Let me start by saying this little blue beast has earned its spot in my workshop. The Makita GA4030 isn't just another angle grinder - it's the kind of tool that makes you wonder how you ever worked without it.

The first thing you'll notice is how surprisingly lightweight it is at just 3.7 lbs. I've used it for hours cutting metal brackets and never felt that dreaded arm fatigue. That 6.0 AMP motor packs a serious punch too - 11,000 RPM means it chews through materials like butter when paired with the right blade.

Where this grinder really shines is in tight spaces. That compact design lets me get into corners where my bulkier grinders can't reach. The dust protection system is legit - after six months of daily use in my dusty garage, the internals are still running smooth as day one.

Now for the not-so-great parts: That power button? It's stiff as heck initially. I nearly threw out my thumb trying to lock it the first few times. Also, heads up - this uses a 3/8" shaft instead of the more common size, so your existing 4-1/2" wheels won't fit without an adapter.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely. Despite the minor annoyances, this Makita has outlasted three cheaper brands in my shop. Just make sure you're buying the right accessories from day one!