Bench Grinder

[CJM8515]

Possibly time to get a new bench grinder. I inherited my grandfathers all trade brand 6". Its a nice little unit, but is only 2.1a and Ive never heard of the brand, gotta be like 50 years old though. It just doesnt cut it trying to clean grime off parts with a wire wheel, it literally can be stopped if i push to hard. it didnt have any issues sharpening knives on the wheels however

I think Id like either a powerful enough 6 inch with rests for drill and chisel sharpening or an 8 inch unit with similar features. I never owned a grinder of my own before, always used angle grinders. Can you buy rests and just swap them? i dont need much, sharpen some knives, clean off stuff, deburr stuff. I dont need to use it to make parts or anything. Variable speed worth it?

None of them have very good reviews really unless you wanna spend 500 bucks. Wen, ryboi even delta got bad reviews. Jet of course got better reviews but is very expensive I did find some dewalt models that people said were good. No, Im not gonna scour the earth to find a CMan block grinder either sorry guys

currently contemplating this dewalt 6 inch mode, 4 amp motor 5/8 hp https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/grinders/bench-grinders/6-150mm-bench-grinder/dw756

 

[tool_scrounge]

That Dewalt has high ratings, but I hate supporting companies who lie by omission. That 5/8 HP rated motor is really just the input power to the motor, not actually the power that makes it to the grinding wheel. It is less due to motor efficiency and not including motor power factor in the output power calculation. Similar, Sears got in trouble for their bogus shop vac HP ratings.

Usually I try to find some vintage built like a tank grinders. If they start up fine, run quiet, the wheels are in good condition and do not wobble, it is probably fine.

I am not sure where you are in NJ, but here are a few vintage ones in the $40-$100 range.

Heavy duty bench grinder - tools - by owner - sale

Old school, H.D. grinder...works great 7" wheel & 3450rpm

cnj.craigslist.org

Craftsman Bench Grinder,6"Wheels,Metal Body,1/4 Hp - tools - by...

Craftsman Bench Grinder,6"Wheels,Metal Body,1/4 Hp. WORKS FINE! $40 CASH! Please call Gary at . NO TEXTING!!!!!

jerseyshore.craigslist.org

Bench Grinder - tools - by owner - sale

Sears Craftsman Commercial 1/2 H.P. Bench Grinder Model 397.19440; with built in work light Included in an online estate sale! “Timekeeper’s Collection” - selling items from the private collection...

newyork.craigslist.org

 

[2oolhound]

I'd get the most powerful one you can find. I can stall my 1 HP 10" grinder if I lean on it. I've burnt a few out. Wish I had 3 phase. My electrician friend told me that's how you burn them out, by leaning on them. If you stand back and let them run they will last a long time but you burn the windings by leaning on em till they're running a little slower but not stalling. I'll only buy 3/4 hp or up.

I'll often put my old 7" makita angle grinders in a vise with different stones or discs which works ok too. I have a 1 hp 42" belt grinder too which is pretty useful but I'd like a bigger one of those too. I've had 4 or 5 - 1/2 hp x 42" belt grinders and I liked them until I got used to them and started leaning on them too. Point is my 1st 1/2 hp 42" amazed me for 1/2 a year at least so keep an eye out for a deal on one of them. Anything smaller is a toy though. Most guys on here use 2 HP x 72" types.

 

[designer485]

I wanted to find an older USA made grinder but decided to go new for now. The DeWalt checked the boxes for me and has been great, especially for the price. It is also pretty quiet and very smooth. Made in Taiwan.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I am very happy with the jet vs grinder and vs buffer, they are both 1hp industrial motors. They are variable speed from 900 - 3600 rpm, made in taiwan and real heavy duty . Grinder is model IBG-8VS and the buffer is IBG-8VSB and the grinder has pretty good dust collection.

 

[CJM8515]

the dewalt one is 4a which is nice. I think for the 100 bucks it is at tractor supply I might get one. Although I like the old school stuff, Id rather really have a nice new shiny one.

If Im not happy Ill just take it back.

 

[boom_bap]

I've got JET JBG-6B. It is a great grinder, very smooth. Bought it for $150 December 2020, Like all things I'm sure it has gone up a bit. For anything more than $150 I'd go with an 8 inch 3/4 or 1hp grinder. It would more than justify the price as the horsepower really does matter on a grinder. Don't get a 1/3 hp get at least 1/2 and from a quality brand.

 

[shawhite]

Ok I’ll be that guy. Go with a belt grinder attachment for your new grinder and ditch the abrasive wheel.

Multitool Grinders - Belt Grinders and Bench Grinder Attachments

The original Multitool grinder attachments are serious metalworking tools for professionals and hobbyists.

multitoolgrinders.com

 

[FMB4]

Long ago I had a grinder that I 'made' from a free washing machine motor and a store bought 1/2 hp grinder/wire wheel/buffer. I have neither now and only use a 4x36" belt sander.

 

[isabellaop]

Long ago I had a grinder that I 'made' from a free washing machine motor and a store bought 1/2 hp grinder/wire wheel/buffer.. I have neither now and only use a 4x36" belt sander.

Found that interesting. Did the engine work? How did you manage this?

 

[mopar4u]

Ok I’ll be that guy. Go with a belt grinder attachment for your new grinder and ditch the abrasive wheel.

Multitool Grinders - Belt Grinders and Bench Grinder Attachments

The original Multitool grinder attachments are serious metalworking tools for professionals and hobbyists.

multitoolgrinders.com

Thats cool, didnt know this was a thing. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Terra Nova]

Thats cool, didnt know this was a thing. Thanks for sharing.

Agreed, didn't know such a thing existed, may have to look more closely at that.