What to look for in a grinder?

[Lloyd Brown]

I am in need of a 8" grinder. What should I be looking for inthe under $100 class. They all seem to be alike $50-100. I have looked at Grizzley, delta, Dewalt, Northern tool, and "Woodcraft".

[Richard Allen]

Hi Loyd

What do you want to do with the grinder?

Thanks

[Jim Becker]

The 8" unit from Woodcraft is one of the best deals going...1725 RPM and quality wheels for under a hundred bucks. Many, many turners have these grinders in their shops as do other woodworkers.

[Rob in Winnipeg]

A very timely question. I'm looking too. Most bench grinders have too high a speed - one of my requirements is for reduced or variable speed.

[Hal Flynt]

I bought the Woodcraft slow single speed and the Wolverine jig last October and very happy with it.

(I also have a 10 year old 3250 RPM 6 inch that I sharpen the lawnmower on and use the wire brushes and polishing wheels for other stuff.)

[Steven Wilson]

A very timely question. I'm looking too. Most bench grinders have too high a speed - one of my requirements is for reduced or variable speed.
If your talking turning tools, a high speed grinder (3450rpm) is just fine as long as you use the correct wheels and dress them properly. Inappropriate wheels, poorly maintained, lead to the excess heat build up that destroys the temper of edge tools.