Bench grinders?

[dennis thompson]

I know nothing about bench grinders but they look to me like a motor with two wheels on them. Seems pretty simple to me. I understand that some are more powerful than others. Why then , is there such a wide range of prices? $50- $589 on Amazon, is it simply motor power?

[Frank Pratt]

Variable speed is nice & costs more. Better balance, more power, & less shaft runout also cost.

[John K Jordan]

I know nothing about bench grinders but they look to me like a motor with two wheels on them. Seems pretty simple to me. I understand that some are more powerful than others. Why then , is there such a wide range of prices? $50- $589 on Amazon, is it simply motor power?

What Frank said.

And some have brakes while others take minutes to slow and stop. Some have really lousy junky tool rests. Some have 6" wheels instead of 8". Most come with low quality wheels that are best replace with good Norton wheels at first opportunity (or CBN wheels, depending on use.)

I have several for sharpening, some less expensive, some not so cheap. The Rikon grinders are not too bad. Bought a Metabo for my metalworking - very nice quality. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054M9546 Everyone likes Baldor but expect to pay. Like many things, you get what you pay for.

What do you plan to use it for? Frequent use, heavy grinding, sharpening electrodes for TIG welder, sharpening delicate tools or axes, HSS or mild steel?

JKJ

[Bill Dufour]

I have a old Stanley that works fine. Not much to go wrong with it unless the tool rest gets lost. My model they quit making in 1932. I am not sure if it has a capacitor or not. that will be hard to source when it goes bad. I bought it at a flea market for less then a made in china special.
Bil lD

[Jim Becker]

What John and Frank said. If this is to help you with that new spinny tool, my preference is 8" wheels and low speed (1750). I currently use the OneWay wheel balancing system, but when I get around to switching to CBN wheels, that's not likely going to be required anymore. My actual grinder is a "not known name" and runs smoothly. I don't remember when or where I bought it.

[John K Jordan]

...I currently use the OneWay wheel balancing system, but when I get around to switching to CBN wheels, that's not likely going to be required anymore. ...

That OneWay balancer is incredible. I used one for years with some good Norton wheels (until I switched to CBN).

If you have the old No Name grinder that Woodcraft used to sell, it's great. I'd like to find a second one.

JKJ

[Bruce Wrenn]

I use a 40 year old, $29.99 special from Lowes. Replaced both wheels years ago. Remember that the surface speed per minute on an eight inch slow speed (1750 rpm,) is about 67% of the surface speed of a 6" 3450 grinder

[Richard Coers]

I use a 40 year old, $29.99 special from Lowes. Replaced both wheels years ago. Remember that the surface speed per minute on an eight inch slow speed (1750 rpm,) is about 67% of the surface speed of a 6" 3450 grinder
Also remember that a 6" grinder will put a deeper hollow grind on the tool. Even more as the diameter of the wheel gets smaller with use. Another difference in the OPs price comparison. Cheap gets you stamped steel washers that are not flat, expensive gets you machined steel washers.

[michael dilday]

I just recently bought the Rikon 8" slow speed grinder half horse. Even with the stock wheels it seems to do a great job. Next year I will probably get the CBN wheels but for now it was a big upgrade from what I had. Noticed Rockler has it for $99 on sale right now.

[Jim Becker]

If you have the old No Name grinder that Woodcraft used to sell, it's great. I'd like to find a second one.


The one I have is maroon in color...I'll see what name is on it when I head out to the shop in a bit.

[Bill White]

I was lucky enough to get a Craftsman (by Dayton) several years ago. 7", 3450 rpm. Put good Norton wheels on it. This puppy runs as true as can be, is mostly vibration free, has real safety glass with metal frames, and task light.

[dennis thompson]

I just recently bought the Rikon 8" slow speed grinder half horse. Even with the stock wheels it seems to do a great job. Next year I will probably get the CBN wheels but for now it was a big upgrade from what I had. Noticed Rockler has it for $99 on sale right now.

I just bought it:), along with a face shield, some Fostner bits that were half price and a small wooden handscrew which I plan to use to hold small parts on the router table. Looked at some CBN wheels:eek:, they'll have to wait a while.

John Jordan , your comment when I bought the lathe, about future purchases is quickly coming true:D

[John K Jordan]

I just bought it:), along with a face shield, some Fostner bits that were half price and a small wooden handscrew which I plan to use to hold small parts on the router table. Looked at some CBN wheels:eek:, they'll have to wait a while.

John Jordan , your comment when I bought the lathe, about future purchases is quickly coming true:D

It's not original. Woodturning is addictive and it only gets more addictive as you develop skill. The only escape is to never get any good at it. No, wait, even that isn't assured. :)

[Andrew Pitonyak]

If I summarized what was said so far, you pay for:



More Power
larger wheels (see above)
better wheels
better balance
better tool rest


How much that matters is based on how you will use it. I purchased one of the cheapest things that Woodcraft had on sale some years back because I needed to do some very rough profiling. The wheels are not great, but not horrible, the balance is not great, but I don't care, and the tool rest is horrible. With all that said, for what I paid, it suits my needs very well. I only use it when I need to do very rough profiling. I could add a better tool rest with no problem. I own other things that I use for better profiling, which might be by hand and might be done on my Tormek.

So, define how you will use this slow speed grinder (you do want a slow speed grinder, right?) and then use that to direct what you will purchase. If you will immediately replace the wheels, factor that into the cost.

[Mike Cutler]

I know nothing about bench grinders but they look to me like a motor with two wheels on them. Seems pretty simple to me. I understand that some are more powerful than others. Why then , is there such a wide range of prices? $50- $589 on Amazon, is it simply motor power?

No, definitely not. There are, as pointed out, a few more variables to consider. Motor balance and bearing quality being a big factor.
I have a 20 year old Jet, two speed grinder, it's pretty nice for what it is. It's not a Baldor, but it works just fine.

Wait until you see the range of wheel prices. :eek:

[michael dilday]

I just bought it:), along with a face shield, some Fostner bits that were half price and a small wooden handscrew which I plan to use to hold small parts on the router table. Looked at some CBN wheels:eek:, they'll have to wait a while.

John Jordan , your comment when I bought the lathe, about future purchases is quickly coming true:D

Good job Dennis!!!

[Patrick Irish]

I know nothing about bench grinders but they look to me like a motor with two wheels on them. Seems pretty simple to me. I understand that some are more powerful than others. Why then , is there such a wide range of prices? $50- $589 on Amazon, is it simply motor power?

Look up some 2x72 grinders and be sticker shocked. Not quiet a bench grinder but widely useful. I was going to build one but even with cheap steal and plans, it's still $1,200 for adding a motor and proper VFD so it can be spun down and doubled in RPM for proper grinding. They are mainly for knife making but useful with jigs for sharpening tools and even wood shaping at lower speeds.

I think the profit in hand made knives is high and I'd really like to get into that. To do it right, a 3phase 2hp motor and a KBAC vfd is needed.

[Rod Sheridan]

My bench grinder sits unused, except for the 10 inch one used in the metal shop.

I use a Viel belt grinder for sharpening and like it much better than a bench grinder.

You can buy belts ranging from 80 grit to leather stropping belts for it....Rod

[Chris Fournier]

For the same reason that cars vary so much in price! A bench grinder is a great tool in any shop. The people that poopoo them have not taken the time to understand and learn how to use them effectively. I would not buy a $50.00 unit but I would look for a used $586.00 unit that was considerably less money.

[Ole Anderson]

Stacked 8" Delta grinder and a 6" Baldor buffer here. Both 3450 rpm. Delta has a standard fine wheel and a wire brush, the Baldor has a polishing bonnet and a Cratex wheel (rubber abrasive for deburring).