CBN Wheels

user-210490 | Posted in General Discussion on December 12, 2021 12:07pm

I am going to switch over to a 180 CBN wheel and would appreciate recommendations on the best brand. So far I see Raptor, KJR Spartan and Lee Valley’s brand. Also, I have a 1/2 speed bench grinder(I think max is 1750 rpm) but I see many of these CBN wheels running on Baldor grinders. To get the most out of these wheels, is there a need to change grinder? Thanks for your help.

Replies

gulfstar | Dec 12, 2021 12:27pm | #1
I have been sharpening my turning tools with a 360 grit, 8 inches CBN wheel on a high speed grinder and see no end to the wheel and tools come out as sharp as can be.
chuckvandyck | Dec 12, 2021 01:59pm | #2
I’d recommend against the Spartan. Mine is a bit hollowed which makes using it a bit tricky. I’ve seen some with more usable surface on the side of the wheel which could be helpful as well.
Other than that I can’t recommend a cbn wheel enough. I have a 220 and run it on a slow speed Rikon.
jim_hall | Dec 12, 2021 03:41pm | #3
If you have a decent 1/2 hp or more low speed (1750 rpm) grinder, you should be fine. The 1/2 hp grinders are a little slower getting up to speed than a 1 hp, but once up to speed not much difference from what I've seen. The 8" diameter, 1 1/2" wide wheels weigh about 8 lbs if I recall correctly. I bought a 180 grit like you from D-way tools. I didn't get a radius wheel. I didn't see a need for it. It's the only wheel I've bought or used so hard for me to compare it with another brand. I've had no problems with it though and would buy again. You're really going to like sharpening with a cbn wheel. Good luck.

https://d-waytools.com/cbn-wheel-8-x-1-1-2-x-1-arbor-hole/
user-7630268 | Dec 12, 2021 06:25pm | #4
Woodturnerswonders.com has a good video on CBN wheels. I recently moved to CBN wheels, while not necessary the overriding recommendation was to use the 1750 RPM grinder. You should give consideration to the actual wheel material. Most if not all are either aluminum or steel. Some of the "experts" opine that steel is better than aluminum. I'm using a 180 grit and a 320 grit and in my limited experience I see no reason for a grit coarser than 180. D-Way is a good video in my opinion as is Wood turners catalog
EdWeber | Dec 12, 2021 06:46pm | #5
I bought mine from D-way tools
https://d-waytools.com/cbn-grinding-wheels
No problems whatsoever in the 8 or 9 years I've had mine