Bench Grinder recomendations

[Joel Goodman]

I'm looking for a slow speed (1725 rpm) 8" grinder. Has anyone an experience with the Woodcraft which is under 100 dollars with the white wheels? Or other recomendations?

Thanks,

Joel

[Ellen Benkin]

The Woodcraft grinder is a very good buy. The price is right and I know many turners who swear by it.

[Dan Forman]

Depends how picky you are. I had two of the Woodcraft grinders and returned both. I was unhappy with the level of vibration, found it impossible to true the wheel to where it would contact the workpiece for more than half of a revolution of the wheel. Lots of side to side wobble too, even after balancing and truing the wheel to the best of my ability.

I finally got the Delta industral model 23-725 and am much happier. It weighs about 90 pounds, about twice as much as the Woodcraft, is much more stable as a result, quieter too. Most people are happy witht he Woodcraft model though, so like I said, it depends on your own standards for tools.

Dan

[Joel Goodman]

Thanks for the feedback.

Joel

[Howie French]

I have been very happy with my Woodcraft slow speed grinder.
However, I did have to return the first one, it was defective.
The replacement one was fine, and I was able to balance the wheels
nicely. Smooth and quiet.

Howie

[Bruce Wrenn]

Personally Iwould buy a 3450 RPM 6" grinder from Big Lots for $19.99, and add some good wheels. A 1725 RPM, 8" grinder turns at rate of 3681 feet per minute, while a 3450 RPM, 6" grinder turns at a rate of 5416 feet per minute. The 8" turns at 2/3 the speed of a six inch(3681/5416= 0.6796). Get hold of a copy of Ian Irby's book "Sharpening With Water Stones" and look at how he makes tool rest and tool holders.

[Noah Katz]

"I was able to balance the wheels nicely."

How do you do that?

[Sam Blanchard]

Joel:
I'm using the Woodcraft 8" which I mounted to some 3/4" shop ply. I installed some threaded inserts in front of each wheel and use the LV tool rest - changing it to the desired wheel. Works GR8. Haven't had any balance issues.
Have to 2nd Bruce's recommendation, that's a great title from Mr. Kirby.:)

[Don Bullock]

Has anyone tried this one:

http://images.rockler.com/rockler/images/28759-01-200.jpg

Delta ShopMaster Utility Sharpener