Help me chose a grinder?

[EJM02]

Hi all. I used the search function a bunch but I'm pretty sure I wasn't using the right keywords so I thought I'd just start from scratch.

I'm in the market for a new bench grinder and looking for some advice. I won't be using it professionally---mostly for home projects and restorations.

What I'd like: Something that will be suitable for wire wheeling, grinding and buffing. Wire wheeling for rust removal and buffing softer metals like brass and copper (think home repair / restore). I'd hate to be underpowered and I'm not afraid to purchase quality once instead of **** twice.

I'm really unsure about size, brand or power but fortunately have time to learn as I'm not in a hurry. Planning this to be a craigslist purchase.

I recently saw a JET 8" variable speed grinder that peaked my intrest. Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

 

[customh]

4" DeWalt should do the things you want for a good long time. Every refinery, plant and shop I've worked in had had them; they seem to last and stand up to abuse.

 

[Conductor562]

The Ridgid 4 1/2" Angles are built by Metabo. Well, I know they once were and I assume they still are. Metabo makes awesome grinders but they're somewhat hard to find here in the states. I like the Milwaukee 6140-30 grinder with the tool-less guard adjust on it myself. You can get it HERE for $89. You're kinda in a spot there really. For buffing, say, a car or something, you'd want an 8" model, but for everything else a 4 1/2" 7 amp model will be plenty. However, using an 8" model for all the other uses you named would drive your consumables cost up significantly.

 

[Conductor562]

Or if you want crazy power you could opt for THIS 5" Milwaukee 6117 for $128. At 13 amps you'll not find yourself underpowered in ANY situation. It may have too much power for handyman type stuff.

But, if you're going to be buffing much and want a bigger model, HERE is a Milwaukee 6088 that can use 7" or 9" wheels. 15 amps and $158 at HD.

 

[EJM02]

Thank you for your responses. I should have been more clear...my fault.. I'm looking for a bench grinder. I currently own an angle grinder but cant use it for buffing.. too high of rpm's.

 

[Conductor562]

Ohhhh.......

 

[EJM02]

ya, sorry.

 

[Davefr]

For wire brushing you'll need lots of amps. I'd look for 8", 8 amps. If you go 6" you'll need 3.5+ amps. Most homeowner grinders are way underpowered IMHO. Also, I'd ignore HP because they all tend to lie.

 

[dandan111]

Baldor. Jet looks pretty nice but I don't know if they are any better than a delta.

 

[sjt78]

I have the Steel City model 15420 8" variable speed grinder which I believe was very similar to the 8" variable that Delta was selling 3 years ago or so. I got the Steel City for a better price and longer warranty compared to the Delta. Anyway, I think it is a great tool well suited to home use. It has a 5 amp motor that I haven't been able to bog down yet. I see this model has been discontinued but I'm sure there is still a similar model offered by Delta.

 

[ejkuhl]

Check craigslist for an old Craftsman "block" grinder like in this thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794&page=13. I recently bought a new 6 in PC from lowes but it is nothing compared to the old 1/2 hp "block" I bought for $40 off craigslist

 

[RCPro87]

Dewalt 758 8" Grinder all the way!!

 

[Unmarked Bill]

If you can get a baldor, theyre miles above most other stuff. I have an 8" Baldor and an 8" jet and although they both work, its a brand A/brand X comparison. Id take a used Baldor over a new Jet. Also some of the old Daytons and Milwaukees look good.

 

[Voi]

You're in Southern California, right?

Did you see this one? Three phase, however.

http://imperial.craigslist.org/tls/3643678295.html

Some more. Some of these may be duplicates. I occasionally check San Diego CL in case I want my brother-in-law to snag something for me.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/tls/3641359705.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/tls/3644476624.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/tls/3541876556.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/tls/3547794009.html