Bench Grinder Opinion ??

[troublemaker427]

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/...8-in-bench-grinder-with-double-lights-3910212

I'm looking to buy a new bench grinder and was thinking of this one. I'll end up putting a wire wheel on which ever one I end up with. TSC is offering 15% off and free shipping for in store pick up if ordered on line. I'd like to get you guys opinion if you think this is a decent buy.

Thanks

 

[danfromsyr]

yep, that'll work fine for general work. if your a heavy fabricator and need to use it alot then maybe a big name big HP one.
but for general use I have a econo sears one from 15yrs ago. works just fine..

they'll all remove your fingernail, knuckle skin or launch a bolt across the room or under a bench just the same ;-)

 

[pcmeiners]

Just a note...
If the draw is really 2.1 amps, it is no way 3/4 HP.. maybe it's 3/4hp at startup

 

[VMaxman]

Troublemaker,
If you aren't in a hurry; check out the Sears craftsman grinders; for that price Sears
models have the motor speed control and grinder wheel dressing tool for when the wheel gets imperfections in it from grinding--also has the light too. Dont forget a stand for it. mounting on the bench gets in the way most of the time.

 

[troublemaker427]

Thanks, I'll take a look at the Sears grinders. I have a home shop, nothing to industrial. I mainly want it for the wire wheel.

 

[Sterff]

Here is the one I have. It costs a bit more but is worth every penny in my mind.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921154000P?vName=Tools&cName=Bench+%26+Stationary+Power+Tools&sName=Bench+Grinders

 

[troublemaker427]

Troublemaker,
If you aren't in a hurry; check out the Sears craftsman grinders; for that price Sears
models have the motor speed control and grinder wheel dressing tool for when the wheel gets imperfections in it from grinding--also has the light too. Dont forget a stand for it. mounting on the bench gets in the way most of the time.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921162000P

Is this the Sears grinder you were thinking of? Nice but + $100.

 

[jayoldschool]

I have that Sears one, but without the variable speed. Mounted on a cheap stand, and it works very well.

 

[Pathfinder]

Here is a low cost stand to go with your grinder.

John Minton

 

[premierplayer]

yep, that'll work fine for general work. if your a heavy fabricator and need to use it alot then maybe a big name big HP one.
but for general use I have a econo sears one from 15yrs ago. works just fine..

they'll all remove your fingernail, knuckle skin or launch a bolt across the room or under a bench just the same ;-)

I'm partial to a 6", 1/2 hp model for some of the same reasons.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I bought a factory reconditioned 8" 3 amp Ryobi from http://www.cpooutlets.com/recon.html a couple of years ago for about $50 delivered. May want to google cpo outlet coupons for free shipping etc.
I use mine a lot, it did not look reconditioned and worked like a champ.

 

[Yojinbo]

I snagged a Baldor from CL for $35.... I cannot abide a weak grinder.

 

[wendell]

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tools/...8-in-bench-grinder-with-double-lights-3910212

I'm looking to buy a new bench grinder and was thinking of this one. I'll end up putting a wire wheel on which ever one I end up with. TSC is offering 15% off and free shipping for in store pick up if ordered on line. I'd like to get you guys opinion if you think this is a decent buy.

Thanks

Folks are being nice. The TSC thing you're looking at is basically useless. I have a 4A grinder that I only use to grind tungsten for my TIG. My GFs ******** draws more than 2.1A. I good 1/2 drill draws 8A. If your budget is $60, look at craigslist. You'll be miles ahead.

 

[tmiller]

ive never used a varrible speed grinder and you can weld a stand out of a old rim and pipe thats what i did

 

[Abbott]

I'm not being nice and I think that grinder from TSC would work just fine for a general purpose home shop.

 

[hetkind]

The grinder is light duty, the work rest and top guard are stamped sheet metal, and if you can mount a cup wheel and a drill guide on the side, it might sharpen a drill bit.

 

[Yojinbo]

It will probably run a wire wheel for a while, but my right angle grinder (that does the bulk of my wire wheel work) draws about 5 times those amps.

OK, so I was really being nice, but let me now be blunt; you might want more grinder later and you will be stuck with this used, lightweight unit. If it were me I would avoid that grinder and look for a good used 1phase grinder or a sale on a new stronger unit.

Now, 15% off of that price is probably good for what you are getting (see my opinion above of "what you are getting")

 

[Bib Overalls]

I have a cheapo 8" Chinese grinder. Bought it at a yard sale. Every time I use it I want to upgrade. The wire wheel will damn near stop if I push the workpiece in with any force.

 

[ovilla]

Don't mean to change the topic but for those of you that have a bench grinder and also an angle grinder, which one do you use the most?

I've been considering getting a bench grinder myself for mower blade sharpening but would a portable 4.5" angle grinder work just as well and actually be more versatile in the long run? I've already got a heavy duty vise and can easily clamp my mower blades down.

Thanks

 

[MattT]

I've been considering getting a bench grinder myself for mower blade sharpening but would a portable 4.5" angle grinder work just as well and actually be more versatile in the long run? I've already got a heavy duty vise and can easily clamp my mower blades down.

They're different tools for different jobs but either will work for mower blades. What else do you want to do? Sharpening chisels, drills and such is best done with a bench grinder. Cutting, weld prep, sanding go with the angle grinder.

 

[troublemaker427]

http://www.cporyobi.com/products/zrbgh827.html

How about this one??

 

[Abbott]

Don't mean to change the topic but for those of you that have a bench grinder and also an angle grinder, which one do you use the most?

I've been considering getting a bench grinder myself for mower blade sharpening but would a portable 4.5" angle grinder work just as well and actually be more versatile in the long run? I've already got a heavy duty vise and can easily clamp my mower blades down.

Thanks

3 angle grinders and a bench grinder, I use them all and I could use one more angle grinder.

 

[Abbott]

http://www.cporyobi.com/products/zrbgh827.html

How about this one??

That's the one I have, it was new for $69.00 a few years ago at Home Depot. It has the soft start motor which is ok. I put a wire brush wheel from HF on one side and it does everything I ask of it with no problems.

 

[Yojinbo]

Don't mean to change the topic but for those of you that have a bench grinder and also an angle grinder, which one do you use the most?

Your mileage will vary.

For big parts, I like to clamp them in a vise and move my angle grinder around. for smaller parts, a hand vise and the bench grinder.

Face mask, glasses and apron please.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a cheapo Skil that I've had for years. But with today's import power tool tech, I think I'd spend a bit more than what I used to, to find something nice.