Grinder bench question

[Tony Laros]

I'm cleaning out my Dad's shop, and picked up 2 steel cabinets which I plan to bolt together to make a grinding bench. The final size will be approx. 24" deep, 32" wide and 36" height, but could be changed.

I have an 8" Delta VS grinder, and the Wolverine grinding system (still in the box) and I'm not sure if the 24x32 top is an appropriate size for this set-up. Shop space is not an issue.

As a novice turner, I appreciate your input on size and a comfortable bench height.

Thanks

[Jim Becker]

Tony, my grinding station is about 24" wide and about that deep. It's plenty big enough for the grinder and Wolverine system, but some folks prefer a larger unit. The surface tends to get dirty really quickly, so I figured I'd minimize the cleaning... :D

[Mark Singer]

Tony,
How do you like that grinder? Iwas thinking about the Delta VS.
Mark

[Kevin Gerstenecker]

Mark, not sure about Tony, but I just replaced my VS Delta 6" Grinder with the Delta VS 8" Grinder, and for my use with the Wolverine System, there is no comparision. The 8" has 1" wheels, versus the 3/4" on the 6" unit, and with the Wolverine System, the 8" gives me the perfect grind that I was unable to achieve with the 6" Grinder. To make a long story short, the 8" is perfect for the Wolverine out of the box.........just bolt 'er down and go. The 6" has a cast iron base that is in the way of the Wolverine System, and when you shim it up to provide clearance, the optimum operating height is not correct for the Jig. For just a few more buck, I would go with the 8"....it will pay off in the long run.

[Tony Laros]

Tony,
How do you like that grinder? Iwas thinking about the Delta VS.
Mark

Hi Mark: It was a toss-up between the General International 8" (1750 rpm) and the Delta 8"VS. I think they were priced about the same, so I got the Delta because of the variable speed.
I don't know if I got lucky, but this grinder ran great right out of the box. No vibration, no wobble in the wheels.
I mostly run it at lower speeds, 1750 - 2000 rpm. I want to get the Wolverine jigs set up as I'm not comfortable grinding my turning tools freehand.

[Tony Laros]

Thanks for the pic, Jim. Looks like your bench is about 32" high, if I scaled it correctly. I'll stay with 36" and see how it feels.
Tony

[Ken Salisbury]

Tony - I also have the Delta 8" VS with the Wolverine set-up. I love it ! !
I would suggest however that you replace the 30 grit grey wheel with a 120 grit white wheel. You can then use the 60 white wheel which came on the grinder for shaping chisels and the 120 grit for finish sharpening.

[Julie Wright]

Jim,
I like your grinding station. That is going to be my next project and am looking for ideas. I got the wolverine system for christmas and am ready for some sharp turning tools.

[Jim Becker]

I like your grinding station. That is going to be my next project and am looking for ideas. I got the wolverine system for christmas and am ready for some sharp turning tools.

Very inexpensive to make...some scrap plywood, poplar and half of a piece of pine "butcher block" that I made R/C airplane wings on back in the mid 80s. Even the casters on the back side are surplus equipment rack wheels. Just figure out what height will be most comfortable for you, sketch it out and have at it!

[Chris DiCiaccio]

I'm cleaning out my Dad's shop, and picked up 2 steel cabinets which I plan to bolt together to make a grinding bench. The final size will be approx. 24" deep, 32" wide and 36" height, but could be changed.

I have an 8" Delta VS grinder, and the Wolverine grinding system (still in the box) and I'm not sure if the 24x32 top is an appropriate size for this set-up. Shop space is not an issue.

As a novice turner, I appreciate your input on size and a comfortable bench height.

Thanks

I'm not familiar with that system but here is my Grinder Station. It's about 24" wide. It has a flat pull-out tray (shown behind the cup) which can be pulled out to the left or right for laying tools on. The cup is for water to cool hot tools, which of course you want to avoid. As you can see there is also a pull out drawer-front center.

<img src="http://members.aol.com/woodwk/GRINDER.JPG">

[Tony Laros]

and the suggestions. Grinder cabinet is finished and ended up 24" deep, 34" wide and 36" high, which seems comfortable - a few inches lower than the lathe toolrest. I had some scrap ¾" ply, and used 2 layers for the top, capped with a sheet of aluminum. That should make clean up easier than a painted or poly surface.

Wolverine system to be installed later this week, and maybe some enhancements like a rack on the sides for turning tools. I'll have to think about that some more.

[John Weber]

Tony,

I typically use my Tormek for most of my grinding needs, but still have a 8" full speed grinder and a 6" wire and buffing wheel setup. I setup this cart to try to use both in a small space. The wire wheel/buffing machine is really to high for extended use as I have found out. But for a quick touch up it works fine. The upper frame is just clamped on so I can easily remove the entire assembly, or just swap grinders. The back stop was to try and contain some of the grit and mess and works well. The cart has 2 straight casters in back and two small feet in front. My first grinder sat on a cast iron stand and having storage below makes a great use of the space. I'm still pleased with the set up, but not as functional to use both machines as I had hoped.

John

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/pond/grindercart.jpg