Baldor or Block grinder

[R_Holiday]

I fully restored a block grinder to use. Friday I saw a great deal on a Baldor grinder that was too good to turn down. $40 for a 712 from 1978 with a stand. I used it and it’s smooth and runs quieter than the Block grinder. I’m debating which one to make my primary one after restoring the Baldor. The main problem I see is the availability of grinding wheels. It’s very easy to find 6” grinding wheels and not so much with 7” wheels. I can only keep one but kinda torn btwn the ease of getting wheels vs the smoothness and quietness of the Baldor. Opinions please.

 

[ray h]

How many wheels do you go thru? I have a 3/4 hp block and have used the equal in a Baldor. The block is no Baldor. IMO bite the bullet and get the 7" wheels.

 

[shawhite]

Baldor hands down. Like ray said how many wheels are you going thru. If needed keep a spare available so you always have one on hand and can order a new one as you switch to the spare. Or just convert it to a belt grinder and be done with wheels.

 

[R_Holiday]

I don’t know yet since I’m just getting my workshop up and running. I’m just a part time diyer so I doubt I’ll be going through many. It also came with a few wheels and a wire wheel but they’re used. I’ll take your advice and keep the Baldor

 

[Davefr]

I can only keep one but kinda torn btwn the ease of getting wheels vs the smoothness and quietness of the Baldor. Opinions please.

Better keep both of them. Whichever one has the highest amps should be used with wire wheels. Then use the other one for stones. 7" wheels are easy to find. (Grainger, Zoro, MSC, Mcmaster, etc)

Now start looking for a buffer.

 

[Ricky Joe]

Keep both. Mine have different grit wheels. They each have their uses. But Baldor is the Cadillac.

 

[mslim]

Baldor is the Cadillac but... Even for a tool junkie like me, there is occasionally overkill.

I caught a good deal on a like new Dayton, 3/4hp, ball bearing, made in USA 8" grinder. I used an inverted 16" steel truck wheel filled with concrete for a base and that sucker had so much torque it would rotate on the garage floor. Would have been OK if I had bolted it to the floor but I was short on space some some tools had to be movable. I finally sold it and replaced it with a sweet running Craftsman block grinder which is good enough for my needs. I wouldn't mind a Baldor for a buffer though.

 

[seber]

I buy and sell bench grinders all the time. There is no comparison. If you actually use it don't even consider the block grinder. By the way, there is no reason you cannot put six inch wheels on the Baldor. On the other hand, seven inch wheels are generally professional quality while six inch can be anything. You can get any spec you want from McMaster Carr.

 

[R_Holiday]

I would love to keep both but space comes into play. I’m gonna go ahead and keep the Baldor since it’s the Cadillac of grinders.

Seber…that’s some good info. I hadn’t even considered using 6” wheels on the Baldor. They would do in a pinch which is one of the things I was worried about. Thanks

 

[kenc184]

I hadn’t even considered using 6” wheels on the Baldor. They would do in a pinch which is one of the things I was worried about. Thanks

Surprising, what do you think a 7" wheel is when it's worn down a half inch on the radius? Anyway, like others said 7" wheels are readily available.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I buy and sell bench grinders all the time. There is no comparison. If you actually use it don't even consider the block grinder. By the way, there is no reason you cannot put six inch wheels on the Baldor. On the other hand, seven inch wheels are generally professional quality while six inch can be anything. You can get any spec you want from McMaster Carr.

If you ever need someone to unload some on call me lol.

 

[seber]

If you ever need someone to unload some on call me lol.

Currently have a 1/2 hp block grinder with all original parts including barely used wheels for $60. Better ones sell the day they are listed.

 

[exmaxima1]

Baldor hands down. Like ray said how many wheels are you going thru. If needed keep a spare available so you always have one on hand and can order a new one as you switch to the spare. Or just convert it to a belt grinder and be done with wheels.

Exactly. But the standard Multi-Tool Adapter doesn't bolt directly to some Baldor grinders. I had to fabricate some bits to do my Baldor conversion (also lengthened the belt to 2x42).

 

[Kscardsfan]

Currently have a 1/2 hp block grinder with all original parts including barely used wheels for $60. Better ones sell the day they are listed.

Where do you have it up at?

 

[seber]

Where do you have it up at?

Marketplace Livingston Tx.