I've been spelunking the forum and reading various blogs/articles. I'll admit I'm now pretty confused and don't know what to buy (wheels, I mean. I already bought a Rikon 8" low speed grinder.)
What I think I've learned:
- White wheels run hotter
- Norton 3x blue wheels run cooler (assuming all else equal to above)
- CBN wheels run so cool you don't need to quench
- Blue/White "stone" wheels can be crowned with the diamond dresser (TFWW blogs seem to make a strong case for this being superior to a wheel dressed flat across).
- CBN lasts virtually forever and won't need wobble correction accessories.
- Some people advocate a blue wheel and a CBN combo. (60x Blue, and 120x CBN, so you have something to grind non ferrous metal)
- Some people advocate two CBN (better balance I've read).
- CBN is less PITA factor (never need to dress, less mess)
- CBN can't be dressed to a crown (unless you buy one that way).
- CBN is expensive.
I don't care about #10, if they last long enough as stated, not really a factor long term.
I currently plan to use the grinder for cambering blades for jack plane/jointer plane work. Eventually I might wear a chisel to the point it needs a new primary bevel, but that is a ways down the road.
I am 98% certain I want to get into turning at a future date. (I've almost pulled the trigger on a lathe 3 times... but need to free up more space in the garage first).
I don't have any real need to sharpen lawn mower blades or shovels or what-not. I anticipate using this for just wood working/turning tools. (I have a belt sander I can use in a pinch for the odd random garden tool if need be).
I am completely confused as to what to buy.