The Proxxon LHW/E and LHW/A are the same tool in almost every way that matters for tile cutting — same long-neck form factor, same 50mm disc system, same compatible Distar blades. The only meaningful difference is the power source: the LHW/E plugs into the wall, and the LHW/A runs on a 10.8V lithium-ion battery.
That one difference changes where and how you use each tool. This guide breaks it down so you can choose the right one — or understand why professionals often own both.
The Short Answer
- Proxxon LHW/E — corded, 110V, unlimited runtime, lower price point, best for bench work and fixed job sites
- Proxxon LHW/A — cordless, 10.8V, 30+ min runtime, maximum mobility, best for on-site tile installation
Both accept the same 50mm Distar diamond blades. Both reach the same tight spaces. The accessories are fully interchangeable.
Proxxon LHW/E — The Corded Tool
The Proxxon LHW/E is a 110V corded long-neck angle grinder. At 100W and 3,300–13,000 RPM, it's slightly lower-powered than the cordless LHW/A — but it never runs out of charge. Plug it in and it runs all day.
Best for:
- Tile fabrication shops and bench cutting stations
- Extended cutting sessions where battery swaps would slow you down
- Budget-conscious buyers who don't need cordless mobility ($181 vs $299 for the LHW/A kit)
- Situations where a power outlet is always nearby
Limitations:
- Requires a power outlet — limits reach on job sites without extension cords
- Lower max RPM (13,000 vs 16,000) — slightly less aggressive cutting speed
- Lighter at 550g vs ~800g for the LHW/A with battery
LHW/E Key Specs
- Power: 110–120V AC, 60Hz
- Max power: 100W (1/8 hp)
- Speed: 3,300–13,000 RPM (variable)
- Disc diameter: Ø 50mm (2") with 10mm bore
- Length: 290mm (11.4")
- Weight: 550g (1.2 lbs)
- Price: $181
Proxxon LHW/A — The Cordless Tool
The Proxxon LHW/A is a 10.8V cordless long-neck angle grinder. It runs at 5,000–16,000 RPM on a 2.5Ah lithium-ion battery for 30+ minutes of runtime. No cord. No outlet required.
Best for:
- On-site tile installation where mobility matters
- Cutting in areas without nearby power outlets
- Professionals who need to move freely around a job site
- Anyone building the full Proxxon cordless system (shared battery with IBS/A, WP/A, LWB/A)
Limitations:
- 30+ minute runtime per charge — a spare Li/A2 battery is recommended for extended sessions
- Higher price — $299 for the complete kit (battery + charger + discs included)
- Heavier at ~800g with battery vs 550g for the LHW/E
LHW/A Key Specs
- Power: 10.8V MICROMOT lithium-ion
- Speed: 5,000–16,000 RPM (variable)
- Disc diameter: Ø 50mm (2") with 10mm bore
- Length: 320mm (12.6")
- Weight: ~800g (1.8 lbs) with battery
- Runtime: 30+ minutes per charge
- Price: $299 (complete kit with battery, charger & discs)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | LHW/E (Corded) | LHW/A (Cordless) |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | 110V AC mains | 10.8V Li-ion battery |
| Max speed | 13,000 RPM | 16,000 RPM |
| Runtime | Unlimited (corded) | 30+ min per charge |
| Disc system | Ø 50mm, 10mm bore | Ø 50mm, 10mm bore |
| Distar blade compatible | ✅ All 50mm blades | ✅ All 50mm blades |
| Water Guard Kit compatible | ✅ | ✅ |
| Weight | 550g (1.2 lbs) | ~800g (1.8 lbs) w/ battery |
| Length | 290mm (11.4") | 320mm (12.6") |
| Shared battery platform | ❌ (corded) | ✅ MICROMOT 10.8V |
| Price | $181 | $299 (complete kit) |
The Accessories Are Identical
This is the most important thing to understand: every Distar blade that fits the LHW/E also fits the LHW/A, and vice versa. Both tools use the same Ø50mm center-bore disc system. If you own one tool and upgrade to the other, your entire blade collection transfers over.
Compatible Distar blades for both tools:
- Distar Butterfly 2" Blade — precision cutouts in porcelain tile for flush plates and outlet holes
- Distar Esthete 2.0 — ultra-thin straight cuts on porcelain and ceramic
- Distar PRO Gres — 2-in-1 cut-and-grind for 45° miter edges
- Distar Water Guard Kit — wet cutting accessory compatible with both tools
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the LHW/E if you:
- Work primarily at a bench or fixed cutting station
- Need unlimited runtime without battery management
- Are on a tighter budget and always have access to a power outlet
- Don't need the cordless system (IBS/A, WP/A, LWB/A)
Buy the LHW/A if you:
- Install tile on job sites where mobility matters
- Work in areas without convenient power access
- Want to build the full Proxxon cordless system on one battery platform
- Need the higher 16,000 RPM top speed for demanding porcelain
→ Shop the Proxxon LHW/A Complete Kit
Buy both if you:
- Run a tile fabrication shop and do on-site installation
- Want the LHW/E at the bench (unlimited runtime, lighter) and the LHW/A on site (cordless freedom)
- Need a corded backup for when batteries are charging
A Note on the Tool-Only LHW/A
If you already own a Proxxon 10.8V battery and charger from another tool in the system (IBS/A, WP/A, or LWB/A), you don't need the complete kit. The Proxxon LHW/A Tool Only version lets you add the grinder to your existing battery platform without paying for a second battery and charger.
Further Reading
- How to Cut Porcelain Tile with a Cordless Angle Grinder — Proxxon LHW/A + Distar Butterfly
- Chip-Free Tile Cutting: Choosing the Right Distar Blade for Your Proxxon Grinder
- Proxxon LWB/A vs LHW/A: Which Cordless Tool Is Right for Your Tile Work?
- The Complete Proxxon + Distar System for Tile Professionals: Cut, Drill, Polish
- Wet vs. Dry Diamond Blade Cutting: Which Should You Use?
- Best Diamond Blade for Porcelain Tile: A Pro's Buying Guide
Buying for a crew? Ask about contractor pricing →
