Good Buy on Baldor Grinder?

[TXpintail]

Need a little help on this one. I think I found a deal on a used Baldor bench grinder.

Its an 8100W (.75 hp, 8 inch wheels) with a full pedestal set up. It runs smooth and everything appears to be in great shape. Looks practically brand new to me other than the surface dust its collected . Guy wants $300 for it.

I've never owned one, but seems a big increase in capability for my shop for the price, which is what has me interested. I'm a weekend warrior so it won't see daily use, but I can think of lots of application for sharpening, polishing, rust removal, etc.

What do you guys think? Compared to list prices it seems a screaming deal. But this is the first used bench grinder I have seriously considered, so not sure. Baldor seems to have a good reputation on GJ. Is this one of those things that once you have it you don't know how you lived without it, or do I just have money burning a hole in my pocket?

Thanks.

 

[matt_i]

I use a bench grinder for a couple things...sharpening tig tungsten and sharpening HSS toolbits for the lathe, occasionally dressing something too hard to be touched by files.

I find a lot more utility in a 1-2" wide belt sander for shaping materials.

 

[lafester]

I have a 3/4 and it sure is nice.
With the stand, $300 is a good deal assuming it is complete.
Does it have the lit eye shields? Quench cup?

 

[1982fxr]

I have a 3/4 and it sure is nice.
With the stand, $300 is a good deal assuming it is complete.
Does it have the lit eye shields? Quench cup?

This. Baldor is the Rolls Royce of bench grinders.

 

[lafester]

I'm not a big fan of the eye shield (and accessory) mounting, or the easily scratched plastic window. I do like the full sized light sockets and individual switches though.

The rest of it is just simple, solid, heavy cast iron along with a great motor. Not much value engineering going on here.

 

[lafester]

I use a nice, soft 8" wire wheel on one side and a medium wire wheel on the other. The soft wheel polishes surfaces nicely without damage (and it doesn't rip your skin off). The baldor has a pretty wide working area for an 8" wheel, I can only imagine what a beast the 1hp 10 inch wheel must be.

I use a bench grinder for a couple things...sharpening tig tungsten and sharpening HSS toolbits for the lathe, occasionally dressing something too hard to be touched by files.

I find a lot more utility in a 1-2" wide belt sander for shaping materials.

 

[tarbellb]

Thats a good deal on a excellent grinder+stand. The same new would be $500+


But as others have stated, I find a lot more utility out of a belt or disc sander then pedestal grinder.

 

[TXpintail]

I have a 3/4 and it sure is nice.
With the stand, $300 is a good deal assuming it is complete.
Does it have the lit eye shields? Quench cup?

Yes on both. Went through the whole set up and seems to all be there, mounting bolts and all.

 

[930dreamer]

Post pics if you get it.

 

[TXpintail]

Appreciate the feedback. Based on simple google searches I'm seeing $1200-$1500 new.

 

[lis2323]

The price seems fair. Be sure to ask yourself if you will actually use it. I have 1/3 and 3/4 HP Baldor grinders and although I use them occasionally I could live without them.

Belt grinders are WAY more versatile. Bench grinders will always have their place but they are becoming more and more obsolete.

 

[geomagno]

I use the heck out of my bench grinder, particularly the wire wheel. It's the best tool for removing rust without removing metal, especially for cleaning up threads of big bolts. That Baldor should last you. And at that price, doubt you'll ever regret buying it.

 

[BFBOB]

It really depends on your usage. I have a cheap-*** Buffalo (no, not that one- the offshore one) 8" 3/4HP that works great - served me well for atleast 15 years before needing bearings (about $10) and still works fine. I use it in my business, but truly the total spin-time is no more than an avid hobbyist. My Buffy cost $50 new. You'll have to do the math for yourself.

Note: My father bought the same grinder very soon after I did on my recommendation. When he died, I let his grinder go with the estate. I figured mine would outlive me. So far so good!


FWIW, I (as have others in this thread run a fairly coarse grinding wheel on one side and a buff on the other (sometimes changed for a wire wheel).

 

[2oolhound]

You'd be paying a fair price for it that's for sure. I paid $15 for one and my other one was $35.

Here's a recent ad for a 3/4 hp in my area:

Now mind you the one I got for $15 was about the most worn out grinder you ever saw. It lasted me about 20 minutes and smelled of burning electrics for those whole 20 minutes that it took to fry. My $35 one was only a 1/3 HP unit but it was money well spent and I'll never regret buying it. This one you see for the 3/4 HP one in the ad that some sumobitch beat me to ...well if you're the guy that did it to me I'm looking for ya. I cringe every time I think of it. I took a screen shot of the ad just so I know there are always sweet deals out there but you gotta be fast. sniff. I still have nightmeres over missing out on that one.

They are like what was said above, the Rolls Royce of grinders and you will love that one for $300.

 

[exmaxima1]

I use a bench grinder for a couple things...sharpening tig tungsten and sharpening HSS toolbits for the lathe, occasionally dressing something too hard to be touched by files.

I find a lot more utility in a 1-2" wide belt sander for shaping materials.

+1
I have 6 or so grinders, and only one has an actual grinding wheel on it (and it never is used): only wire wheels or Scotchbrite get used. WAY more use from belt grinders/sanders. No way I would spend $300 on an old-fashion wheel grinder.

 

[seber]

That setup would cost over $1000 at the cheapest source you can find. Yes it is a good deal on the best grinder you can buy. I left mine behind when I moved to Texas and have been regretting it ever since. I have Two other high end grinders now but they don't compare to the big Baldor.