Quote Originally Posted by Mark Hennebury View Post
Top speed of old bessy is 1400 rpm.
Don't neglect the gearing effect: With some rough math, if a 12" dia work-piece is turning 1400 RPM with no slippage between work-piece and grinder, the lathe would drive a 1" dia grinder at something close to 16,800 RPM.

No idea of your respective dimensions, but something to keep in mind.