Variable Speed Bench Grinders

[PhysicsDude]

I have a cheapo bench grinder that I'd like to upgrade.

Some of the "Pro-Sumer" (not industrial quality, but better than standard store-bought) grinders are variable speed, such as the Delta brand ones or the upper tier Craftsman ones.

Is this useful? I've never used my bench grinder and though "Man, I'd love for this wheel to be spinning slower". Is it something that is used with different types of wheels, such as a buffing wheel? Or sharpening blades? Or just a gimmick? I don't mind spending $100 or so on a quality grinder, but I don't want to spend it on useless features, and it seems like the industrial quality grinders don't typically have variable speed.

 

[exmaxima1]

I have a cheapo bench grinder that I'd like to upgrade.

Some of the "Pro-Sumer" (not industrial quality, but better than standard store-bought) grinders are variable speed, such as the Delta brand ones or the upper tier Craftsman ones.

Is this useful? I've never used my bench grinder and though "Man, I'd love for this wheel to be spinning slower". Is it something that is used with different types of wheels, such as a buffing wheel? Or sharpening blades? Or just a gimmick? I don't mind spending $100 or so on a quality grinder, but I don't want to spend it on useless features, and it seems like the industrial quality grinders don't typically have variable speed.

If you have a grinder with 8-inch wheels spinning at 3450 revs, you might want to slow it down a bit. But if you have a smaller 6-inch grinder, the surface speed at 3450 is already ideal for most ferrous tasks. The balance on quality grinders will also change a bit if you change the rpm's, so you may end up with a vibration.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I've never had that thought when using a stone, though I can see how a lower speed would help reduce heat at the expense of taking longer to grind things...

Wire wheels & buffing wheels work better at lower RPMs in my opinion...

Sure a high-speed wire wheel will give a certain finish, but if you are just wanting to clean off something lower speed is the way to go.

I wouldn't mind having one of these: http://www.rockler.com/rikon-80-805-8-slow-speed-bench-grinder

I have just a 1725RPM motor with an arbor on the end that I use for my wire wheel / cloth wheels...

 

[PT Doc]

Lots of woodworkers sharpen their wood turning tools on slow speed grinders with white wheels.

Look at Rikon and Jet for slow rpm options. Rockler and woodcraft carry both.