Bench grinder recs?

[ForrestT]

Currently I have my grandfather’s fairmont 4” bench grinder. It’s past it’s prime. I’ve got a lead on a used 6” Craftsman for $60. The bench grinder is not a tool I use often. Do any of you have recs for a size and model you recommend or like? Thanks.


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[Jland]

60 seems kinda high for a craftsman but I have a 6" craftsman i use for grinding and wire brushing quite a bit with no issues at all.. I also have a 5" with polishing wheels.. while not silky smooth like bladors they do get the job done

 

[lafester]

Depends on which model you are looking at?
Most of the older 6 inch models should be fine.

 

[exmaxima1]

6-inch is an ideal size for grinding ferrous metals, and the wheels are readily available. As Lafester noted, an older Craftsman grinder could be well worth $60.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I paid $10 for my older b&d all metal bench grinder. I assume its made in usa in the 70s.

 

[lowbucktruck]

I have a Delta 8-inch bench grinder, use it regularly. Bought it used for about $25 - $30, I think. Reliable.

 

[blazemaster83]

I would get one that is 1800rpm, not 3600 like some are. I just think that's too fast for general work and if you want to switch wheels out for a buffing wheel or wire wheel it's really too fast for those.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I picked up the Jet IBG-8VS 8" grinder & Jet IBG-8VSB 8" buffer, both are variable speed, so far they have worked out well.

 

[seber]

Six inch is fine for something that is seldom used. If you are a woodworker, you're good. If you get into metal working, you will eventually want a wire brush. At that point, you will need a bit more power and ideally lower speed. You can still get by with a six inch but it needs to be a better model. Most seven inch grinders are built for commercial use and will serve quite well. They generally sell for much less than they are worth as people see them as oddballs. In fact, in commercial use they are very common. That Craftsman is over priced. That's what I sell them for after complete rebuild and beauty treatment.

 

[jg4660]

I bought a Wen 8'' not long ago. Its been solid and for the price.

 

[mikegt4]

Just about anything sold new today is going to be made in China and not the best quality. I would suggest watching CL for a vintage bench grinder, Delta, Wissota and Craftsman as examples. I have bought 3 60's-70's era Craftsman, the most expensive was $50 with stand. Check out the Vintage Tools section for many bench grinder threads. The Craftsman thread has over 12K posts, tons of info.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794

 

[MarineScott]

I bought a DeWalt 8 inch, not because of the brand, but it does not bog down. Been using it for 3 yrs now, no issues. Had an old Milwaukee, that was ages old, and powerful, but lost it when my house flooded.