I spoke to my third Delta service rep on Friday, and this afternoon I finally got a refund on that !@%$# sharpening center. After two months the battle is ended and I am the victor.
Now my problem is what to replace it with. I’d love a Tormek, but that’s just too expensive for me. I was thinking of buying an inexpensive slow-speed import grinder such as Garrett Wade sells, and buying or making my own holders and jigs. I’ll be using it mostly for jointer knives, plane irons, bench chisels and turning chisels. Any suggestions?
(When I was at the tool store today I was looking at an old Baldor they had on the floor. All machined and dovetailed rests and holders. It was just beautiful, but even more expensive than a Tormek!)
Jeff
Replies
i've had one of the 6" super slow speed (1120? rpm) grinders from garrett wade for a couple years and i love it. really smooth and quiet- it's so heavy and smooth running that i don't even have it bolted down. i've spent an hour or more grinding small chisels and when i moved it to clean up i could tell by the swarf on the bench that it had not moved at all. definitely one of the top quality tools coming out of taiwan. every bit the equal of baldor at half the price- or less. and baldor doesn't make one that runs so slowly, that i know of.
mitch
Thanks gentlemen. The more I think about it the more appealing that old Baldor is becoming. I'm sure they'll have it for a while, so it won't be a rush. I looked at the Garrett Wade catalogue again, and I really like the tool holders they have. As far as honing, I'm using a granite machinist's block and sand paper. Works well.
Jeff
Went ahead and ordered the grinder from Garrett Wade. They sold out of the old models, so I had to but the new one (8"). More $$, but it's supposed to be built to last a lifetime. I added the Fast Track Grinding Kit which appears to be quite versatile and of good construction. More than I wanted to spend, but after that Delta I don't care to waste my money on junk.
BTW, the Baldor was 3ph which would have meant adding a converter. Just not worth the trouble.
Jeff
Edited 10/7/2002 4:51:57 PM ET by Jeff K
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