Could use help in choosing a new bench grinder

[scarydriver]

Hey Everyone -

My old Chinese bench grinder finally took a dive, so I'm looking for a new one. I would like to get something decent, but I'm not sure which direction I should take.

The old grinder is a 3/4 HP with an 8" grinding wheel and a wire wheel.

I would love to buy an American made model, but all I've seen in my price range is a Baldor with 1/3 HP and 6" wheels. I'm worried that the reduction in HP and wheel size will make it seem like a downgrade... are these ungrounded concerns?

Another model I've been looking at is the Metabo DS 200. Unlike Metabo's angle grinders which are made in Germany (as far as I know, correct me if I'm wrong), their bench grinders are made in China. This doesn't scare me too much, as I would assume Metabo would have decent quality control, but I would really prefer to buy American.

Anyway, I guess my question is if my concerns about the 1/3 HP 6" grinder will feel like a downgrade are legitimate. Or will the higher quality negate this? Or should I go with the higher-powered 8" Metabo?

Or is there another option in the sub-$250 price range?

I've looked for used vintage American grinders on the Bay Area, CA craigslist, but haven't had any luck.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Neil

 

[Outlawmws]

Hey Everyone -

My old Chinese bench grinder finally took a dive, so I'm looking for a new one. I would like to get something decent, but I'm not sure which direction I should take.

The old grinder is a 3/4 HP with an 8" grinding wheel and a wire wheel.

I would love to buy an American made model, but all I've seen in my price range is a Baldor with 1/3 HP and 6" wheels. I'm worried that the reduction in HP and wheel size will make it seem like a downgrade... are these ungrounded concerns?

SNIP
Neil

Yes, completly.

The horsepower ratings on most tools produced today are a joke. Take a cruise in the block grinder thread if you haven't already. 1/4, 1/3 or 1/2 HP, and no one had bitched yet about a lack of power... (Tim Taylor would be proud...)

As to finding good vintage stuff on CL it takes patience and perseverance but it CAN be done...

 

[Farmall450]

I think Outlaw is right here, rating aren't always that accurate. I'm not sure on DeWalt's prices, but they're pretty great.

 

[torqueman2002]

I agree with both the previous posters.

If you need something right away, I can recommend the Dayton 1/3 HP, which I purchased at Graingers before I became a Blockhead, Man!

It was made in Taiwan.

Plenty of power for general purpose grinding and wire wheeling.

 

[drivesitfar]

I shouldn't tell you this since your football team just beat our Seahawks, but I've seen several good Craftsman old school box style grinders that will do a great job and for a lot less money on Craigslist or maybe some estate or garage sales.

I have an 8 inch Baldor buffer that can take my arm off with only 3/4 HP. I can stop my old school Black and Decker dead if I want to push that hard, but it is a great grinder with only 1/2 HP. I also have a couple Jet grinders (are they Chinese?) that have worked well that are sitting on a shelf now and ready in case I need them and they should be in your price range for a brand new one maybe an 8 inch with 3/4 or 1 HP.

if you use it a lot most of the shops I know of have Baldors if they are running them all the time so maybe the 1/3 or 1/2 might be the one to buy. spend a little more and you might not have to buy another one unless you need 2 running at the same time. I have several grinders with different wheels on them so I don't have to change the wheels so often or during a job where I need more than two different wheel types. bought most of them at my favorite store even the Baldor on Craigslist.

 

[Hammer1963]

Jet is a good grinder. It may be Chinese made, but it is of good quality. I've owned a 1/2 HP model for several yrs. Zero issues and very smooth

 

[scarydriver]

Thanks for your advice everyone! I'll keep an eye out on craigslist for a good deal, but if something doesn't come up soon, I'll go with the Baldor.

Neil

 

[torqueman2002]

.... I've seen several good Craftsman old school Block style grinders that will do a great job and for a lot less money on Craigslist or maybe some estate or garage sales.

Fixed it for you.

Box grinder - indeed!

Sorry, about the indeed part, watching Downton Abby!.

 

[torqueman2002]

Thanks for your advice everyone! I'll keep an eye out on craigslist for a good deal, but if something doesn't come up soon, I'll go with the Baldor.

Neil

I wish I could find a Baldor buffer on CL! Best of luck!

 

[Strouty]

Kalamazoo also makes nice grinders and sanders. I really like baldor since they make a great motor anyways. I see them in my area for under $200 usually with a nice stand as well. Keep your eyes on CL and one will pop up.

 

[sasquatch12]

You say you had a Chinese 8 inch grinder that was 3/4 HP.

What amps were on the tag? Real N. American 3/4 HP motors should be at least 10 amp rating.

 

[scarydriver]

You say you had a Chinese 8 inch grinder that was 3/4 HP.

What amps were on the tag? Real N. American 3/4 HP motors should be at least 10 amp rating.

Good information - I don't remember the amps off the top of my head, but I doubt it was 10 amps... I figured the HP rating might be a little optimistic.

 

[drivesitfar]

I've bought a few Baldor grinders and buffers on Craigslist over the years so it can be done, and sold a couple too so I could pay for part of the upgrade because they weren't cheap. they work like a new one if you get one that hasn't been abused and still much less than a new one so you can have some cash left to buy a vise or some other tools.

so is that a majority that all Jet grinders are Chinese or is my 40+- year old one US made? It's 1/2 HP and green and might even be 1950's, but not sure on the year made or even if Jet has been in business that long. sorry I don't have a picture of it to attach, but i'll get one if it helps somebody give me an answer when I go to my shop tomorrow.

Update on Jet tool company history:

http://www.jettools.com/us/en/company/history/

also sent an email to Jet company because the company started in 1958 about 20 miles from my house in Tacoma, WA. I did not know that and I have plenty of friends and clients that love their Jet tools (metal and woodworking). looks like made in Japan to start and maybe moved to China?