Proxxon LWB/A vs LHW/A: Which Cordless Tool Is Right for Your Tile Work?

The Proxxon LWB/A and LHW/A are both 10.8V cordless long-neck tools built for precision tile work — but they do fundamentally different jobs. Choosing the wrong one means buying a tool that can't do what you need. This guide breaks down exactly what each tool does, where it excels, and which one belongs in your kit.

The Short Answer

• Proxxon LHW/A — a long-neck angle grinder for cutting and grinding with 50mm disc blades
• Proxxon LWB/A — a long-neck rotary tool for drilling, milling, engraving, and polishing with collet-mounted bits

They share the same 10.8V battery platform and the same long-neck form factor — but the spindle systems are completely different and the accessories are not interchangeable.

Proxxon LHW/A — The Cutting & Grinding Tool

The Proxxon LHW/A is a cordless long-neck angle grinder. Its spindle uses a center-bore disc mount (M14 thread) that accepts 50mm cutting and grinding discs. It runs at 5,000–16,000 RPM and is the primary tool for:

• Straight cuts in porcelain and ceramic tile with blades like the Distar Esthete 2.0
• Precision cutouts for flush plates and outlet holes with the Distar Butterfly 45–50mm blade
• 45° miter cuts for seamless corners with the Distar PRO Gres
• Edge grinding after cutting
• Wet cutting with the Distar Water Guard Kit

The long-neck design lets it reach into tight spaces — behind cabinets, inside shower niches, flush against walls — where a standard 4.5" angle grinder can't operate. For a full step-by-step cutting guide, see How to Cut Porcelain Tile with a Cordless Angle Grinder — Proxxon LHW/A + Distar Butterfly.

LHW/A Key Specs

• Voltage: 10.8V MICROMOT
• Speed: 5,000–16,000 RPM (variable)
• Disc mount: Center-bore, 50mm discs
• Runtime: 30+ minutes
• Weight: ~700g with battery

Proxxon LWB/A — The Drilling, Milling & Polishing Tool

The Proxxon LWB/A is a cordless long-neck rotary tool. Its spindle uses a MICROMOT collet system that accepts bits from 1.0–3.2mm (up to 1/8" shank). It runs at 5,000–16,000 RPM and is the primary tool for:

• Precision drilling in tile, glass, and stone with diamond core bits
• Milling and engraving with carbide cutters
• Detail polishing with felt bobs and polishing accessories
• Precision cutouts using the Distar Butterfly 45mm blade via a spindle adapter
• Wet cutting with the Distar Water Guard Kit for LWB/A

The LWB/A's collet system gives it far more accessory versatility than the LHW/A — but it cannot accept standard 50mm cutting discs without an adapter.

LWB/A Key Specs

• Voltage: 10.8V MICROMOT
• Speed: 5,000–16,000 RPM (variable)
• Collet sizes: 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.4, 3.0, 3.2mm (1/8")
• Length: 320mm (12.6")
• Runtime: 30+ minutes
• Weight: ~800g with battery

Side-by-Side Comparison

Which Tool Should You Buy?

Buy the LHW/A if you primarily:

• Cut porcelain or ceramic tile with angle grinder blades
• Need to make straight cuts, 45° miters, or flush plate cutouts
• Work in tight spaces where a standard grinder won't fit
• Want the most capable cutting tool in the Proxxon cordless lineup

→ Shop the Proxxon LHW/A Complete Kit

Buy the LWB/A if you primarily:

• Drill holes in tile, glass, or stone with 1/8" shank diamond bits
• Mill, engrave, or do detail work in confined spaces
• Need a versatile rotary tool that can also cut tile with the right adapter
• Already own the LHW/A and want to add drilling and milling capability

→ Shop the Proxxon LWB/A

Buy both if you:

• Run a professional tile installation business
• Need to cut, drill, and polish on the same job site
• Want a complete cordless system on one shared battery platform

The LHW/A, LWB/A, and WP/A polisher all share the same Proxxon Li/A2 10.8V battery — one charger, one battery platform, three specialized tools.

The Complete Proxxon + Distar System

• Proxxon LHW/A + Distar Butterfly Blade — precision cutting & cutouts
• Proxxon LWB/A + diamond bits — precision drilling & milling
• Proxxon IBS/A + Distar Rocket — clean hole drilling in porcelain & granite
• Proxxon WP/A + Distar CoolPAD — edge polishing & surface finishing
• Proxxon Li/A2 Battery — one 10.8V platform powers all four tools

Further Reading

• How to Cut Porcelain Tile with a Cordless Angle Grinder — Proxxon LHW/A + Distar Butterfly
• How to Drill Clean Holes in Porcelain Tile Without Cracking It — Proxxon IBS/A + Distar Rocket
• How to Polish Porcelain Tile Edges with the Proxxon WP/A + Distar CoolPAD
• Chip-Free Tile Cutting: Choosing the Right Distar Blade for Your Proxxon Grinder
• Wet vs. Dry Diamond Blade Cutting: Which Should You Use?
• Best Diamond Blade for Porcelain Tile: A Pro's Buying Guide