bench grinders

[Jim]

I need to get a bench grinder for body work and miscellaneous garage projects such as sharpening mower blades and maybe even drill bits. Would appreciate recommendations re wheel diameter, rpm's and other significant things to consider. Thanks.

 

[alia176]

I have a Delta 8" diam bench grinder and have not been impressed with the torque as I can easily stop the wheel. On my previous Craftsman 6" grinder, the wheels can't be stopped this easily. I may install 6" wheels in the 8" grinder to see if I can alleviate this problem.

That's all I got!

 

[Junk]

I have an older Baldor. You really can't beat the older ones and you can find them cheap at sales etc. Generally speaking the new ones suckola.

 

[zebrabeefj40]

From my experience as a machinist the larger the wheel diameter the easier it is to sharpen stuff. Junk is also on the right track in that the older used industrial equipment is far better than the new crap sold in the home centers...

HTH,
Nick Jennings

 

[LukeZero]

I have an older Baldor. You really can't beat the older ones and you can find them cheap at sales etc. Generally speaking the new ones suckola.

I have 8" wheels (one for steel, one for carbide) on an ancient Baldor, you can switch it off, go for coffee and come back, the wheels are still spinning. Their bearings are way better than anyone elses. I think I got it for $50 at a tool shop auction. Just my $.02. Luke

 

[honk]

Yep, the Baldors are great motors. All of my machine tools run with Baldor power

I've got two little 6" Jet bench grinders that are the only ones I've ever bought new. I didn't expect or need them to last when I bought them but it's been five years now and both still run like turbines. Seriously, they are so smooth that I don't need to bolt them down.

 

[stayalert]

slower is better for sharpening

 

[TLCObsession]

Sharpeners are different than grinders.

For fab work, a grinder with a 2 inch belt grinder is the way to go. Especially the units that have changeable nose wheels - they are the cats meow for cleaning up tube notches...

 

[photogod]

I have an 8" Craftsman that my Dad gave me. 1/2 horse and it runs very smoothe even though it's 30 years old. Wasn't used very much before I got it. I use it for about everything. Never a hickup.