bench Grinders

[rpsurfr]

I am in need of a new bench grinder. I have a 15 year old Craftsman. It was ok but I am looking to your guys for some advice, Craftsman is not what it used to be. Thanks

 

[Zrexxer]

Cost aside, Baldor is the answer.

 

[WSMC633]

I've got a Craftsman that was my dad's..... It has to be at least 35-40yrs old. Love using it! Has some real history..... As for a new one.... I've heard a lot of people suggest Baldor.

 

[1969]

Craftsman 6"......... $65.00, Baldor 6".........$195.00. Probably can do better with a little looking. I have had an 8" Craftsman for 25 or more years, only thing I have changed were new wheels and a new switch. However, it is my understanding that Baldor is probably the best you can buy.

 

[Torque1st]

A grinder is fairly simple. The biggest differences would be in balance and bearing quality. The motor windings and switches are next. Fortunately in household use almost any grinder will last many years. The quality of the guards and tool rests are also important. Look them over before you buy.

 

[Skin]

Try keeping the Craftsman you had. Clean it out, check the brushes. Anything made in the States or Europe will cost hundreds. Anything in the 100-150 range is most likely from Asia. If you dont mind an import go for a HF one. They're made at the same factory as a lot of other brands, such as Craftsman, but cost a lot less.

Also worth keeping an eye on craigslist or ebay for oldies. I've got an 15-20yo Milwaukee at work thats bulletproof.

 

[Coach James]

I got a C-man on half price about 4 years ago. No problems at all. When I turn it off, it takes a long long time to run down.

Coach

 

[rockchucker]

Just going in and spinning the Grinder wheel by hand will give you a general idea of Bearing Quality but only time will tell. My Craftsman takes quite a while to wind down also. I would think that is a very good sign of Bearing Quality.



This is the one I have and have used for about 5-6 years now. Variable speed is great to be able to dial in a speed for different uses. I would not buy another Grinder without a way to control the Speed of the Wheels. This is a MUST on my list for purchasing a new Grinder.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921154000P?keyword=Bench+grinder

Definitely not super top notch quality but for the price it works well for what I need it for. The little plastic shields are actually quite handy for quick buzzing off of things that don't need to be there.

 

[regguy1]

Cost aside, Baldor is the answer.

Baldor is top notch. I have a 1/3 HP I bought 40 years ago and it still works.

It needs a start capacitor as you have to spin the wheel on start up to get it going. Does anyone know a good source for that part?

 

[rockchucker]

http://www.cde.com/directory/reps/

I tried to put in your location to find you a dealer but there was nothing found for "On Mount Olympus with Zeus..."

 

[regguy1]

http://www.cde.com/directory/reps/

I tried to put in your location to find you a dealer but there was nothing found for "On Mount Olympus with Zeus..."

Better watch it...you could be struck by lightening

 

[torqueman2002]

I have a 4 year old 1/3hp Dayton from Grainger 2LKR6. Very smooth and well balanced.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2LKR6?Pid=search

I also have a sturdy old Craftsman 1/3hp grinder, a $20 Craigs List buy.

 

[woody 73]

I have a low rpm baldor that I use to sharpen my wood lathe tools with ; it is a very good grinder. From time to time I see some great deals on three phase grinders, the only problem is that most of us (myself included) do not have three phase power.

If you do go with chinese made grinders have a look at Jet at least you can get parts for them.

Grizzly puts out a cheap made grinder from china, they have a very good service dept.

As the others have pointed out keep an eye out for an old craftsman grinder CL is a good source.

All the best Woody.

 

[nolatoolguy]

Honestly, my suggestion is make your own. You can but moters and shafts and all you then need is a wheel. Its proably easiest just to make a one sided bench grinder if you dont wana be to complicated, guards arent that hard to make really the only part thats hard is the tool rest. For that you should be able to use the rests you have now and just modify them a little.

However if your going to buy one i would suggest baldor

if it comes down to price ide go with a jet before a craftsman

 

[bgott]

It needs a start capacitor as you have to spin the wheel on start up to get it going. Does anyone know a good source for that part?

Grainger is where I get mine.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/capacitors/motor-supplies/motors/ecatalog/N-9yp?op=search

 

[regguy1]

Grainger is where I get mine.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/capacitors/motor-supplies/motors/ecatalog/N-9yp?op=search

I think I was in error it has a start relay.

Baldor Cat. No. 610 Serial J1
1/3 HP 115 volt

Number on relay: B4C 9660 057 170

 

[tatra]

i am looking also but want one with exhaust ports as i hate the **** that accumulates from grinders............like the idea of an adj. speed type...........

 

[evintho]

Here's an oldie but goodie. Made in USA too. Price is right!

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/1671076728.html

 

[TheGrooveking]

regguy1 is your "On Mount Olympus" a reference to photography/Olympus cameras?

TheGrooveking

 

[Coach James]

My dad made one from an old fan motor and has ben using it for over 30 years. I looked at motors, bushings etc to make one but all the motors I found cost more than a new grinder.

Coach

 

[tcianci]

Baldor is certainly top of the line for grinders. I remember an old C'man my dad had and I don't know where it is today. It was gold colored on a gold pedastal with a cast iron base. I have a cheapo import now and for the amount of use it gets it works fine. If you go for something in the loweer price range, I would suggest Grizzly or Jet.

 

[regguy1]

regguy1 is your "On Mount Olympus" a reference to photography/Olympus cameras?

TheGrooveking

No.. I've accepted Zeus as my friend and ever since, lightening hasn't come anywhere near my house!