6'' grinder
- Thread starter 48fordnut
- Start date
southalabama
Well-known member
Dad's got an 8" delta no problems. It's done everything we've asked us it to do. Since dad went 8" I went that size too and went dewalt.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
how old is the Delta you are looking at? any pictures? not my first choice of a grinder so depending on your budget these might come up on Craigs in your price range. Baldor (occasionally a good old one is offered, but don't wait for one because might be a long time), Craftsman block and GJ has a thread with awesome information on it, Dayton, Jet, and a good old Black and Decker.
there are some nice old and huge ones to look at on the vintage grinder thread if you want to see any more choices and read more about them.
if you are not planning on using the Delta much it might last you many years, but if you are planning on using it all the time then you might want to pick something else.
good luck
there are some nice old and huge ones to look at on the vintage grinder thread if you want to see any more choices and read more about them.
if you are not planning on using the Delta much it might last you many years, but if you are planning on using it all the time then you might want to pick something else.
good luck
drivesitfar
Well-known member
you can't go too far wrong at that price if it runs and doesn't have any strange sounds. just saying if you are going to run it for more than a few minutes at a time you might need a different one. if you are just going to sharpen the lawn mower blade and a few chisels now and then i'm sure it will be fine.
torqueman2002
Well-known member
I am a Craftsman grinder fan.
Here is a nice 1/4 HP one on Augusta CL with stand - $80.
They are built well and if it should need parts (bearings, cord, switch, wheels) they are all available. The OEM stands sell on eBay @ around $80.
http://augusta.craigslist.org/tls/4465435118.html
You can read about the CM Grinders on this forum. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794
Note: This model 115.xxxx is not the Block grinder the thread is focused on, but it pre-dates the earliest Block grinders. I have a model like this, and it is as powerful as today's 1/2 HP big box store China built models.
epossum
Active member
I bought a cheap 6" grinder years ago. I recently bought a used 6" Central Tool grinder. Comparing the grinders there isn't a lot of difference in weight and the current draw is about the same. The old one (OK, I bought it about 35 years ago) has been heavily used and has had a wire wheel mounted on one side for years. Never had a problem. The Central Tool has been run a couple of hours with wire wheels and has done fine except it vibrates more than the old grinder. Not much to do about that since you can't really balance wire wheels. With stone wheels you can dress them as true as possible - if it still vibrates take it back. I also have a Dewalt 8" for sharpening tools. It works fine too, but as far as the question about which 6" inexpensive grinder to buy I personally think you can get almost any of the available grinders and it will do fine for occasional homeowner use. Buying at a store might actually be a plus as you can try it and take it back if it doesn't cut it. You would be well-served to get one with a light if possible. If you can't mount the grinder permanently at least consider mounting to a piece of plywood or something you can clamp to a bench when using the grinder. Make the wood base big enough to get clamps on. Don't forget to get a wheel dresser as well. Another advantage to getting the grinder at a store is you should be able to find a wheel dresser there as well. They aren't expensive, and you have to have one. And finally don't forget to keep a can of water next to the grinder to cool whatever you're grinding. You don't want to get the tool or whatever you are grinding too hot!
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
48: i'd agree with Tourqueman and find a nice little Craftsman block grinder maybe on Craigslist like he found for you. by the way that is a screaming deal with that stand and all the parts on that little grinder. even at 1/4 HP it is a better grinder than most of the newer less than $100 1/2 HP ones you can buy.
or try to find a Dayton or Jet or even a Baldor comes up every now and then for under $100. check out the vintage grinder thread for other names of quality grinders.
my first choice for my first grinder if i was a member of Garage Journal would be a Craftsman block because there is that thread TM mentioned with a ton of information and also many members on there that might be able to help you if you do have an issue. also there are many other threads of complete rebuilds of that grinder in case you ever want to learn how to do that.
sorry your Delta deal didn't work out, but unless you need to grind something today spend a few days or weeks looking for a nice old used craftsman block grinder and you'll be happier in the long run.
or try to find a Dayton or Jet or even a Baldor comes up every now and then for under $100. check out the vintage grinder thread for other names of quality grinders.
my first choice for my first grinder if i was a member of Garage Journal would be a Craftsman block because there is that thread TM mentioned with a ton of information and also many members on there that might be able to help you if you do have an issue. also there are many other threads of complete rebuilds of that grinder in case you ever want to learn how to do that.
sorry your Delta deal didn't work out, but unless you need to grind something today spend a few days or weeks looking for a nice old used craftsman block grinder and you'll be happier in the long run.
All I like the C/M craig list find but that is a 300 mike round trip for me.I do need one , but could wait a week or so.
The Cable Porter looks like one I could use. Will be making a stand out of an old truck brake drum. Thats what I have my vice on.
We have 2 lowes stores in town,one with the 67 buck price has a couple on order, and the other store has 2 but won't sell at the sale price.Any way to get around this.About 8 miles apart.
The Cable Porter looks like one I could use. Will be making a stand out of an old truck brake drum. Thats what I have my vice on.
We have 2 lowes stores in town,one with the 67 buck price has a couple on order, and the other store has 2 but won't sell at the sale price.Any way to get around this.About 8 miles apart.
softailgarage
Well-known member
I believe the "block" is referring to the shape of the old Craftsman Bench Grinders, which I wholly recommend buying and leaving that Lowes deal on the shelf. And it's not just because I own 7 Craftsman...that would be biased
softailgarage
Well-known member
I think you'll find that once you own one, you'll be finding all sorts of ways and reasons to use it. Garages tend to do that with tools sometimes, that 5% could jump to 20%...you never know.