Bench Grinder vs. Si Carbide Tool Grinder

[Quesne Ouaques]

My 6" Craftsman grinder burned out it's capacitor, and I am in the market for a new grinder.

I have been considering one of Grizzly's or HF's Heavy Duty Tool Grinders (links are below). I've seen both, and they look like they were produced in the same factory. I like the pivoting and locking tables and the wide wheel faces.

Aside from these two features, I am wondering what the advantage of these grinders is over your average 6" or 8" grinder? Also, I am surprised by the lack of eye protection on them. Is this a problem, or is there a good reason for it?

Can anyone suggest why I might consider spending the extra $ for one of these machines?

Thanks!

http://www.grizzly.com/products/h7762

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46727

[Eddie Darby]

What are you using it for? I would only get these two grinders if I was doing metal work, and had to sharpen metal cutting bits.

If I where doing woodworking tools then I would get the slow RPM grinders at 1725 RPM to help avoid burning/bluing the metal.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=4605
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If you are going to do other work, then there is the two speed grinder that Woodcraft offer.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=4606
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I would get the slow RPM 8" grinder over the 6"grinder, to reduce the amount of hollowing, since a little is all you need.

Lee Valley sell a very popular after-market tool rest for grinders.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=45938&cat=1,43072
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Cool grinding wheels.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32981&cat=1,43072,43080&ap=1

[Quesne Ouaques]

Thanks very much for the input. I had not seen the Woodcraft grinders, and they look nice. I would mostly be using this grinder for sharpening woodworking tools, but I also do some metal work and fabrication as a hobby.

FYI - I went up to a friend's shop yesterday. He bought the HF Tool Grinder last week (prompted by the 15% coupon), and was telling me he like it. I tried it out and it seems to run pretty smoothly. I can't compare it directly to the Griz, but I thought it was smooth, steady and decently made. Is it worth the $140 it would cost me? Who knows.

I'm still a little troubled by the lack of eye protection. Is there a reason for this on a "metal-working" tool grinder? I must admit I am pretty surprised.

[Noah Katz]

"Is it worth the $140 it would cost me?"

Seems like it's not that much more than a regular grinder plus add-ons, and gives much better support to the item being sharpened.