’m going to order.

Milwaukee M12FDGA-202B M12 FUEL Right Angle Die Grinder

Milwaukee M12FDGA. 12 volt cordless brusless angled mini die grinder. Abrasives and burrs flap wheels and wire cups. The Milwaukee die grinder for removing rust and cutting metal.

www.bigredpowertools.co.uk

that's the one. Good you have the discs on order,

That reminded me of the time I set our milk frother off without putting the whisk in it

some people live on a totally different planet to mine. I can see leaving the whisk off would be a problem. Not for me however as I'm not even sure why I would need a milk frother.
Does everyone have a milk frother?

 

[Reacher]

Frothy cappuccino coffee!️
For weekend breakfasts

ETA it’s very clever, the whisk sits in the pot, not attached to anything , held by a magnet and spins!

 

[paddy555]

ETA it’s very clever, the whisk sits in the pot, not attached to anything , held by a magnet and spins!

and every day on here is a school day.

 

[Fieldlife]

Trimming at say 10 days a lot is taking off any additional growth (not much) and keeping them tidy. I trim the heels, trim the wall, put on a 45 degree bevel and then round the edge. All from underneath, the sander has allowed me to dispense with pulling the foot forward on the stand. I have never trimmed the hoof wall anyway.

I self trim at my trimmers insistence. To keep toes back and to ensure performance hoof boots fit.

Confused by the above Paddy? Is it a typo? I "trim the wall" and "I have never trimmed the hoof wall anyway."

Is the latter quote the outside hoof wall - the trim some farrier do of outside of hoof so fits shoe, after have nailed shoe on?

I trim (all from underneath), heels, wall, and do same bevel and rounding. I also tidy up any flaps or grotty frog tissue.