Craftsman vs Baldor bench grinder

[Orangecrush72]

So I came across a Craftsman 1hp block grinder and wondering if or why it’s better than my 1/2hp Baldor 7” bench grinder? I know it has more power but man the craftsman is lighter than the baldor. I know more power and having a 8” wheel is nicer and more options but for the basic and little fab work I do didn’t know if it would really help. Thanks


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[The Cobbler]

that's why you need both. this is Garage Journal , get with it! LOL

 

[Rabid Badger]

The weight doesn't mean much if it's bolted to a sturdy base.

 

[cbacres]

that's why you need both. this is Garage Journal , get with it! LOL

Exactly!!!!!!!!!

Only two bench grinders?

There both great grinders. The one thing that drew me to the Craftsmans was the amount of copper in the windings.

The CMs just have sheet metal across the middle, where a Baldor is a little heavier metal.

Can't beat a Baldor though.

 

[Toys4Life C5]

If the one you currently have does what you need then look no further.........................................Unless it is a really good deal!

 

[lafester]

Who said they were better?
People like them because they can find a deal and they are quality grinders.

For that one I would throw a multi tool on it along with a wire wheel.

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[Orangecrush72]

I guess I was looking for what Benefit the craftsman would have over baldor or vice versa. Well it isn’t my only one lol I have 2 identical baldor 1/2hp 7” baldor. Was thinking just keeping them one with dual wire wheels and the other with stones. Is it just wheel selection is better for 8”? Is HP more for heavy grinding and slowing the motor down?


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[Orangecrush72]

By the way I got it all cleaned up. This thing is practically new. There’s not even scratches on the lenses. Wheels are still square and look to be original CM wheels. Also a picture of my baldor.

 

[lafester]

With the base I would flip that thing on eBay and get more stuff for your baldors.

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[AmericanMechanic]

With the base I would flip that thing on eBay and get more stuff for your baldors.

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Looks like it's on the Columbus Craigslist for $375.

 

[lafester]

On CL? Probably closer to $200 depending on the area. If he had the stand then maybe $300.

eBay has really upped the value of a complete 1hp.

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[American Locomotive]

Is that really a 1HP grinder? Motor seems a little small, unless I'm misinterpreting the scale of the thing.

 

[lafester]

I like the older cast iron model as much as my baldors. I am not getting rid of either any time soon.

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[exmaxima1]

Is that really a 1HP grinder? Motor seems a little small, unless I'm misinterpreting the scale of the thing.

Yep, it's rated at 1hp though the amperage does not really reflect that. Compared to the op's Baldor (which I assume is a 7307D, or similar), the Craftsman grinder w/deluxe base is about 1/2 the weight. I owned a 1hp and it weighed 45 lbs, and I still own a similar Baldor and it feels like 75 lbs or more.

FWIW, the earlier Roundtop 3/4 (rated) 8-inch grinder had a cast iron Deluxe base which brings the weight to about 57 lbs. It's a very stable and smooth running grinder. Weight does make a difference.

 

[Orangecrush72]

Yea I’m going to try and sell it. I like the idea that bearing And parts would be same for both my Baldors. Also I didn’t realize but I have a 7307 and 7306 so perfect rpm ranges for wire wheels and stones. If anyone is interested in the CM I’d sell $250 plus shipping or pickup to you guys on here. Located central ohio. Really rather not deal with eBay and fees and ****.


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[seber]

I have 8" Baldor and 8" Craftsman block. They both run fine but the Craftsman is less smooth and runs way hotter. If it were a high use machine I would not expect it to last nearly as long as the Baldor.

 

[bobcatdan]

I don't really think one is better than the other in real world use. The Baldor is made for industrial use. The craftsman while technically made for some guy wanting a big bench grinder for his home shop, it is from an era when higher end consumer power tools were built like tanks. I have never torn either apart so I have no idea how the guts compare. That said other than buying a brand new baldor, that craftsman is nicer than any other bench grinder you are going to buy brand new.