looking for a benchtop buffer and wire wheel

[madcrisis]

What are you guys using for these? Grinders with changed wheels? I already have a nice 8" grinder but would like to have one set up for buffing and a wirewheel. Would it be better to just buy a wirewheel for my grinder? Right now thats all i need but it would be nice to just have it set up on my bench.

Also does anyone have one they reccomend that have a flexible shaft dremel tool? This is not necessary as I have one already but if its only a few more dollars it may be worth it.

So what do you guys think? right now I need one to clean up some rusted channel locks but theres always something that could use some cleaning.

 

[senlow]

Buffers typically have longer shafts. This provides more space for maneuvering the part that is being buffed. I have a dedicated buffer. My wire wheel is on one of my bench grinders.

A flexible shaft on a bench grinder is not very useful. A grinder spins way too slow for the small diameter wheels that are typically used on a flexible shaft. If you need a flexible shaft, buy a Foredom.

 

[bczygan]

You need 3 machines.

A grinder with 2 different wheels for sharpening tools.
A grinder with 2 different wire wheels for cleaning up things.
At least one buffer and extra buffs for each compound you are using.

What is your location?

Look for Baldor buffers and Craftsman block grinders or Baldor grinders on CL.

 

[Kenwc]

Depends if you want fancy or not. I restore old machines and for the last 4 years I've used an old GE dual shaft 1/2hp 1725 rpm motor I snagged on eBay with work arbors on each shaft end that I mount buffing or wire wheels on.

 

[madcrisis]

I have the grinder with two wheel already. What brand wire wheels are you guys using?

Ive checked craigslist and didnt see much but I will keep looking. Any Reccomendations for a new one? Looking to spend around $150 if necessary. It does not have to be the biggest most powerful, but enough to get the job done whatever it might be.

 

[madcrisis]

Can anyone comment on these dewalt grinders?

http://www.cpooutlets.com/dewalt-dw...8,default,pd.html?start=3&cgid=bench-grinders

 

[Bobf]

I found a couple dual long shaft blowers in some discarded equipment cabinets.
Removed the blower cages, bought some arbors (4) from Grainger with LH/RH threaded ends and mounted them both on a pedestal made from a piece of pipe welded to a old auto rim. I have a rope wire wheel on one side and a med wire wheel on the other side. The other motor has two different sized cloth wheels on it at present.

 

[madcrisis]

Well guys I'm surprised I havent gotten more help with this. I'm between 2 new units. Ive checked craigslist and the local flea mart searching for an older nice grinder with no success. As I said before I already have my main grinder set up with two stones ( an older cincinatti 10" mounted on a pedestol but its my dads). So I've narrowed it down between two choices for the new one.

One being the dewalt mentioned above and this craftsman:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-variable-speed-8inch-bench-grinder-21162/p-00921162000P

I like that the craftsman already has a wire wheel set up on it and the light is a very nice feature. But I feel like the dewalt may be a better built more reliable choice. Does anyone have one with speed control? Is it actually useful? I've read reviews and they seems pretty much equal for both. I would like to purchase one that I can bring with me when I move out from my parents house and garage. Does anyone on here even buy new bench grinders? all the ones I've seen in the other threads are all older models.

Also can anyone tell me what wire wheels they are using?

Any help is appreciated and thanks to the guys who replied before.

 

[Davefr]

You really need three dedicated tools:

For wire brushing you need lots and lots of power. Look for amp ratings and go as high as you can:

For buffing you also need lots of power but you also need long shafts. You also need to get to the correct CFM for the buffing you'll be doing. (ie RPM and diameter):

Grinding is more forgiving to power. You want quality which should give tou smooth vibration free grinding:

 

[d.mcfarland]

I like that the craftsman already has a wire wheel set up on it and the light is a very nice feature. But I feel like the dewalt may be a better built more reliable choice. Does anyone have one with speed control? Is it actually useful? I've read reviews and they seems pretty much equal for both. I would like to purchase one that I can bring with me when I move out from my parents house and garage. Does anyone on here even buy new bench grinders? all the ones I've seen in the other threads are all older models.

The speed control would be nice for buffing and using a wire wheel since both need different speeds. However, if it breaks, it breaks.

Plenty of people buy new grinders I would imagine, they just don't want to post them up here against some of the old beauties.

If you are going to use one enough for 2 separate tasks, get one now and keep looking for a used 2nd!

 

[madcrisis]

I really don't need the buffer, I just figured I might as well have one around if I do. I thought I could get away with one wire wheel or should I get two of different stifnesses? ll be using the wire wheel way more often than I would ever use a buffing wheel. So i may just go with a dedicated wire grinder.

Just a little background, Im a 21 y/o that like tools (clearly that why i'm here) and like to tinker with things. I just started welding last year and in general I just need to clean rust off of older things. There have been many times when a bench grinder would have been great for cleaning stuff up instead of using a hand grinder and a vise.

Currently I want it to clean up some older pairs of channel locks I just acquired free of charge. Its really an excuse to get a new tool that ive wanted for a while instead of just buying a gallon of evaporust and letting the pliers soak.

 

[Davefr]

I really don't need the buffer, I just figured I might as well have one around if I do. I thought I could get away with one wire wheel or should I get two of different stifnesses? ll be using the wire wheel way more often than I would ever use a buffing wheel. So i may just go with a dedicated wire grinder.

Just a little background, Im a 21 y/o that like tools (clearly that why i'm here) and like to tinker with things. I just started welding last year and in general I just need to clean rust off of older things. There have been many times when a bench grinder would have been great for cleaning stuff up instead of using a hand grinder and a vise.

Currently I want it to clean up some older pairs of channel locks I just acquired free of charge. Its really an excuse to get a new tool that ive wanted for a while instead of just buying a gallon of evaporust and letting the pliers soak.

For a wire wheel buffer you really need to go coarse and fine. I'd highly recommend a dedicated machine. You don't need a high end Baldor for wire wheel work. A cheap used CM block grinder or no name Chinese 6" grinder will work but you need lots or power.

Most of the new homecenter grinders are too underpowered for wire wheels. A 5-6 amp CM block grinder would work well since they're pretty powerful. They're also pretty inexpensive at g-sales.

Some of the no name used Chinese machines are OK if you can find one with a high amp rating.

 

[sz0k30]

I have a Craftsman 1HP, 8" grinder with a grinding wheel on one end and a wire wheel on the other end. I do some casual fabricating, so it only gets occasional use. Looking at this post, just curious why wire wheels need more power?