Best bench grinder for the money?

[69supercj]

I need a new bench grinder and would like to keep it under 120 bucks if possible. 1/2 horse at least with a work light.

 

[metal1313]

i cant recommend a brand, but search cl, sometimes awesome baldor grinders come up cheap

 

[autopts71045]

I also think an old baldor is better them most Big Box new ones. CL is a good place also

 

[Bolster]

NOT Ryobi. Voice of experience. Got maybe 2 hrs use of it before it would start up running in reverse, or just humming in "neutral."

 

[iandh]

Used, but not beat up baldor.

 

[Abbott]

NOT Ryobi. Voice of experience. Got maybe 2 hrs use of it before it would start up running in reverse, or just humming in "neutral."

I have been using a Ryobi bench grinder for several years without a problem. You must of gotten a bad one, did you take it back for a replacement?

 

[Abbott]

There is a nice used Baldor on my local CL for $250.00 with a stand. I would sure like to have it but that's a bit to much for me to spend on a bench grinder for home shop use.

 

[iandh]

FYI we had a Baldor at my old work that my boss bought in the 60's, when he first opened for business. I used it daily for ten years until february of this year, and it is still working perfectly.

 

[selohssa]

I was able to buy a used but very nice Baldor grinder last week at a Govt surplus auction for $10. I had a newer Delta 6 inch that came with some other stuff that I bought and I managed to get $60 for it. The way that I see it, my Baldor has already made me $50.

 

[johnny1290]

I'd second going through CL.

I bought an underpowered over sized cman there, but I'm sure you can do better.

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, the current generation of 1/2hp rated homeowner big box stuff I have seen is nothing on which I'd want to spend $120.

But then, I buy all my tools pre-owned. At present, I have a big old 10" 3/4hp Black&Decker, an 8" Dayton mandrel belt-driven by a 3/4hp motor, three 1/2hp Belsaw units, a 1/3hp Dayton and a 1/4hp Dayton.

jack vines

 

[jayoldschool]

I got this one used (but looks brand new) for $65 from someone clearing out his garage. Works for me...

 

[Elroy]

1/2 horse at least with a work light.

If at all possible get a Baldor or a Wissota and you'll have a grinder that will last you a life time. Be advised that 6" grinders are typically only 1/4 HP and 1/3 max so if you really need a full 1/2 horse you're going to be looking at the bigger units.

The RPM is also something to consider as the lower 1,800 RPM grinder is going to have more torque for a given power than a 3,600 RPM unit

For your reference a Wissota is pictured in this old thread. They are a truly sweet little grinder.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18911

 

[fordbroncodave]

here is where i chime in.

best grinder for the money? wissota.

they come on craigslist from $10-$50 all the time. made in the usa (minnesota to be exact) and they last a lifetime.

want to see?

i paid $30 for mine and it came with a stand

 

[Scout Driver]

Used Craftsman Professional bench grinder.

Scott

 

[Eric Commarato]

Baldor on their cast iron stand. Don't be skimpy...

 

[Kenwc]

Should you ever come across an old Delta Triple Duty Grinder from the 50's be it 3 phase or single phase grab it...restore it and you'll love it.

 

[cheap bastard]

I picked up a 60s era Baldor with a huge rest for $100 from a local hardware store's out of business sale. On friday, I picked up a 50s era Skill grinder with a cool stand made from an 18 inch dia. 4 inch deep bull gear and some 1/8"X 3 angle steel. It cost $15 at a garage sale.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

i picked this up off cl a few months back for $50 ,it's got ridiculous power, it's a beast. 1 hp 8" craftsman, from the 60's i think.

 

[kartracer55]

The 8 Inch Craftsman Pro pictured above is a great grinder for the money if you snag it on sale. Used the hell out of one. Dewalt is a solid choice as well. I personally own a Dewalt and love them both, for around $120.

Id say baldor is probably king, but everybody knows how much they are and charge accordingly for used, so unless you can wait for a few months while you find one, those are my 2 top picks. Stay away from Task Force.

 

[flashman]

Sorry for bringing back a really old thread, but I would like to get some opinions on this grinder. I am looking to upgrade from a 6" Porter Cable I purchased from Lowes. I need something larger and with more HP because I use my grinder for cleaning up old vises I manage to find. Any comments on if this would be worth checking out would be great.

http://wichita.craigslist.org/tls/3940720503.html

 

[1982fxr]

someone will chime in who knows more. Sometimes easier to start your own thread with stuff like this. I'm no expert, but that kinda looks like a 70's-80's Taiwan grinder that they made under several names?

Sounds like you want something good for wire wheeling right? I would just run wanted ads on craigs and hold out for a used Baldor or an old Craftsman 8" block grinder or similar old US made one.

In my experience there is no comparison between the old USA made grinders and the Asian ones from any era. Simply no comparison. Especially if you want to run hard with a wire wheel

 

[monster1]

NOT Ryobi. Voice of experience. Got maybe 2 hrs use of it before it would start up running in reverse, or just humming in "neutral."

That *****. Guess there are bad ones in the batch every once in a while. I"ve had very good luck with all my ryobi tools. My bench grinder is no exception, but of course ymmv.

 

[flashman]

someone will chime in who knows more. Sometimes easier to start your own thread with stuff like this. I'm no expert, but that kinda looks like a 70's-80's Taiwan grinder that they made under several names?

Sounds like you want something good for wire wheeling right? I would just run wanted ads on craigs and hold out for a used Baldor or an old Craftsman 8" block grinder or similar old US made one.

In my experience there is no comparison between the old USA made grinders and the Asian ones from any era. Simply no comparison. Especially if you want to run hard with a wire wheel

That is what I will have to do. A craftsman block grinder came up months ago and the seller wasn't willing to move on their price. Thanks.

 

[doan]

I got this one used (but looks brand new) for $65 from someone clearing out his garage. Works for me...

I have one of these. Good grinder. My only complaint is the tool rests are bolted to the wheel guard which is just thin sheet metal. They move if you lean on them

 

[Outlawmws]

Flashman, That is a Taiwanese built grinder and of that era, I have had nothing but issues with those. One I owned and several that friends owned. you can do better, particularly on the used market!

Craftsman "Block" Grinder
Baldor
Older Dayton
Wissota

Key question: what are you planning to do on it? Sharpen tool bits, Wire Wheel? Buff/polish, or just "shape metal"?

 

[1982fxr]

That is what I will have to do. A craftsman block grinder came up months ago and the seller wasn't willing to move on their price. Thanks.

I'm sittin' pretty for grinders right now, but if I did not have a good one yet I would actually pay $50-60 for a 6" old USA made, and up to $100 or so for an 8". Which is basically the cost of new chinese units.

I guess that is as close to putting my money where my mouth is as far as believing that the old stuff is without a doubt 100% better than the new

 

[autopts]

Sorry for bringing back a really old thread, but I would like to get some opinions on this grinder. I am looking to upgrade from a 6" Porter Cable I purchased from Lowes. I need something larger and with more HP because I use my grinder for cleaning up old vises I manage to find. Any comments on if this would be worth checking out would be great.

http://wichita.craigslist.org/tls/3940720503.html

I've got a 9" angle grinder with a wire wheel on it. It's very maneuverable in tight spots. It seems the only way to use a wire wheel on a grinder is to remove the side. I use that wheel for the small items.

 

[the1nonlyjl]

I have one of these. Good grinder. My only complaint is the tool rests are bolted to the wheel guard which is just thin sheet metal. They move if you lean on them

Maybe you r too heavy for it to handle. Start lose weights so they don't move around

 

[tedsters]

i picked this up off cl a few months back for $50 ,it's got ridiculous power, it's a beast. 1 hp 8" craftsman, from the 60's i think.

i have been looking for one of these to come up around here there 1/2 hp like that has a lot of power also

 

[sberry]

Yes, the Sears best would do as would some of the others. I got a big ole classic for 50 and is in my storage building. It works and only have a minor bench grinder 6 inch for cleaning a bolt or 2. I use 4 inch right angle air power.

 

[flashman]

Flashman, That is a Taiwanese built grinder and of that era, I have had nothing but issues with those. One I owned and several that friends owned. you can do better, particularly on the used market!

Craftsman "Block" Grinder
Baldor
Older Dayton
Wissota

Key question: what are you planning to do on it? Sharpen tool bits, Wire Wheel? Buff/polish, or just "shape metal"?

It would be for wire wheeling when I clean up vises for restoration. My Porter Cable isn't bad, just doesn't have enough power to keep up and being that it is only 6", maneuvering is limited with larger pieces.

I've got a 9" angle grinder with a wire wheel on it. It's very maneuverable in tight spots. It seems the only way to use a wire wheel on a grinder is to remove the side. I use that wheel for the small items.

I took that sides off my current bench grinder so it was easier for me to use. I could look into an angle grinder, might be a better option for heavier vises.

 

[PowerDubs]

I picked up an old grinder from a lady I was fixing her washer. It takes everything I've thrown at it without slowing down.

It is a Curtis 3/4 HP. I looked closer at the tag yesterday and see it can be wired for 240v. I don't recall ever seeing a 240v bench grinder before, but I've never been around many either. If it kicks this much *** on 120, 240 is insane.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

It would be for wire wheeling when I clean up vises for restoration. My Porter Cable isn't bad, just doesn't have enough power to keep up and being that it is only 6", maneuvering is limited with larger pieces.



I took that sides off my current bench grinder so it was easier for me to use. I could look into an angle grinder, might be a better option for heavier vises.

Oh Good, you're in Kansas.... The bristles from your wire wheel shouldn't fly far enough to hit Minnesota... Just remember to borrow a leather suit from the Hells Angels, along with a helmet with face shield and leather gloves... no sandals either... Take Care Those dang little bristles can really fly..

 

[PT Doc]

I would strongly recommend a belt grinder. These can hog metal, wood, plastic. Tough to beat. Available at various price points.

 

[Outlawmws]

It would be for wire wheeling when I clean up vises for restoration. My Porter Cable isn't bad, just doesn't have enough power to keep up and being that it is only 6", maneuvering is limited with larger pieces.



I took that sides off my current bench grinder so it was easier for me to use. I could look into an angle grinder, might be a better option for heavier vises.

For your vise work I think you would be further ahead to setup for an Etank, and use a 4" mini angle grinder for fast cleanup of the post E tank smudge.

 

[Outlawmws]

I would strongly recommend a belt grinder. These can hog metal, wood, plastic. Tough to beat. Available at various price points.

Not for Vise restoration work. You would just tear them up.

 

[Outlawmws]

I picked up an old grinder from a lady I was fixing her washer. It takes everything I've thrown at it without slowing down.

It is a Curtis 3/4 HP. I looked closer at the tag yesterday and see it can be wired for 240v. I don't recall ever seeing a 240v bench grinder before, but I've never been around many either. If it kicks this much *** on 120, 240 is insane.

I think most bench grinders can be switched, at least the larger ones. I had a Taiwanese 8" that I switched to 220 single and it was good (until the magic smoke finally let out years later....)

 

[flashman]

For your vise work I think you would be further ahead to setup for an Etank, and use a 4" mini angle grinder for fast cleanup of the post E tank smudge.

I have thought about electrolysis, just haven't taken the time to fully look at making one. I know it would be the easiest option long term, my problem is would I use it enough to warrant making the tank. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Outlawmws]

The tank can be as simple as a 5 gallon bucket, and for vise parts, it's a real good size. 5-6 vertical pieces of rebar on the periphery, connect them together at the top (out of the electrolyte) with copper wire, fill with waster and add some Spa Kem PH Plus (maybe 1/4 cup for 5 gallons of water) and hang a vise part with plain steel wire so it's not touching the rebar.

Apply power, (battery charger, red to the rebar black to the vise part, turn the charger on and let it run. 6-12 hrs later take the vise part out and clean off.

If it's a new solid state battery charger, include a battery to beat the "smart" charger's idiotronincs. if an older transformer charger just run it. Battery is optional.