Looking to replace my 8" bench grinder

[500sks]

I have a Chinese 8" bench grinder and want to replace it with something with some power. I have read lots of reviews on different grinders Craftsman, Dewalt and Ryobi and all seam to have issues. What do guys that have bought grinder recently suggest. I would like to keep this under $200.
Thanks

 

[bobcatdan]

Basically everything new that is not a Baldor is chicom junk. Many will say say DeWalts are good, but still import. We have deltas at work and they are nothing special, I would take my old craftsman block over one anyday. If you have a good CL, watch for a craftsman block grinder, you won't be disapointed. Otherwise if new is the way to you want to, I guess I would sat DeWalt.

 

[GeneralDisorder]

For that price range you will be looking at used or Chinese/Taiwan. Simple as that.

Craftsman block grinders and Baldor grinders are what you want to find used.

GD

 

[Davefr]

You have two basic choices. (Chinese model now or patiently await a used USA grinder to show up on CL)

I have a Jet 8" and it's a very powerful grinder at 8 amps. Mine was Taiwan and the quality is top notch. The new ones come from China and there have been some quality issues reported here on the forum.

You can get good bang for the buck on CL but it can be a long wait for a good old USA model to show up at the right price and in good condition.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Hold out for a used Baldor or block....I waited and found this beauty, night and day difference from my Cman 8"

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=172176

 

[2oolhound]

I picked up a Taiwanese 10" 1hp grinder off cl for $50.00 that kicks ***! (for the money). It's just under 15 amps and is 25 years old so that may have more to do with it too.

 

[A_Pmech]

U.S. Electrical Tool or Setco.

 

[t100]

Dayton(TW import) works fine.

 

[skeletonizer]

Less than $300 on Amazon. Save a few more pennies and do it up right.

I had to force myself not to buy some cheap angle grinders today. I knew eventually I would regret it.

 

[500sks]

What is a craftsman block?

 

[bobcatdan]

Go two or so pages in, there is a Show us your block grinder thread. Sorry I'm no smart enough to link.

 

[bobcatdan]

Less than $300 on Amazon. Save a few more pennies and do it up right.

I had to force myself not to buy some cheap angle grinders today. I knew eventually I would regret it.

What are their bench grinders like? I have seen their chop saws at true value and they where chicom. I was dissapointed to see that.

 

[Catalyze]

500sks - here is the thread on block grinders
Craig
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=157794

 

[GarageEnvy]

I'm in the same boat and I've looked quite extensively. DaveFR mentioned the older Taiwanese Jet grinders. I'm the guy who posted problems with the newer Chinese ones based on two different grinders sent to me from Northerntool.com. Maybe you'll get lucky and find one w/o problems. US made grinders are exceptionally rare on my CL.

IF you are wanting to roll the dice on the Jet, Northern has it marked down to $222.49 right now. You could add $28 in other stuff and use the $50 off $250 purchase coupon to bring it down to around $200.

Here's my experience
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166271