King Feng Fu Grinder

[ksucatz]

Not for sure if this is quite "vintage" yet, but found this ad. Not for sure if it is a good deal or not. Any feedback?
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/tls/5407893298.html

 

[gungatim]

looks identical to the Taiwan grinder I bought new in the mid-80's...name is long gone from mine and the switch broke and was replaced with a section of a beer can holding a toggle...other than that, been going strong for 30 years. I believe I paid $20 or $25 for it new back then...it is much higher quality than my orange HF 8" grinder, lots of torque. don't know that I'd pay $30 for a used 30 year old Asian grinder though...

 

[DBendr]

1/4 hp ?Skip it. Look for a minimum 1/2 and preferably a 3/4 +. You'll find one. Don't be in a hurry.

 

[7th Kahuna]

I don't know what the used tool market in Kansas City is like, but I would vote to pass on it too. Around here, for that price you could find a cleaner more powerful Asian grinder no problem. As DBendr suggested, unless you need it immediately, wait for a nicer one.

Now the larger question, what does a world in which a King Feng Fu grinder is both vintage and collectible look like? Just a thought.

I know the day is coming . . .

 

[Davefr]

1/4 hp ?Skip it. Look for a minimum 1/2 and preferably a 3/4 +. You'll find one. Don't be in a hurry.

Noooo!!! You can't compare HP and here's why:

That King Fu grinder is rated at 1/4 HP but it draws 3.5 amps which is pretty decent for a 6" grinder. It looks like that manufacturer was honest (or even conservative) with the 1/4 HP rating.

Now let's take a look at a 1/2 HP HF grinder. It's actually only 2 amps. That's because they lie about the HP rating. (as does Sears and most other manufacturers).
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-bench-grinder-39797.html


That King Fu 1/4 HP grinder is actually close to 2X more powerful then a HF 1/2 HP grinder.

Always compare amps!!! Amps don't lie, HP is deceptive marketing.

P.S. I still wouldn't buy at grinder for other reasons